1. Faker (Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok)

Region: Korea Teams: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) Faker is not only the most iconic mid laner but perhaps the greatest player in League of Legends history. Known as "The Unkillable Demon King," Faker made his debut in 2013, instantly earning attention with a legendary Zed outplay against Ryu. Over his career, he has won five World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024), along with numerous LCK titles, making him the most decorated player in the game. Faker's vast champion pool, featuring performances on champions like LeBlanc, Ryze, and Orianna, helped define the mid-lane meta and inspired countless players worldwide. Even after a decade, Faker’s influence remains strong, cementing him as the standard for excellence in League of Legends.  

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2. Doinb (Kim "Doinb" Tae-sang)

Region: China Teams: QG Reapers, JD Gaming, FPX (FunPlus Phoenix), LNG Esports Doinb is known for his unique playstyle that emphasizes heavy roaming and unconventional picks in the mid lane. Unlike traditional mid laners who focus on high-skill, high-damage champions, Doinb often brought tanky, utility-based champions like Nautilus and Kled to the mid lane, playing more for his team than himself. This approach led FPX to victory in the 2019 World Championship, where Doinb’s unpredictable playstyle caught opponents off-guard. His creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of the mid lane role have made him a beloved figure in the competitive scene and a trendsetter in how mid-lane champions can be played.

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3. Perkz (Luka "Perkz" Perković)

Region: Europe Teams: G2 Esports, Cloud9, Team Vitality Perkz is often celebrated as one of the most versatile players in the history of League of Legends. Starting his career as a mid laner, Perkz led G2 Esports to unprecedented success in Europe, becoming the first European team to reach the World Finals since Season 1 in 2019. Perkz’s ability to dominate on champions like LeBlanc, Akali, and Ryze made him a constant threat, and his willingness to switch to AD carry for G2’s benefit during their superteam phase showcased his selflessness and adaptability. Perkz’s unmatched success in the LEC and his incredible leadership skills have earned him a place among the greats.

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4. Rookie (Song "Rookie" Eui-jin)

Region: China Teams: Invictus Gaming, Victory Five Rookie’s career is a testament to persistence and growth. Starting in Korea before transitioning to China’s LPL, Rookie quickly established himself as one of the most dominant mid laners in the region. Known for his stellar mechanics and clean, precise gameplay on champions like Azir and Orianna, Rookie was a pivotal part of Invictus Gaming’s journey to win the 2018 World Championship, marking the first time a Chinese team claimed the title. Rookie’s longevity, versatility, and dedication to the game have made him a beloved player in both Korea and China, cementing his legacy as one of the best.

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5. Chovy (Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon)

Region: Korea Teams: Griffin, DRX, Hanwha Life Esports, Gen.G While Chovy has yet to secure a World Championship title, his individual skill and mechanical prowess have made him one of the most respected and feared mid laners in the world. Known for his incredible laning phase and exceptional mechanics on champions like Zoe, Orianna, and Sylas, Chovy has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate even the best players. His laning stats are some of the highest in the world, showcasing his meticulous approach to the game. Although he hasn’t yet achieved the same level of team success as others on this list, Chovy's influence on the mid-lane meta and his consistent excellence make him an iconic figure in his own right.

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Honorable Mentions

Other mid laners like Bjergsen, Caps, and Maple also deserve recognition for their contributions to the game and regional success, but these five players stand out for their unique styles, adaptability, and impact on the global competitive stage. Each has defined what it means to be a top-tier mid laner, inspiring countless fans and players alike.