We’re already into the second half of the
Main Stage at the Mid-Season Invitational in Canada, which kicked off on July 2. Over 50 games have been played so far across both the Play-In and Main Stage. As expected, the LCK is clearly ahead, closely followed by the LPL. The two LEC representatives — G2 Esports and Movistar KOI — were the first teams eliminated, while FlyQuest and CTBC Flying Oyster have shown promising signs so far. Let’s take a closer look at the
meta and champion picks shaping this MSI.
The biggest surprise at this year’s MSI has undoubtedly been Twisted Fate. Before the tournament, the champion had barely made an appearance in 2025, with just four picks across the LCK and LPL and a meager 1% priority score. However,
two consecutive buffs from Riot leading up to the event brought the Card Master back into relevance. His sudden rise was immediate and dramatic: at MSI, he jumped to a staggering 71% priority score — the highest of any champion so far. Despite being banned 35 times and picked seven, Twisted Fate has yet to secure a single win, sitting at a disastrous 0-7 record.
Twisted Fate Games at the MSI so far. Credit: GoL.gg
Kalista and Renata Glasc are not far behind in disappointment. Kalista has been picked eight times and, like Twisted Fate, has lost every game she's appeared in. Renata has played five games and met the same fate: five defeats. These champions, while highly prioritized in drafts, have failed to deliver any meaningful impact, raising questions about whether their perceived value truly matches their in-game performance during this tournament.
All five major regions have played Kalista at this MSI, but none have managed to secure a win with her. Notably, Spanish AD Carry David "
Supa" Martínez García posted an impressive 6/0/0 against Bilibili Gaming, yet KOI still lost the game. Similarly, Zhao "
Elk" Jia-Hao went 5/5/1 with Kalista against T1 but was unable to turn the tide. While Kalista rarely loses her lane phase, she clearly lacks impact in crucial teamfights, making it difficult to convert early advantages into victories.
A Look at MSI's Meta
On the flip side, several champions have been performing exceptionally well so far. Annie stands out with a staggering 89% win rate — eight wins and just one loss — making her one of the most reliable picks of the tournament. Sylas isn’t far behind, boasting an 80% win rate across five games, proving once again his strength in the hands of confident midlaners.
Among the high-priority champions with solid results, Sion has been the standout in the toplane with seven wins and four losses. In the jungle, Pantheon is making waves with 11 picks, 13 bans, and a strong 64% win rate. Meanwhile, Taliyah and Azir continue to dominate the midlane meta, consistently prioritized and often involved in draft mind games — either banned or left open to bait a counter pick.
In the botlane, Varus has been a standout performer at MSI, always played with a Lethality build and currently boasting a 73% win rate over 11 games. Among supports, Alistar and Rell are the most picked with 12 games each, though both have struggled to maintain a positive win rate — Rell in particular falling below the 50% mark. Rakan, meanwhile, has emerged as a more reliable option, frequently prioritized and often delivering wins. At the bottom of the list sits Renata Glasc, whose performance has been notably poor, with zero wins to her name so far.
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games
