Kai’Sa and Xayah have emerged as the top picks in the early stages of the World Championship 2023. These two champions were played the most in the Play-Ins, with Kai’Sa appearing in 24 matches and Xayah in 19 matches. Their popularity in the bot lane highlights the importance of having strong picks in this role.
Following closely behind are Rell and Rakan, both played in 16 matches each. This solidifies the trend of prioritizing powerful bot lane champions in this year’s Worlds.
| Champion | Number of Games Played |
|---|---|
| Kai’Sa | 24 |
| Xayah | 19 |
| Rell | 16 |
| Rakan | 16 |
| Renekton | 15 |
| Nautilus | 13 |
| Jarvan IV | 11 |
Although Kai’Sa and Xayah did not receive direct buffs or nerfs in the recent patch, the changes to items in the midseason update have greatly benefited these ADCs. While they may not perform well for regular players, professional players have showcased their prowess with these champions. Their high damage output, strong dueling potential, excellent teamfighting skills, and survivability make them dominant forces on the Rift.
Various teams have utilized Kai’Sa and Xayah in the Play-Ins, including PSG Talon, Movistar R7, GAM, LOUD, CFO, and Team Whales. Xayah, in particular, had a 100 percent pick-ban rate during the Play-Ins, highlighting her impact on the game. Maokai also saw frequent presence in drafts but managed to escape bans in only 10 instances.
As the meta continues to evolve, it is expected that Kai’Sa and Xayah will make appearances in the upcoming Swiss stage starting from Oct. 19. However, with the ever-changing landscape of competitive play, we may also witness the emergence of new and unconventional picks.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
