Predicting the highest priority champion bans going into Worlds

The competitive landscape for the 2020 World Championship has been reshaped by significant balance adjustments affecting champions across the power spectrum. Strategic teams must carefully evaluate which buffed champions warrant immediate ban priority to avoid giving opponents unexpected advantages in critical matches.

Historical tournament data reveals consistent patterns where 2-3 champions become near-permanent bans throughout the event. The previous championship saw Pantheon achieve 97% ban rate dominance, with Xayah frequently joining him on the restricted list.

Riot’s approach in patch 10.19 demonstrates careful balancing—reducing the dominance of top-tier picks like Akali, Lucian, and Azir without completely removing them from competitive viability. This creates nuanced draft phase decisions where teams must weigh champion strength against player proficiency and compositional needs.

Our analysis examines the most likely permanent ban candidates while providing strategic alternatives for teams facing these champion dilemmas.

Akali

Despite receiving targeted nerfs to her Five Point Strike (Q) ability, Akali maintains her status as arguably the most contested pick heading into the tournament. Her exceptional mobility and unparalleled outplay potential make her a terrifying presence in skilled hands, with expert analysts like Nick “LS” Cesare predicting continued high priority.

What makes Akali particularly dangerous at Worlds is her snowball capability—once she secures an early advantage, she can single-handedly dictate the pace of matches and create winning conditions from seemingly neutral game states.

The tournament structure amplifies her strengths, as skill disparities between regions often lead to aggressive early strategies where Akali excels. Top-tier teams frequently prioritize her to accelerate games against theoretically weaker opponents, while underdog squads may ban her to avoid facing this hyper-carry threat.

Counterplay Strategy: Teams avoiding Akali bans should prepare specific counter-picks like Galio or Lissandra that can neutralize her mobility while providing teamfight utility she lacks.

Nidalee

The current competitive meta strongly favors aggressive carry junglers, placing Nidalee at the forefront of priority selections. Her dominance stems from exceptional clear speed combined with terrifying gank potential that can overwhelm lanes before opponents establish control.

While Nidalee’s influence typically diminishes in late-game scenarios, she maintains relevance through consistent poke damage via Javelin Toss (Q) and team sustain through Primal Surge’s (E) attack speed and healing bonuses.

The concentration of elite jungle talent at Worlds ensures Nidalee will see substantial play, as every top-tier jungler possesses mastery of her unique skill-based kit.

Hecarim

Hecarim represents the complete jungler package—blazing clear speeds, devastating gank pressure, and a teamfight-deciding ultimate in Onslaught of Shadows. His continued presence atop regional priority lists indicates sustained competitive strength heading into the main event.

Teams frequently build compositions specifically around Hecarim’s engage potential, creating nearly guaranteed win conditions in late-game teamfights when paired with champions like Shen and Taric.

Advanced Tip: Hecarim’s power spikes dramatically at level 6 and upon completing Trinity Force—target these timing windows when playing against him.

Shen

Shen emerges as arguably the most versatile tank option for Worlds, offering both a game-changing global ultimate and remarkably safe laning presence. His dual-role viability creates substantial draft phase advantages.

The North American LCS demonstrated Shen’s jungle viability when Team SoloMid deployed him with surprising success, potentially inspiring other teams to explore this unconventional positioning.

The strategic value of early Shen picks cannot be overstated—selecting him in initial phases generates significant opponent confusion regarding lane assignments and compositional direction.

Common Mistake: Teams often underestimate Shen’s early game damage and trade potential, particularly when he utilizes his Spirit Blade positioning correctly. Avoid committing to extended trades when his passive shield is available.

Flex pick champions like Shen force opponents to either commit valuable ban slots or prepare for multiple matchup scenarios, stretching their champion pool resources thin during preparation phases.

Successful Worlds teams develop nuanced ban strategies that consider opponent tendencies, regional meta differences, and compositional requirements. The most effective approaches balance statistical data with contextual tournament factors.

When facing these high-priority champions, consider substitute options that fulfill similar roles while avoiding ban taxation. For carry junglers, Elise provides comparable early pressure, while Ornn offers alternative global presence to Shen’s ultimate.

Optimization Tip: Track opponent player champion preferences during group stage—target banning their comfort picks can be more effective than following meta trends blindly.

Region-specific trends will heavily influence ban decisions; LPL teams typically prioritize different champions than LCK squads based on regional playstyles and historical success patterns.

Advanced teams often employ “soft ban” strategies by leaving powerful champions open but preparing specific counter-compositions, creating psychological pressure while maintaining strategic flexibility.

For comprehensive strategic preparation, consult our Complete Guide to tournament preparation methodologies.

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