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Ahri and Lucian dominate picks and bans in MSI group stage

Ahri and Lucian were the most picked or banned champions during the MSI 2022 group stage, with both making... Benjamin Mock | 20. May 2022

Ahri and Lucian were the most picked or banned champions during the MSI 2022 group stage, with both making an appearance in all 36 matches.

After many years of being considered out of the meta, mid lane mage Ahri has made a comeback following a major kit rework as part of February’s 12.3 patch. Meanwhile, Lucian continues to be a devastating pick for ADC, leading to the near-permanent banning of the champion.

100% pick/ban rate for Ahri and Lucian

Across the 36 games of the MSI 2022 group stage, Ahri was picked nine times and banned 27 times. Meanwhile, Lucian was only picked three times, namely due to the 33 matches in which the champion was banned. Ahri had a win-loss record of 5-4 in her nine matches, while Lucian sits alone at a 100% win rate at MSI. The next most present champion is Wukong, who has a 92% presence with 14 picks and 19 bans.

Just two champions have achieved a 100% presence at MSI — Rek’Sai in the 28-games-long MSI 2015 and Lulu in the 78-games-long MSI 2017. Given how potent Ahri and Lucian are in the game’s current state, it is quite possible they will join those hallowed ranks.

Gwen is most picked champion in MSI groups

The most picked champion during the group stage was Gwen, the scissor-wielding top laner introduced in April 2021. She was picked 17 times, and banned 11, in large part to her impressive ability to tank and sustain. This was especially highlighted in her 13-4 win-loss record.

Additionally, Gwen was by far the most consistent top lane pick, with 15 of her 17 total picks coming in the top lane. In total, 26 champions were played at the top, with only Gwen, Gangplank and Aatrox being played more than five times.

Gwen LoLjpg

Abundance of one-off picks

MSI matches were also prone to the inclusion of one-off champions. A total of 25 champions were played only once during the MSI group stage. This includes a number of unorthodox picks, such as G2’s Rasmus “caPS” Winther playing Anivia, as well as appearances by Sejuani, Kayle, Shen, and Lillia.

It is likely that these trends will continue as the Rumble Stage begins today.

Image credit: Riot Games