We’re talking about the champions that have single-handedly changed up the meta, brought forth unforgettable memes, and even inspired petitions. So who exactly are these famous (or infamous) champions? Let’s meet them.
10. Ahri
Ahri is one of the first champions Riot ever released, and she’s become famous within the community mainly because… She’s basically Riot’s waifu. Yep. While Riot will never admit to having favorites, Ahri definitely gets the special treatment. Exhibit A: The average champion in League has around 7 skins. Ahri has 14 (for now!) Exhibit B: Ahri has been featured in virtually every promotional material. She’s even the main vocalist in K/DA. Exhibit C: Despite a fair few champions in the game being more than a decade old, Ahri is the only champion that’s received a 10th anniversary celebration. But I can’t blame Riot for having favorites. Ahri is definitely raking in the money for them, no thanks to her, ahem, personality.
9. Garen
Garen was designed to be a beginner-friendly top lane champion. His kit is essentially a silence, a point and click execute, and… a spin. And it’s this spin in particular that has made Garen so iconic; it brought forth the classic phrase “spin to win.” Now, every time you lock in Garen, it’s almost a given that your enemy top laner – who no doubt considers their kit more mechanically complex – will mutter the words, “spin to win” whenever you kill them in lane.
8. Draven
Draven’s iconic status stems from the players who dare to main him. They’re literally “built different”. Thanks to the influence of Tyler1, a challenger Draven main who was banned from the game for years due to toxicity, Draven players tend to be… Well, the most toxic and risk-loving players in existence. They live for the thrill. For the flame. For running it down mid if they lose their gold bounty. And if they end up going 0/5? It’s always “support diff.”
7. Singed
Singed introduced a whole new playstyle to League: proxy Singed. The playstyle is simple: Instalock Singed, go behind your opponent’s turret at level 1, and then just farm there for the rest of laning phase. What makes “proxy Singed” so iconic is that even if you die 10 times, you’re still helping your team gain a huge advantage. While the enemy jungler is busy trying to kill you and stop you from proxying, your team can take control of the rest of the map and secure objectives effortlessly. Of course, this ridiculous playstyle isn’t the only reason why Singed became so iconic – does “never chase Singed” ring any bells?
6. Teemo
Before Yuumi, Teemo proudly held the title of “most hated champion in League”. And he’s still a holder of “the most annoying top laner.” Sure, he might look cute and fluffy. But deep inside he’s a sadistic sociopath determined to ruin the mentality of every opponent he faces. His kit is so obnoxious, playing him is the equivalent of selling your soul – and every LoL player won’t hesitate to tell you exactly that. While the hate has simmered down in recent years, Teemo has maintained his infamous status to this day – and new memes are always being created about how frustrating this lil Yordle is.
5. Janna
Janna was designed as an entry level support, and has always been a pretty safe and reliable pick in the bot lane. But she didn’t get her fame from being a reliable support. Nope. She got it from the top lane. Specifically, playing top and taking “smite” as a summoner spell. Janna top smite sounds utterly ridiculous, and it defies everything we know about the meta. And yet, this playstyle held the highest win rate in the game last month, and even made a (successful) debut in the LCS Spring split. Janna hasn’t just defied the meta – she’s completely broken it.
4. Lee Sin
Lee Sin is iconic mainly because he’s the only champion in the game whose kit is constantly evolving – even surpassing his creators’ imaginations. Players are constantly finding new and innovative ways to make use of his abilities, from the famous inSec kick to the flash kick. But his limitless potential isn’t the only reason why he’s earned a spot on the LoL wall of fame. Play Lee Sin, and you’re at risk of developing… Lee Sin syndrome. Side effects include toxicity, impulsiveness, and the urge to always take your Q, even if it’s into 5 enemies and you know it’s certain death.
3. Yuumi
When Riot introduced players to this damage-dealing monster disguised in an adorable cat’s body, all hell broke loose. Yuumi’s release was met with total outrage, a ban rate of over 90%, and change.org petitions to remove her from the game. Even professional LoL players like Perkz spoke up about their hatred for Yuumi, begging Riot to delete the not-so-purrfect feline from the game. To be fair, what were Riot thinking? An untargetable champion which forces another ally to become a taxi, equipped with a huge CC ultimate? Yikes.
2. Vayne
One word: Vaynespotting. Yep. Vayne is so iconic, League of Legends players created a mini-game in her honor. For those not familiar, Vaynespotting is a game where whenever a Vayne player – usually one who believes they’re challenger at heart – does something incredibly stupid (or, as the creator put it, “Vaynesque”), you award them points. Certain Vayne behaviors are worth more points than others, and you add up all the points at the end of the game. Things that’ll net you points include:
Vayne blaming the jungler for their failures Vayne rolling into turret Vayne flashing into a fed Cho’gath and blaming the support for not peeling Vayne going afk or running it down mid
Vaynespotting is a total classic, and something every player has participated in at least once (well, except the Vayne OTPs).
1. Yasuo
I could list an endless amount of reasons why Yasuo has become a mega star in the LoL universe, from his “lone anime protagonist” persona, to his insanely high pick rate. But what’s the main reason he’s so famous – or I should say, infamous? Like Draven, it’s because of the sort of players his high skill cap attracts. However, these players genuinely make Draven mains look like pacifists. They’re… delusional, angst-filled, and determined to sully the LoL community’s reputation in every way possible. They believe it’s their right to flame everyone else, to steal kills and farm from their ADC, and to instalock Yuumi smite if the enemy team bans Yasuo. And if they die once in lane? They believe that the optimal strategy isn’t to play safe and farm. Instead, it’s to go 0/10 to reach that sweet, sweet, powerspike. If you think I’m overexaggerating, just look at the stats; Yasuo players literally feed the most in the game. Truly, no champion (no matter how hard they try) can top Yasuo’s infamous reputation. Note: this content was created under Riot Games’ “Legal Jibber Jabber” policy using assets owned by Riot Games. Riot Games does not endorse or sponsor this project.
