What Is Draft Pick in League of Legends?

In League of Legends, strategy begins before the match even starts — and no mode captures that better than Draft Pick. While casual players may default to the faster, more chaotic Blind Pick, Draft Pick is where real strategy, champion counters, and team synergy come to life.

But what exactly is Draft Pick, and why does it matter? Here’s a breakdown of how Draft Pick works in League of Legends, why it’s preferred by many competitive players, and how it sets the stage for high-stakes games both in ranked ladders and pro play.

What Is Draft Pick?

Draft Pick is a matchmaking mode in League of Legends where both teams take turns banning and selecting champions before the match begins. This is different from Blind Pick, where players choose their champions simultaneously without knowledge of the opposing team’s choices.

The Draft Pick format is used in both Normal (Unranked) and Ranked Solo/Duo queues in most regions. It emphasizes strategy, communication, and counterpicking — essential elements of competitive play.

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How Draft Pick Works: Step by Step

Role Selection

Players begin by selecting two preferred roles (e.g., Mid, Jungle). The system then assigns each player to a role based on availability and matchmaking balance.

Ban Phase

Each team collectively bans five champions. While each player typically suggests a ban, the team works together (often with a designated captain or through a sequential voting process) to decide the final five champions that will be unavailable to both sides for that game. Bans are often used to remove meta threats or deny comfort picks.

Pick Phase

Teams take turns picking champions in a 1-2-2-2-2-1 format. Team 1 picks first and last; Team 2 picks second and fourth, and so on. The order allows for strategic counterpicking, where players choose champions that perform well against what the other team has selected.

Finalization

Once all champions are locked in, players load into the game with full knowledge of both teams’ compositions.

Why Do Players Use Draft Pick?

1. Counterplay and Strategy

Knowing what your opponents are picking enables smarter champion choices. For example, if the enemy locks in a melee top laner, you can counter with a ranged lane bully.

2. Team Composition

Draft Pick allows players to plan a well-rounded team — mixing tanks, damage dealers, and crowd control to maximize synergy and adaptability.

3. Competitive Consistency

All professional matches, tournaments, and most high-level ranked games use the Draft Pick system. It reflects the strategic depth of League of Legends as a whole.

4. Ban Power

Bans empower players to shape the game’s meta and reduce frustration from repeatedly facing overpowered or annoying champions.

Draft Pick vs. Blind Pick