Debating the best lol players of all time is a surefire way to ignite passions in the League of Legends community. It's a complex question, influenced by factors like longevity, peak performance, impact on the game, and of course, those coveted World Championship trophies. So, who truly stands head and shoulders above the rest?
At a glance:
- Faker is widely considered the greatest of all time, with a record-breaking four World Championship titles.
- Mechanical skill is crucial, but so is leadership, vision, and adaptability.
- Dominating a single region doesn't automatically qualify someone; international success matters.
- The scene is constantly evolving, so the “best” list is always subject to change.
- Support players like Mata deserve recognition for their strategic contributions.
The Pantheon of League Legends: Defining Greatness
What exactly separates a good player from one of the best lol players of all time? It's more than just flashy plays and highlight reels. We need to consider several factors:
- Longevity and Consistency: Can they maintain a high level of play over many seasons?
- Mechanical Skill: Their raw talent and ability to execute complex maneuvers.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Can they guide their team to victory?
- Impact on the Game: Have they influenced the meta or pioneered new strategies?
- Championships and Titles: World Championships are the ultimate prize, but regional titles (LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS) matter too.
The Undisputed King: Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok)
No conversation about the best lol players of all time can begin without mentioning Faker. Often called the "Unkillable Demon King," Lee Sang-hyeok is synonymous with League of Legends excellence.
- Team: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1)
- Position: Mid Laner
- Key Achievements: 4 World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023), multiple LCK titles.
- Why He's Legendary: Faker's mechanical skill is unmatched, and his game sense is unparalleled. He's known for his incredibly diverse champion pool, adapting to any meta and outplaying opponents with ease. His recent induction into the Hall of Legends solidifies his position.
Faker isn't just a skilled player; he's a leader, an innovator, and an icon. His dominance is undeniable, setting a benchmark for all aspiring professional players. He is the first player to be inducted into the League of Legends Hall of Legends.
The Challengers: Icons and Rising Stars
While Faker may be at the top, several other players have carved their own legendary status, challenging for the title of best lol players of all time.
Uzi (Jian Zi-Hao): The Aggressive ADC
Uzi, the second inductee into the Hall of Legends, is known for his hyper-aggressive playstyle and incredible mechanical skill as an ADC. For years, he terrorized bot lanes, racking up massive kill counts and leading his teams to victory.
- Teams: RNG, Bilibili Gaming
- Position: ADC
- Key Achievements: Multiple regional titles, 2018 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Champion.
- Why He's Legendary: Uzi's aggressive laning phase put immense pressure on his opponents, and his team fight positioning was often impeccable. Top League of Legends Pros looked up to him as a beacon.
Mata (Cho Se-hyeong): The Visionary Support
Support players often go unsung, but Mata is an exception. His strategic brilliance, exceptional vision control, and innovative shot-calling earned him the MVP award at the 2014 World Championship.
- Teams: KT Rolster, Samsung White, SKT1, Gen.G
- Position: Support
- Key Achievements: 2014 World Championship (Samsung White), multiple regional titles.
- Why He's Legendary: Mata redefined the support role, demonstrating the impact a strategically minded player could have on the game. A deep understanding of macro play is why many consider him one of the best support players ever.
Perkz (Luka Perković): The Adaptable Prodigy
Perkz is known for his incredible flexibility, seamlessly transitioning between mid lane and ADC roles. His clutch plays and ability to perform under pressure made him a vital asset to any team he joined.
- Teams: G2 Esports, Cloud9, Team Vitality, Team Heretics
- Position: Mid Laner, ADC
- Key Achievements: 2019 MSI, multiple LEC titles, LCS title.
- Why He's Legendary: Perkz's versatility and unwavering confidence allowed him to excel in multiple roles. His success in both Europe and North America speaks volumes about his talent.
Ruler (Park Jae-hyuk): The Consistent Carry
Ruler is known for his consistent performance and perfect positioning in team fights. He’s a cornerstone ADC, delivering high-damage output while avoiding unnecessary risks.
- Teams: Stadust, Samsung Galaxy, Gen.G, JD Gaming
- Position: ADC
- Key Achievements: 1 World Championship (2017), Multiple LCK Titles, 2 MSI championships, 2 LPL titles, Esports World Cup
- Why He's Legendary: Ruler led Gen.G to win most series in a row, breaking the record with 27 consecutive matches in 2025. His constant ability to perform at the highest level is unmatched.
ShowMaker (Heo Su): The Aggressive Mid Laner
ShowMaker is a mid laner known for his aggressive playstyle and mechanical prowess. He often takes risks to create advantages for his team.
- Teams: DWG KIA, Dplus KIA
- Position: Mid Laner
- Key Achievements: 2020 World Championship, multiple LCK titles.
