The must-watch players of LoL Worlds 2025

League of Legends (LoL) Worlds 2025 is just around the corner, and fans are eager to see which players will deliver standout performances. From rising rookies to seasoned veterans seeking redemption on the international stage, this tournament promises no shortage of excitement and star power.

Since T1 and Invictus Gaming (IG) are set to face off on Oct. 14, it’s still unclear which team will advance to the Swiss Stage. For that reason, neither team’s players are featured in this list. Nevertheless, we’re talking about two of the most iconic organizations in League of Legends history: T1, with its five world titles, and IG, proudly carrying a world championship of its own. The list will then be updated when we get the results of the match.

This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Gen.G’s Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk, one of the best ADCs in the world. He rejoined Gen.G at the end of last year, making this his first Worlds appearance since returning to the team. Now, he’s aiming to claim his first world title since 2017, when he lifted the trophy with Samsung Galaxy. Will he be able to do it eight years later?

On the same roster, we have Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, one of the most prominent mid laners in the world. It’s hard not to highlight Chovy when discussing top talent, since his skill and consistency make him a constant standout. Unlike Ruler, Chovy has yet to win a Worlds title, and this year, he’s more determined than ever to finally lift that long-awaited trophy.

Another Korean star to watch is Han “Peanut” Wang-ho. This Worlds event carries special significance for both him and his fans, as it will be his last tournament before beginning mandatory military service. With Peanut set to miss the 2026 season, there’s an emotional weight surrounding his performance this year.

Adding to the sentiment, Worlds remains the one major trophy missing from his collection, a title he’s long chased but never claimed. Can Peanut finally achieve his dreams and take that trophy home?

KT Rolster’s qualification for Worlds came as a big surprise, and an even bigger delight for fans who haven’t seen the team succeed in quite some time. Now, it’s their moment to showcase a talented and determined roster.

Among them, Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong stands out as one of the most experienced players on the squad, boasting a career that spans nearly a decade. He has never won an international event in his career, being close to it in the MSI 2018, when he lost in the finals against RNG. Peanut was also on the team with him.

Zhao "Shad0w" Zhi-Qiang has been one of the most talked-about players in the LPL since he joined Bilibili Gaming in the middle of the season. He was the first and only European player to win the LPL. He has been popping off in the Chinese league and promises standout performances ahead of this LoL Worlds 2025. Shad0w hasn't played in the tournament since 2020, when he was playing for MAD Lions.

One of the biggest surprises at the last MSI was Kim “Kael” Jin-hong. A former Gen.G Academy player who has been competing with Anyone’s Legend since 2023, Kael impressed fans and analysts alike with his sharp mechanics and smart decision-making. His standout plays were instrumental in helping the Chinese team secure third place at MSI 2025.

From Top Esports, Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok stands as the team’s oldest and most experienced member. After spending the majority of his career with JD Gaming, he joined Top Esports at the end of 2024. This Worlds marks his first appearance wearing the team’s iconic white and orange jersey, making it especially exciting to see how he’ll perform on this new stage.

Yoon "Poby" Sung-won is the newest addition to the FNATIC roster, and all eyes are on him. A rising star from T1 Academy, Poby has showcased exceptional mechanics and game sense from an early age. His potential became undeniable when he stepped up to replace Faker on T1’s main roster due to an injury, holding his own on one of the world’s most prestigious teams. Poby might be one of the most surprising players in the LoL Worlds 2025 tournament.

The LEC’s Rookie of the Year will also make his debut at LoL Worlds 2025. If you’re keeping an eye on up-and-coming talent this year, G2 Esports Rudy "SkewMond" Semaan is the name to watch. The young jungler has impressed fans throughout the season, and he’s ready to turn heads on the world stage. Expect SkewMond to surprise you in more ways than one in the tournament.

Álvaro "Alvaro" Fernández del Amo is one of the most underrated supports in Europe. The Spanish player has been a cornerstone of Movistar KOI since 2024, consistently proving his potential time and time again. Whether in domestic competition or on the international stage, Alvaro stands out for his reliability, sharp instincts, and exceptional decision-making, a true backbone for any team he plays on.

Fahad "Massu" Abdulmalek is undeniably one of the best ADCs in the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA). Rookie of the year in 2024, he has demonstrated immense power in the bot lane through his precise mechanics and impactful plays. If you missed the last event, make sure to tune in for LoL Worlds 2025 because you won’t want to miss one of North America’s best players shining on the international stage.

You’re looking at one of the most experienced players in the LTA. With seven years of competitive experience in Europe, and even a brief stint as an LEC analyst last year, Adrian "Trymbi" Trybus now represents the Brazilian organization Vivo Keyd Stars. Over the years, he has consistently showcased his skill and leadership, making history as the first European player to win titles in both the LEC (2022 Summer) and the LTA South (2025 Split 3).

Niship "Dhokla" Doshi has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. After briefly serving as 100 Thieves’ coach for just 26 days, he made a remarkable return to the Rift, reclaiming his spot in the top lane. With nearly a decade of competitive experience, Dhokla brings both veteran insight and renewed energy to the LoL Worlds 2025 stage. This will mark his second Worlds appearance, the first being in 2023 when he represented NRG.

If you’re looking for fun on stage, Shen "Driver" Tsung-Hua is the one bringing it. Beyond being a skilled top laner, Driver is known for his infectious personality, being a meme master, and a dancing machine. Whenever the CFO wins a match, you can bet he’ll be the first to hit the dance floor (and sometimes even take a tumble mid-celebration). Driver is one of the most charismatic players you’ll see at LoL Worlds 2025, and watching him play is never boring.

Another support that has been showing a lot of talent on the Rift is definitely Đinh "Taki" Anh Tài. The Vietnamese player played a key role in helping Team Secret Whales qualify for the LoL Worlds 2025 for the first time in their debut year. The team was formed in December 2024 following a partnership between ⁠⁠Team Whales and ⁠⁠Team Secret. This team brings a lot of talent, and Taki might surprise you with his Rell and Rakan plays.

Another player to keep an eye on is Hung "Karsa" Hao-Hsuan. Winner of the Demacia Cup in 2020 and the MSI in 2018, the Taiwanese player came back to the Pacific region after six years playing in the LPL. He came back to the region in 2023, where he played for CFO for a year, before finally joining the PSG Talon. He participated in six consecutive LoL Worlds tournaments for three different teams: Flash Wolves, RNG, and Top Esports.

His experience is undeniable, having competed professionally since 2014. After so many years since his last title, we’re eager to see how he’ll perform on the international stage and whether he can recapture that championship form.

These are some of the players you should follow during LoL Worlds 2025. Stick around for more League of Legends news, guides, and updates on esports.gg.