With the new League of Legends season underway, the field is set for more mind-blowing plays from the world’s best LoL players. Riot has introduced major changes for 2026, from map updates to new role quests, so significant adaptation will be needed—even for the pros.

Our power list spotlights the top 10 best League of Legends players at the start of 2026, showcasing those whose laning, teamfight consistency, and adaptability set the tone heading into the season’s biggest stage.

Best LoL Players In 2026

In our best LoL player list, we’ve highlighted ten pros with reliable laning, strong teamfight value, and consistent series impact. These rankings are based on performance and playstyle fit under Fearless Draft, showing who dictates games through objective control, side-lane pressure, and decision-making.

#10. T1 Faker

Even when other teams control the headlines, Faker still defines T1.

He might not be the lane bully he once was, but the qualities that made him special at the highest level remain. In particular, Faker has superb decision-making under pressure, his teamfighting is consistently clean, and he knows exactly how to read the map and set the tempo for everyone else on the Rift.

As a six-time Worlds champion, Faker also brings something most rosters can’t replicate: proven best-of-five composure. If he stabilizes their early game and the side lanes hold, his best-of-five series experience might lead T1 to more domestic and international trophies in 2026.

#9. AL Tarzan

Tarzan finally lifted domestic silverware, powering Anyone’s Legend (AL) to the LPL 2025 Split 2 title and taking Finals MVP in June.

At the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025, AL knocked out Bilibili Gaming (BLG) 3–0 and reached the Lower Bracket Final before falling 2–3 to T1. A month later, he helped AL reach the Esports World Cup (EWC) Grand Final, pushing Gen.G to a five-game series.

Stylistically, he’s the tempo setter, creating clean pathing, early objective control, and ruthless fights around objective timers. In 2026, Tarzan is still widely regarded as the world’s best jungler, especially after an impressive performance at the most recent edition of Worlds.

#8. HLE Zeus

A blockbuster transfer paid off: Zeus lifted the LCK Cup in 2025, and then proceeded to help Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) claim the inaugural First Stand title.

He later anchored the team’s run to the LCK Season Finals, where they fell 1–3 to Gen.G. EWC proved harsher as the Korean juggernaut exited early after losing to AL in the Playoffs.

Mechanically, Zeus still smothers lanes with wave control and immaculate spacing, but he’s added sturdy weak-side play on tanks. With the addition of Kanavi to the roster, Zeus’s carry potential should rise. On paper, HLE has one of the best rosters in 2026.

#7. BLG Bin

Bin endured a rocky Spring but surged with BLG in Summer, capturing the LPL Split 3 championship in a five-game win over TES.

Earlier, the Chinese powerhouse bowed out fourth at MSI 2025 after losses to T1 and AL, then stumbled at the EWC. The late-season rebound restored their domestic aura.

That said, he’s still the prototype carry top laner, posting crisp mechanics, fearless side-lane pressure, and fight timing that punishes oversteps. Heading into 2026, BLG will lean on Bin’s dual threats like Camille and Fiora to stretch maps.

When the jungle plays through top, BLG’s teamfights turn downright lethal.

#6. GEN Kiin

It’s safe to say that Kiin’s measured dominance defined Gen.G’s year.

After defending the MSI 2025 crown in Vancouver, Gen.G added the EWC title to their trophy cabinet, while Kiin took the event’s MVP. They closed Korea by beating HLE 3–1 to win the LCK 2025 Season championship, cementing a historic run.

Top-side mastery is his brand, marked by tight laning, flawless teleport timings, and drafts that pivot from carry to weak-side without drop-off. With Gen.G leading and bans stretching drafts, Kiin’s consistency will likely again cement their top spot in most predictions, quietly placing him among the best top laners in Korea.

#5. BLG Viper

Viper started last year strong with a clean LCK Cup win, the inaugural First Stand trophy, and a runner-up finish in the LCK 2025 Season after falling to Gen.G.