- Why He's Legendary: His versatile champion pool and aggressive approach made him a formidable opponent in the mid lane.
The Old Guard: Leaving Their Mark
These players may not be at the peak of their careers anymore, but their contributions to the game are undeniable. They helped shape the landscape of competitive League of Legends.
Ambition (Kang Chan-yong)
Ambition's journey is a testament to adaptability. Starting as a mid laner, he successfully transitioned to the jungle, leading Samsung Galaxy to a World Championship victory in 2017.
- Teams: MiG Blaze, Samsung Galaxy, Gen.G
- Position: Mid Laner (formerly), Jungler
- Key Achievements: 2017 World Championship (Samsung Galaxy).
- Why He's Legendary: Ambition's ability to reinvent himself and excel in a new role is truly remarkable. Read about league legends.
Deft (Kim Hyuk-kyu)
Deft is a player known for his longevity and revered mechanics. His career spans many years
- Titles: 2022 World Championship
- Why He's Legendary: is Longevity and revered mechanics.
The Rising Tide: New Talent Emerging
The League of Legends scene is constantly evolving, and new players are always rising to challenge the established order. These are some names to watch:
Caps (Rasmus Borregaard Winther): “Baby Faker”
Caps, often dubbed "Baby Faker," is a mid laner known for his aggressive playstyle and exceptional mechanical abilities. He's consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in the mid lane.
- Teams: Fnatic, G2 Esports
- Position: Mid Laner
- Key Achievements: Multiple LEC titles, 2019 MSI
- Why He's Legendary: Caps' fearless aggression and willingness to take risks make him an exciting player to watch.
Zeus: T1's Top Lane Titan
Zeus became a pivotal part of T1, leading them to win the Worlds Championship in 2023 and 2024.
- Notable Performance: Helped T1 win 27 matches in a row.
- Why He's Legendary: His consistency and skill have made him a force to be reckoned with in the top lane.
Chovy: Gen.G's Mid-Lane Master
Chovy is known for his exceptional lane mechanics and high CS (creep score) numbers.
- Notable Performance: Part of Gen.G that won the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational and the Esports World Cup back-to-back.
- Why He's Legendary: His dominance in the laning phase and ability to carry games made him a highly sought-after player.
Honorable Mentions: Legends in Their Own Right
Many other players deserve recognition for their contributions. Here are a few:
- Bengi: T1 Jungler, crucial in three World Championship wins alongside Faker.
- Beryl: Won World Championships with DAMWON Gaming (2020) and DRX (2022), showcasing his adaptability.
- Canyon: DWG KIA Jungler, Finals MVP at 2020 World Championship.
- Doublelift: An iconic North American ADC, known for his aggressive playstyle and outspoken personality.
- TheShy: Invictus Gaming Top Laner, known for his aggressive laning and carry potential.
The Support Role: Often Overlooked, Always Essential
It's crucial to acknowledge the importance of support players. While they may not always get the spotlight, their strategic vision, warding, and protection of their carries are essential for success. Mata is a prime example of a support player who has elevated the role to an art form.
Common Questions About the Best LoL Players
- Is Faker really the best? Most analysts and fans agree that Faker is the greatest of all time. His consistent performance over many years, his numerous championships, and his impact on the game make him a clear frontrunner.
- Are regional titles as important as World Championships? World Championships are the ultimate goal, demonstrating international dominance. However, regional titles are still important indicators of a player's skill and consistency within their region.
- How much does individual skill matter compared to teamwork? League of Legends is a team game, so teamwork is essential. However, individual skill can make a significant difference, especially in clutch situations.
- Can a player from a "minor region" be considered one of the best? It's more challenging for players from minor regions to gain recognition, but exceptional performance at international events can certainly elevate their status.
- What is "meta" in League of Legends? The "meta" refers to the most popular and effective strategies, champion picks, and playstyles at any given time. The meta constantly evolves as the game changes.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of League
The debate about the best lol players of all time will undoubtedly continue. Famous League of Legends Pros consistently emerge, challenging the established order and pushing the boundaries of the game. As the game evolves, so too will our perception of greatness. The most important thing is to appreciate the skill, dedication, and passion that these players bring to the Rift.
Beyond the Rankings: Appreciating the Legends
Ultimately, ranking the best lol players of all time is a subjective exercise. What truly matters is recognizing the contributions these individuals have made to the game. They've inspired millions, entertained countless fans, and pushed the boundaries of competitive gaming.
So, instead of getting caught up in the debate, let's appreciate the legends and celebrate the incredible talent that has graced the Summoner's Rift. Watch their games, learn from their strategies, and most importantly, enjoy the spectacle of professional League of Legends. Whether it's Faker's mechanical mastery or Mata's strategic brilliance, these players have left an indelible mark on the game we love.