League of Legends has released its latest patch, making adjustments to several mid-lane picks that have been favored in the competitive meta lately.
Competitors all over the globe are preparing for Worlds, after the Esports World Cup concluded on August 24, 2025.
At the time of writing, there are only two patches set to be released before Worlds begins, with the competition set to take place in China. Many of the changes introduced in this patch and upcoming patches are likely to affect professional players, with some of the effects already evident in this set of patch notes.
The middle lane could soon look very different. Image Credit: Riot Games
Large League of Legends Adjustments to Mid-Lane Picks
Some of the major picks in the mid lane are being hit with nerfs, including consistent mid-laners such as Annie, Azir, Galio, and Taliyah. This is due to the consensus that they are too durable in the competitive scene. While some other champions, such as Cassiopeia, are considered similarly versatile, they are receiving buffs.
Matt Leung-Harrison, League of Legends’ Lead Gameplay Designer, explained in a comprehensive X post each change being made and the potential impact on the professional meta.
His post outlines that the changes made to the tempo AP mid meta are so that champions most commonly picked in the pro scene are moved ever so slightly out of it, giving other champions a chance to shine instead.
The upcoming World Championship will be the first in the game’s storied history to feature the Fearless Draft. This mode means that teams cannot pick a champion that has already been played in a series by either team.
This announcement was first made by Riot Games prior to the final of the First Stand Tournament in March. Further, Riot announced the format would be used for the rest of the year after receiving positive feedback. The Fearless Draft will be used for both best-of-threes and best-of-five matches.
Qiyana and Sylas have also been hit by nerfs, with Sylas’ monster damage being reduced by 20% to slow down his potential clear speed while jungling.
Bami’s Cinder and Sunfire Cape are two items that will receive some desperately required love from Riot, as they have been unviable items for far too long. The buffs are being implemented to assist junglers, rather than to benefit bruisers and tanks that may be played in the top lane or support position.
A shake-up in the meta will keep fans on their toes ahead of the pinnacle of League of Legends’ esports competition. Teams will undoubtedly be theorycrafting and experimenting with different champions as they seek any semblance of advantage heading into one of esports’ crowning events.