Every League of Legends player has asked this question at some point: Who is the best champion? It’s a deceptively simple query that opens the door to a complex conversation shaped by patch notes, pro play, solo queue trends, and personal preference. The truth is, “best” depends on context—but that hasn’t stopped the LoL community from debating it fiercely since 2009.
The Elusive “Best” – What Does It Mean?
To determine the best champion in League of Legends, we first have to define what “best” actually means. Are we talking about:
- Highest win rate in solo queue?
- Most picked or banned in pro play?
- Greatest carry potential?
- Most consistent performance across all elos?
- Impact in coordinated team play versus solo performance?
Each of these angles can point to a different champion. For example, Malphite might dominate low elo due to his simplicity and teamfight power, while Azir shines in pro play thanks to his high skill ceiling and strategic value. What works for Faker won’t necessarily work for your average Gold IV jungler.
Dominant Forces: Pro Play Picks
In competitive League, control, utility, and coordination rule. Champions like:
- Orianna – Long-standing mid lane staple with wave clear, utility, and teamfight impact.
- Lee Sin – A jungler who combines early-game pressure with flashy mechanics that reward mastery.
- Aphelios – A high-skill ADC with huge late-game potential in the right hands.
These picks are not always top-tier in solo queue, but their consistent presence in pro games over multiple seasons highlights their competitive versatility.
Solo Queue Kings and Queens
Solo queue tells a different story. It rewards champions who can snowball, carry games alone, and exploit disorganized teams. Here, champions like:
- Darius – Punishing in low and mid-elo top lane, with massive 1v2 potential.
- Master Yi – Controversial but effective in the right conditions, especially when fed.
- Katarina – A reset-heavy assassin who thrives on chaotic fights and low coordination.
Champions with mobility, burst, and the ability to take over games tend to top the solo queue win rates, especially in platinum and below.
The Most Banned = The Most Feared?
Another interesting metric: ban rates. Champions like Yasuo, Zed, Shaco, and Teemo are frequently banned not necessarily because they are OP—but because they are frustrating to play against. High ban rates can indicate perceived power, even if the actual stats don’t back it up.
That said, when a champion like Maokai or Bel’Veth hits a 55%+ win rate and starts racking up bans, it’s a sign Riot may need to intervene.
The Timeless Titans
If you had to crown an all-time “best” champion based on consistency and impact, a few names stand out:
- Thresh – Nearly always viable in pro and solo queue, with utility, engage, peel, and outplay potential.
- Lee Sin – A jungler who has remained relevant across dozens of metas.
- Lucian – A high-skill ADC that comes and goes with item changes but never fully disappears.
- Ahri – Thanks to her 2022 mini-rework, she’s become a reliable pick across all skill levels.
These champions represent versatility and longevity—the ability to stay strong through years of nerfs, buffs, and meta shifts.
So, Who Is the Best?
The honest answer is: there is no single best champion in League of Legends. But there are champions who are best for you, depending on your playstyle, role, and current meta.
- If you’re looking for raw carry potential in solo queue: Try Viego, Samira, or Katarina.
- If you’re aiming to climb reliably with low-risk picks: Go for Malphite, Amumu, or Swain.
- If you’re playing coordinated 5v5: Champions like Orianna, Maokai, and Aphelios thrive.
Ultimately, the best champion is the one you master—and in League of Legends, mastery often beats meta.
Written by:
Christian