TL;DR
- DWG KIA holds unprecedented top-three ranking spots with ShowMaker leading
- Five top-10 players missing MSI creates major ranking volatility opportunities
- RNG’s Xiaohu represents biggest threat to current ranking hierarchy at #11
- MSI performance will significantly reshape player standings before summer split
- Group stage matchups provide direct challenges to established ranking order
The competitive League of Legends landscape braces for transformation as the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational approaches, bringing together regional champions for the year’s first international showdown. This premier tournament typically triggers substantial fluctuations in professional player standings, with recent playoff conclusions across major regions already introducing notable shifts. Elite competitors have demonstrated exceptional form throughout spring splits, setting the stage for intense ranking battles.
Current rankings reflect DWG KIA’s overwhelming dominance as defending world champions, though challengers from other regions aim to disrupt their stronghold during the upcoming competition.
- Understanding WIN.gg’s ranking methodology provides context for these positional changes and competitive implications.
DWG KIA still topping LoL player rankings
DWG KIA’s continued supremacy in individual player rankings comes as little surprise to seasoned esports observers. Mid lane prodigy Heo “ShowMaker” Su maintains his position at the summit following an exceptional LCK Spring Split performance. The reigning world champions have consolidated their collective standing to an extraordinary degree, occupying all three premier positions—a rare achievement in competitive League history.
While ShowMaker has consistently battled for the number one ranking throughout the competitive year, his teammates have now joined him at the pinnacle. Bot laner Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun secures the second position while jungler Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu claims third, creating a formidable trifecta. These players enter MSI determined to protect their elite status, with their organization widely favored to claim the tournament championship.
The current ranking distribution suggests limited immediate threats to DWG KIA’s top-tier dominance. Cloud9’s mid laner Luka “Perkz” Perković presents the most credible challenge currently positioned at fourth. His placement in the same group stage as the Korean powerhouse offers direct confrontation opportunities that could potentially dethrone the current ranking kings.
Five players from top 10 won’t attend MSI 2021
The exclusive nature of MSI participation—limited to regional champions—guarantees significant ranking volatility in the coming weeks. Presently, half of the top-ten ranked competitors will miss the tournament, creating substantial advancement opportunities for attending players seeking to elevate their standing.
Beyond the top four positions, only DWG KIA support Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee from the elite ten will compete at MSI. This exclusion leaves prominent talents like FunPlus Phoenix’s Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon and Gen.G’s Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk temporarily sidelined, unable to accumulate ranking points until summer competition resumes.
These absences generate substantial openings for players currently outside the top tier. Most notably, Royal Never Give Up lacks representation in the current upper echelon, though MSI performance could dramatically alter this situation. Top laner Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao represents the closest contender at eleventh position following his remarkable role transition and LPL championship victory.
While the remainder of RNG’s roster occupies lower ranking positions currently, their status as legitimate championship contenders suggests potential rapid ascension should they deliver strong tournament results.
The MSI tournament structure creates unique competitive dynamics that differ substantially from regional play. International competition exposes players to diverse strategic approaches and playstyles that can accelerate development and reveal previously unseen strengths. The pressure of representing entire regions often separates exceptional players from truly legendary competitors.
For aspiring professionals and analysts, tracking these ranking shifts provides valuable insights into player development patterns and meta adaptations. Successful international performers frequently experience sustained ranking improvements that reflect their expanded strategic versatility and adaptability under pressure.
The upcoming weeks will likely reshape the competitive hierarchy significantly, with summer split performances building upon these international results. Organizations carefully monitor these rankings when making roster decisions and development investments, making MSI performances crucial for career trajectories.
Action Checklist
- Monitor group stage matchups between DWG KIA and Cloud9 for ranking implications
- Track Xiaohu’s performance metrics throughout MSI for ranking ascent potential
- Analyze gameplay VODs of top-ranked players to identify winning patterns and strategies
- Compare pre-and post-MSI rankings to identify tournament impact patterns
- Document meta shifts and champion proficiency developments among top players
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » DWG KIA ShowMaker tops LoL player ranking ahead of MSI 2021 Analyzing DWG KIA's LoL ranking dominance and MSI 2021 roster implications for competitive landscape shifts