Since its first launch back in 2011, the most popular and arguably the most important role in League of Legends was the mid laner. Over the years, the game has evolved, but the importance of the mid lane hasn’t changed much, so all organizations around the world have always been thirsty for talented mid laners. The 2022 LoL World Championship again features the best mid laners around the world, and the talent pool is stacked as always. Here are the top 5 mid laners you should keep an eye on for Worlds 2022.

5. Lee “Scout” Ye-chan — EDward Gaming

Scout may not be one of those fancy players that create highlight reels all the time, but he has always been a well-rounded player with great fundamentals. That being said, Scout’s biggest strength is that he has no clear weakness. For most of his career, Scout has brought the team domestic success — international tournaments seemed to slip through his hands, but last year, Scout finally led his team to be crowned the champions of the world. For Worlds 2022, Scout is back to defend his title.

4. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok — T1

The player that needs no introduction. Faker has always been the most popular LoL player on the planet. 2022 is his 10th year as a pro player and he is still one of the best. The undefeated spring season explains itself. Being the runner-up for the summer split is a great accomplishment as well, but it seems like a disappointing finish, just because it’s Faker. Faker has been to six world championships and won three of them. What will happen at his seventh appearance?

3. Zhuo “knight” Ding — Top Esports

For several years, knight has been the face of Top Esports. With strong laning, ability to create variables, and playmaking capabilities all rolled up together with his splendid mechanics, knight has been recognized as one of the best mid laners in the world. In 2022, knight and Top Esports had two 2nd place finishes in the LPL, and he was voted on the LPL 2nd All-pro team for the summer season. The tough 2-3 loss at the LPL finals has only made knight stronger moving forward to Worlds 2022.

2. Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao — Royal Never Give Up

Along with Faker, Xiaohu is one of the most-experienced mid laners in the world. Last year, he made a brief detour to the top lane, but after returning to his original position, Xiaohu has been playing better than ever, and this summer, he was voted on the LPL All-pro team. Xiaohu has collected many championships in his career, including three MSI championships, but he hasn’t had the chance to hoist the Summoner’s Cup yet, and Worlds 2022 might be his chance.

1. Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon — Gen.G

With unmatchable laning and splendid playmaking, Chovy was always recognized as one of the best mid laners in the scene, but his kryptonite was that he had never won a championship. Until this summer, Chovy had five LCK finals appearances and lost all of them. However, Chovy was finally relieved of his grieves as he won the summer championship. Throughout the summer season, no one was capable of stopping Chovy. Now, his eyes are fixed on the Summoner’s Cup, and if no one can stop him at Worlds as well, he will become the owner of his own skin.