Internationally, EWC was a setback, but his lane stats and teamfight output remained among the LCK’s best. Even after joining BLG and the LPL, Viper remains the archetypal late-game DPS anchor, reflected by his pristine positioning, exceptional kiting, and decisive target focus on Zeri, Kai’Sa, and Aphelios.

Should BLG’s early skirmishing stabilize in 2026, Viper’s scaling windows can turn even tiny leads into game-ending Baron and Elder Dragon setups. This is why BLG is widely considered the favorite to win the LPL trophy and a top contender in international tournaments.

#4. HLE Kanavi

After a Winter title with Top Esports (TES) in LPL Split 1, Kanavi stayed central to China’s jungle meta.

He claimed Regular-Season MVP in Split 2 and led the Chinese giant back to the Split 3 Grand Final, where they eventually fell 2–3 to BLG. He later clinched a spot at Worlds 2025 through the regional gauntlet.

Kanavi joined HLE during the 2026 offseason roster shuffle, forming one of the scariest superteams the league has seen in years. Regarded as one of the best junglers in the world, Kanavi could be the missing piece that takes HLE to the next level in both domestic and international play.

Notably, Kanavi’s jungle style mixes tempo pathing with brutal objective control—early Heralds, vision traps, and decisive plays on engages like Wukong, Pantheon, or Viego. If HLE’s top-jungle synergy holds, Kanavi’s impact should translate to the LCK, setting up a deep run in the LCK Playoffs and international tournaments.

#3. BLG Knight

Knight kept stacking accolades, reaching 3,000 LPL kills, and later winning Finals MVP as BLG captured LPL Split 3 over TES last year.

Earlier, BLG finished fourth at MSI 2025 and missed the EWC podium, but their Summer form put China’s hopes squarely back on his shoulders. In 2026, he remains a textbook control-mage tyrant with sudden assassin pivots, pairing lane dominance with flawless teamfight target selection.

While others eye the sidelanes, Knight’s mid-lane champion pool and gravity unlocks cross-map trades, which makes him one of the world’s best mid laners in 2026.

#2. GEN Ruler

Few ADCs defined 2025 like Ruler. With Gen.G, he defended the MSI 2025 title, added the EWC crown, and clinched the LCK 2025 Season trophy—earning Finals MVP in Korea after a 3–1 win over HLE.

That dominant run across formats and patches cemented him as one of the best ADCs at Worlds. Ruler blends perfect positioning with incredible DPS uptime, crisp kiting, and objective-first instincts.

Assuming that Gen.G’s macro remains sharp throughout 2026, his timing with Chovy on engages, and re-entries remain the cleanest win condition in LoL esports.

#1. GEN Chovy

Last year, Chovy led Gen.G to a second straight MSI crown in Vancouver, took Finals MVP, claimed the EWC trophy, and then closed Korea by beating HLE for the LCK Season title.

It was a near-flawless campaign that mixed peak mechanics with measured pacing. His trademarks include tight lane control, steady CS leads, and surgical teamfights that fit any meta. At the same time, Gen.G’s drafts let him flex from Ryze to Aurora and other melee champions.

With the LoL 2026 season introducing many changes to how the game is played, Chovy is expected to thrive in this chaotic meta. He’s always been willing to bring something new both in draft and in the game, which is why he’s confidently the best LoL player in 2026.

Best LoL Players Archive

FAQs

Who is the best LoL player in 2026?

Currently, Chovy ranks as the best LoL player in 2026 due to his unmatched laning consistency, elite mechanics, and improved clutch decision-making, which can translate to any meta.

Who is the best ADC in 2026?

Gen.G’s Ruler leads as the best ADC going into the 2026 season, anchored by his elite kiting and DPS plus MSI, EWC, and LCK titles.

What is Fearless Draft?

Fearless Draft is a format where teams can’t reuse champions they’ve already won with, placing a premium on adaptability, deep champion pools, and meticulous preparation.

When does Worlds 2026 start and end?

The League of Legends World Championship 2026 is scheduled to run from October 14 to November 14, 2026.