Top 10 players at the 2019 League of Legends World Championship

The 2019 League of Legends World Championship represents the pinnacle of competitive gaming excellence. Twenty-four elite organizations from across the globe converge in Europe for this prestigious tournament that crowns the world’s best team.

This year’s competition features compelling storylines of redemption and breakthrough performances. Each squad arrives with unique objectives, ranging from rookie contenders seeking to make their mark to established powerhouses defending their legacies.

With over one hundred professional competitors participating, our analysis identifies the ten most impactful players who will shape the tournament’s outcome through their exceptional skills and strategic innovations.

1. Kim “Clid” Tae-min, SK Telecom T1

Among SK Telecom T1’s constellation of elite talent, Kim “Clid” Tae-min emerges as the brightest star. The jungler transitioned from relative obscurity in China’s LPL to become the centerpiece of SKT’s rebuilt roster. Within a single competitive season, Clid transformed from an unknown quantity to the undisputed top performer entering Worlds 2019.

Within the game environment, Clid demonstrates complete jungle sovereignty. He functions as the strategic accelerator, generating advantageous situations that empower his teammates to excel. His innovative resource allocation to the frequently neglected top lane, combined with coordinated map pressure alongside mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, creates overwhelming pressure across all lanes.

During the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational, Clid experienced performance challenges that affected the team’s early LCK Summer results, beginning with a five-match losing skid. Through determined improvement and collective perseverance, SKT secured their record-extending eighth LCK championship.

Beyond competitive matches, Clid maintains a lighthearted demeanor, frequently engaging in playful exchanges with Kim “Khan” Dong-ha while acknowledging the composed contributions of Lee “Effort” Sang-ho. Despite intense scrutiny and championship expectations, both player and organization compete with creative freedom.

Despite narratives favoring European teams in the current G2 Esports era, dismissing Korean squads represents a critical tactical error that opponents cannot risk making.

2. Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski, G2 Esports

Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski brings explosive energy as G2’s most vocal and unpredictable member. The Polish jungler consistently expresses his emotions openly, famously criticizing Rasmus “Caps” Winther’s excessive enjoyment during tank-oriented gameplay sessions.

Jankos shoulders G2’s most demanding strategic responsibility: securing victory through jungle dominance. Even when lane matchups favor his teammates, matches remain undecided until Jankos establishes complete map control. This dependency created a strategic vulnerability where effective neutralization of Jankos’s impact triggers team-wide instability.

His exceptional contributions during the summer split garnered recognition through the LEC Summer MVP award, validating his central role in G2’s success.

As tournament favorites, G2’s championship aspirations hinge entirely on Jankos’s performance. The Polish prodigy faces immense pressure competing against the world’s elite junglers in an environment where superior jungle performance frequently determines match outcomes.

3. Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang, FunPlus Phoenix

Regardless of team affiliation, Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang consistently demonstrates passionate celebration following victories. When results disappoint, Doinb processes setbacks emotionally and transparently. After five years of dedicated competition, repeatedly approaching but narrowly missing major achievements, the mid laner finally competes on the Worlds stage.

Doinb establishes the strategic foundation for FunPlus Phoenix, naturally positioning himself as the team’s central figure. Importantly, Doinb operates as a selfless competitor who redistributes resources rather than accumulating them. He readily sacrifices personal farm and lane priority when alternative advantages emerge elsewhere on the map.

Among premier tournament contenders, FunPlus Phoenix received the most favorable group draw. Significant challenge would only materialize if DAMWON Gaming advanced to Group B. While GAM Esports’ Vietnamese representatives may introduce unconventional approaches, Doinb possesses the adaptability to counter unexpected strategies.

4. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, SK Telecom T1

Faker stands as League of Legends’ greatest player of all time. His accomplishments include three World Championship victories, two MSI titles, and eight LCK championships. No professional competitor possesses a more extensive collection of achievements than Faker. However, his most remarkable quality transcends trophy accumulation, instead reflecting sustained elite performance across multiple competitive eras.

The 2018 season presented unprecedented challenges for Faker and SKT, marking the first time since his professional debut that he missed Worlds qualification. Many speculated about the legendary mid laner’s competitive decline, suggesting potential retirement or region transfer opportunities.

Faker renewed his commitment to SKT, prompting organizational reconstruction around his leadership. Although the roster was designed to complement Faker’s strengths, for the first time in recent memory, he collaborated with teammates capable of securing victories independently.

SKT’s transformation beyond singular star dependence strengthened Faker’s overall impact. Documented team content reveals a relaxed competitor engaging with teammates humorously while displaying confident assurance. This evolved version of Faker prepares to pursue his unprecedented fourth World Championship title.

5. Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, Royal Never Give Up

2018 was anticipated as Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao and RNG’s dominant season. The legendary marksman secured consecutive domestic championships and MSI victory, entering Worlds as the projected tournament winner. Ultimately, another Chinese organization claimed the championship while Uzi observed from the sidelines.

Consistent with their organizational identity, Uzi and RNG maintain competitive persistence. Amidst European team hype, attention shifted away from RNG’s continued excellence. The squad maintains competitive form while pursuing ladder dominance heading into the tournament.

As expected, RNG’s strategy centers completely around Uzi’s carry potential. All available resources funnel toward his development, intensifying the team’s strategic concentration around their star player. While not inherently disadvantageous, this approach presents exploitation opportunities within the current metagame where solo lane influence frequently determines match outcomes.

RNG competes in the tournament’s most challenging group alongside SKT and Fnatic. Any team advancing from this group positions themselves strongly for deep tournament runs including potential finals appearances.

6. Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, DAMWON Gaming

DAMWON emerged unexpectedly to claim LCK dominance. The organization fields primarily rookie competitors lacking international experience. Before the 2019 season, DAMWON acquired former Invictus Gaming head coach Kim “Kim” Jeong-soo, whose strategic guidance elevated the team to legitimate championship contention.

Community recognition frequently highlights top laner Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon’s deserved acclaim. However, DAMWON’s true strategic catalyst remains LCK Summer MVP jungler Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu.

Canyon recently commemorated his professional stage debut anniversary while already establishing himself among Korea’s elite junglers. His comprehensive map presence enables Nuguri’s dominance, safeguards the bottom lane, and establishes mid laner Heo “ShowMaker” Su’s lane advantages.

Canyon represents the promising next generation of Korean talent, continuously developing through elite competition. As Korea’s third seed, DAMWON must navigate play-in qualification. Successful main event advancement provides Canyon the platform to demonstrate world-class jungling capabilities.

7. Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok, Invictus Gaming

Invictus Gaming achieved historic significance as China’s first World Championship winner in 2018. Many anticipated this victory signaling a new competitive era characterized by innovative playstyles. IG represented the anticipated shift from structured Korean dominance toward more dynamic competitive approaches.

Many overlooked the so-called Worlds curse tradition, where championship teams typically struggle during subsequent seasons. 2019 presented significant challenges for Invictus Gaming, with top laner Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok at the center of these challenges.

Top lane specialists rarely function as primary carry threats, typically operating independently until teamfight phases. Exceptional players like TheShy shoulder extraordinary team responsibilities. His consistent performance creates game-changing impact regardless of circumstances.

TheShy demonstrates remarkable consistency, carrying matches through decisive actions while maintaining stability during challenging situations. IG and TheShy face demanding tournament progression requiring focused match-by-match preparation to defend their World Championship title successfully.

8. Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in, Team Liquid

Within bottom lane partnerships, support players traditionally assume secondary roles focused on enabling their lane partners’ success. However, Team Liquid’s strategic foundation necessitates primary consideration of Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in’s impact.

CoreJJ’s transition to North American competition followed predictable patterns. After securing the 2017 World Championship, Samsung Galaxy underwent organizational transitions culminating in the Gen.G rebrand. The team struggled competitively, descending to LCK standings bottom positions, prompting CoreJJ’s roster change.

Integrating a second World Champion transformed Team Liquid into an international contender. The organization captured consecutive LCS championships and reached the MSI finals. CoreJJ’s advanced game understanding and leadership elevate his teammates’ performance levels significantly.

Even when opponents successfully neutralize jungler Jake “Xmithie”Puchero, CoreJJ maintains strategic stability and redirection capabilities. At Worlds, Team Liquid requires strong performance results to validate their status beyond regional dominance.

9. Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo, Invictus Gaming

Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo progressed significantly since his World Championship victory. Initially recognized for aggressive, high-risk playstyles, JackeyLove matured into the team’s primary carry during regional qualification matches.

JackeyLove accelerated his development rapidly. Mid lane and jungle inconsistencies prompted roster adjustments aimed at organizational stabilization. Throughout these transitions, JackeyLove maintained consistent performance and confident decision-making.

JackeyLove approaches his nineteenth birthday in November while already demonstrating world-class competitive capabilities. His achievements include a World Championship title and domestic league victory. Now he must demonstrate that initial success reflected sustainable skill rather than favorable circumstances.

Invictus confronts their international rival Team Liquid during group stage competition. While currently focused on this matchup, potential play-in qualifiers could dramatically alter group dynamics. IG faces greater pressure than other tournament participants, with JackeyLove positioned to guide the team through demanding competitive challenges.

10. Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle, G2 Esports

Support specialists frequently receive inadequate recognition despite their critical team contributions. Similar to CoreJJ’s impact, Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle provides the strategic foundation for G2’s success. Recognized among Europe’s historically elite supports, Mikyx demonstrates capacity to command attention through exceptional performance.

Mikyx applies diverse strategic pressure through aggressive positioning, calculated passivity, or strategic roaming. His undeniable impact creates measurable team performance differences. G2 without Mikyx’s contributions would function as a fundamentally different organization. Luka “Perkz” Perković’s role transition benefited significantly from Mikyx’s partnership compatibility.

Mikyx overcame significant wrist injury challenges that nearly prevented MSI participation. Recovery periods facilitated strengthened return performance. At Worlds, Mikyx and Jankos represent G2’s most critical performance indicators.

The 2019 League of Legends World Championship begins competition on October 2.

Strategic Insights for Competitive Success

Understanding these elite players’ strengths reveals critical patterns for competitive advancement. Jungle dominance emerges as the tournament’s defining characteristic, with three junglers ranking among the top five competitors. This reflects the current metagame’s emphasis on early map control and objective prioritization.

Common Strategic Errors to Avoid:

• Underestimating Korean teams’ structural advantages
• Over-relying on singular carry strategies without backup plans
• Failing to adapt to regional playstyle differences

  Advanced players should focus on jungle tracking improvements, vision control optimization, and objective timing calculations. Teams that successfully neutralize opposing junglers while maintaining their own map pressure demonstrate the highest win probabilities.

  For those interested in similar strategic analysis for other games, our Complete Guide provides comprehensive framework understanding.

  Action Checklist

  • Analyze jungle pathing patterns during first 10 minutes of matches
  • Track vision control percentages and ward placement efficiency
  • Monitor champion select phases for strategic adaptations and counter-picks
  • Compare regional playstyle differences between Korea, China, and Europe
  • Study teamfight positioning and target selection priorities

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Top 10 players at the 2019 League of Legends World Championship Expert analysis of the top 10 League of Legends players competing at Worlds 2019 with strategic insights