In a game with over 160 champions, picking a main in League of Legends is no small task. From dazzling assassins to ironclad tanks, each champion brings a unique playstyle, personality, and lore to the Rift. Yet, over the years, a handful of champions have consistently stood above the rest in terms of popularity — in pick rates, cultural relevance, and player attachment.
So who are the most popular champions in League of Legends, and what makes them so beloved by the community? Let’s dive into the top names that define the game for millions of players worldwide.
Lux – The Lady of Luminosity
Why She’s Popular:
Lux embodies accessibility and charm. She’s easy to pick up, rewarding to master, and equipped with satisfying long-range abilities — including a global-feeling laser ultimate. Her radiant design, cheerful voice lines, and extensive skin catalog (including multiple prestige editions) keep her consistently at the top of popularity charts.
She’s also a lore darling, tied to Demacia’s magical conflicts, and features in several League related stories and cosmetics.
Ezreal – The Prodigal Explorer
Why He’s Popular:
Ezreal is the classic “cool guy with skillshots” and a staple of bot lane. His mobility, flashy plays, and high skill ceiling make him a favorite among players who want to carry games while looking stylish. He also boasts one of the largest skin collections in the game — including Ultimate and Prestige skins — which helps keep him visually fresh.
Jinx – The Loose Cannon
Why She’s Popular:
Jinx’s anarchic personality, explosive kit, and cinematic presence have made her a fan favorite for years. Her appearance in Arcane, Riot’s Emmy-winning animated series, propelled her into pop culture stardom and brought in millions of new fans.
Her playstyle is high-risk, high-reward — snowball hard, and you’ll wreak havoc across the map.
Yasuo – The Unforgiven
Why He’s Popular:
Love him or hate him, Yasuo is everywhere. His flashy kit, wind-slicing theme, and reputation as the ultimate “1v9” champion have made him a magnet for ambitious players. While difficult to master, the reward for doing so is a highlight-reel machine with unmatched flair.
He’s also part of an expanding family — his brother Yone and fellow Ionian champions help build his appeal across both gameplay and lore.
Zed – The Master of Shadows
Why He’s Popular:
Zed is sleek, deadly, and satisfying to play. His shadow-manipulating abilities and outplay potential make him a go-to pick for players who want to dominate solo lanes with surgical precision.
Zed is a common face in highlight montages and frequently picked in ranked solo queue due to his burst potential and snowballing capabilities.
Thresh – The Chain Warden
Why He’s Popular:
Thresh has long redefined what it means to be a support champion. With a hook, flay, lantern, and death sentence combo, he offers crowd control, utility, and playmaking like no other. His gothic design and iconic voice lines make him memorable — and mastering Thresh has become a badge of honor in the support role.
Ahri – The Nine-Tailed Fox
Why She’s Popular:
Ahri blends charm, danger, and high mobility into one of League’s most versatile mages. Her recent mid-scope update refreshed her gameplay, and her lore role as a central figure in Runeterra’s narrative keeps her front and center.
Ahri also benefits from being part of fan-favorite skin lines like K/DA, Spirit Blossom, and Arcana.
Lee Sin – The Blind Monk
Why He’s Popular:
Lee Sin is the poster child for mechanical skill in the jungle. His fast-paced kit allows for creative plays, flashy insect maneuvers (kicking enemies into teammates), and satisfying outplays. Pro players love him, streamers love him, and even casual fans love watching him.
Though difficult to play, Lee Sin’s ceiling is sky-high — and that keeps him relevant across metas.
What Makes a Champion Popular?
Popularity in League isn’t just about win rate — it’s a mix of:
- Accessibility: Champions like Lux and Ezreal are beginner-friendly.
- Skill expression: Yasuo, Lee Sin, and Zed reward mastery.
- Lore and media exposure: Ahri, Jinx, and Thresh appear in events, cinematics, and Arcane.
- Skin lines: Champions with frequent skin releases stay in the spotlight.
Final Thoughts: Power, Personality, and Presence
The most popular champions in League of Legends are more than just meta picks — they’re cultural icons. From Arcane’s breakout stars to the mechanical marvels loved by high-elo players, these champions offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable first main or a champion to master over hundreds of games, starting with one of League’s fan favorites is always a good bet — because if millions of players swear by them, there’s probably a reason.
Written by:
Christian