LoL - Worlds 2025: New Faces at Worlds

Each year, the League of Legends World Championship introduces a new wave of debutants ready to leave their mark on the biggest stage of all. The 2025 edition is no exception, featuring a blend of rising regional talents, late bloomers finally breaking through, and players making their long-awaited first appearance in the Main Event after years of persistence. Here are the new faces you’ll be seeing at Worlds 2025.

One of the biggest new names on the Worlds roster this year is Joo "Duro" Min-kyu, the young support for Gen.G. After replacing Son "Lehends" Si-woo at the beginning of the year, Duro quickly became a revelation in the LCK. Confident in lane and fearless in engages, he adapted seamlessly to Gen.G’s aggressive mid-jungle playstyle, helping the current greatest LCK powerhouse to win MSI, Esports World Cup and lift this year's LCK Season's trophy.

Though still almost inexperienced on the international stage, Duro’s synergy with Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk adds an extra spark to Korea’s title defense this year. Never before has an LCK team looked so strong on paper entering Worlds, except perhaps for SK Telecom T1 in 2015 or DAMWON Gaming in 2020. The expectations placed on the rookie’s shoulders are high, made heavier by the so-called “Gen.G curse,” as since acquiring Samsung Galaxy’s spot in 2018, Gen.G has never finished better than a semifinalist (2021, 2022, 2024). For the 23-year-old support, it is a great final challenge to overcome.

Yang "Beichuan" Ling and Zhao "Shad0w" Zhi-Qiang are Bilibili Gaming’s current junglers, both playing crucial roles in the team’s return to dominance this year. Arriving under unique circumstances, they each helped BLG right the ship and reclaim the LPL title in the last split. Beichuan, 24, who developed in FunPlus Phoenix’s academy, joined BLG during Split 2 after spending two and a half years in the lower LPL ranks with ThunderTalk Gaming. Having competed at MSI 2025, he is making his second international appearance this year.

Shad0w, also 24, has one of the most remarkable career trajectories marked by perseverance and grind. Holding dual Chinese and Italian citizenship, his journey started in Italian amateur leagues, progressed through the 2018 EMEA Masters, and took him to the LEC’s MAD Lions in 2020—where he played the Worlds Play-In but faced an early exit against Papara SuperMassive. Since 2021, he has been firmly rooted in the LPL, representing top teams like LGD, Ninjas in Pyjamas, FunPlus Phoenix, and now BLG. His experience and clutch potential make him a perfect complement to Beichuan. Shad0w did not arrive here by chance; he embodies the high-carry and shotcalling caliber that the LPL frequently produces.

Rudy “SkewMond” Semaan has quickly established himself as one of the brightest rising stars in EMEA with an exceptional rookie year at G2 Esports. Joining the squad in early 2025 as their new jungler, SkewMond stepped into big shoes following the departure of Martin “Yike” Sundelin. His transition from BDS Academy to the LEC main stage was seamless, as he brought aggressive, tempo-setting jungle play. Throughout the year, SkewMond consistently elevated his level alongside the team, contributing to G2 winning the Summer Split and securing Europe’s top seed for Worlds 2025.

Despite initial doubts from fans about the roster changes, SkewMond’s adaptability, discipline, and strong synergy with the team helped G2 return to the top of Europe’s competitive hierarchy. His international experience was sharpened by competing at MSI and the Esports World Cup. He enters the competition as the new face of G2 potential revolution for the West, and may help them break the quarterfinals barrier they have been facing for two years in a row.

Yoon “Poby” Sung-won will make his first appearance at Worlds with Fnatic, the organization with the most World Championship appearances in history, marking their 13th overall participation. The 19-year-old South Korean midlaner joined Fnatic in Summer 2025, replacing longtime veteran Marek “Humanoid” Brázda as the team navigated a season of transition and tempered expectations. Despite a somewhat underwhelming Summer Split performance that saw Fnatic secure Worlds qualification more by circumstance than dominance, Poby quickly made a name for himself with confident, mechanically precise play.

Coming from T1 Esports Academy, he embraced the challenge, declaring his ambition to "save the LEC," and impressed after only eight best-of-series with solid performances that ranked him among the top midlaners in Europe. Poby eagerly looks forward to the international stage, expressing excitement over playing against his former bigger brother, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.

Half of CTBC Flying Oyster’s roster is set to make their first appearance in a Worlds Main Event. Chiu "Doggo" Tzu-Chuan is the only player with previous Worlds experience, having participated in the 2021 Play-Ins with Beyond Gaming. Now 22 years old, Doggo has returned to the LCP in excellent form after a stint in the LPL. His late-game carry potential and synergy with his support have made him the mechanical anchor of CFO’s lineup.

However, he might be outshone by the team’s other carry, Tsai "HongQ" Ming-Hong. At just 18, HongQ is the team’s innovative midlaner, whose mechanically dazzling and confident plays have led to early comparisons with some of the greatest prodigies in the game’s history. His meteoric rookie year has helped CFO dominate the newly formed LCP and establish a strong international reputation.

Shen "Driver" Tsung-Hua also celebrates his Worlds debut. The top laner, who shares his position with veteran Hsu "Rest" Shih-Chieh, perfectly complements the tactics of a team that has won everything this year. Together, these three embody the balance of youthful talent and experience that fuels CFO’s historic 2025 season.

Anyone's Legend is approaching the first Worlds appearances in its history, with two players on the roster making their debut at the Main Event. Both are already among the team’s brightest talents. The 21-year-old support Kim “Kael” Jin-hong, who has been with the team since last year, forms one of the most devastating botlanes in the LPL alongside Wang “Hope” Jie.

Having won the 2024 Demacia Cup, finished as finalists in Split 1, champions in Split 2, and taken third place at MSI 2025, Anyone’s Legend is a major contender in this competition — especially thanks to their strong mid-jungle duo. This will also be the first Worlds appearance for Cui “Shanks” Xiao-Jun. Highly hyped at the start of the year and present in the club since early 2024, he has mostly been in the spotlight this year for controversies stemming from offensive remarks made during an August stream where he insulted and harassed a content creator online.

Jeong “Peter” Yoon-su wasn’t even supposed to be here in the first place. At the start of the year, it was Han “Way” Gil who held the support role for KT Rolster before being replaced by Peter due to a lack of results. A highly expressive and cheerful player, Peter has contributed to the team not only on the Rift but also outside of it. He will therefore play his first Worlds in his rookie year, representing the LCK as the third seed.

It will also be the first Worlds appearance for toplaner Lee “PerfecT” Seung-min, at just 21 years old. A KT Rolster player since his academy days, PerfecT might not be the flashiest or most dominant toplaner in the LCK, and he has often faced criticism from fans. Yet when it mattered most during the playoffs, he stepped up and proved he could stand his ground against the league’s best. He’ll now play his first Worlds two years after being promoted to the main roster.

2025’s Worlds Main Event features several more rookies appearing for the first time or finally moving up from Play-In appearances: