The 2019 League of Legends World Championship was a whirlwind of incredible plays, upsets, and ultimately, a dominant victory for FunPlus Phoenix. While the tournament showcased a variety of strategies and team compositions, one thing was clear: Assassins were the kings of the Rift.
Their high burst damage and ability to pick off key targets quickly made them a terrifying force to be reckoned with. This article delves into the impact of assassins on the 2019 World Championship, analyzing the champions, strategies, and players who dominated the tournament with their lethal skills.
The Rise of Assassins in 2019
The 2019 season witnessed a shift in the meta, with the emergence of assassins as a prominent force. This was fueled by several factors:
- Champion Buffs: Champions like Akali, Qiyana, and Syndra received significant buffs throughout the year, enhancing their already potent damage output and mobility.
- Meta Shift: The shift towards a more aggressive, team-fighting meta favored champions who could quickly eliminate high-priority targets, making assassins the perfect tools for the job.
- Strategic Adaptations: Teams began to build compositions around assassins, leveraging their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses.
Dominant Assassin Champions
Akali: The Rogue Shadow was a constant presence in the top lane and mid lane, boasting both incredible mobility and high burst damage. Her ability to roam and gank effectively made her a nightmare for opponents.
Qiyana: The Empress of the Elements was a versatile assassin, capable of adapting to different playstyles and map positions. Her powerful burst damage and ability to control the terrain made her a formidable opponent.
Syndra: The Dark Sovereign dominated the mid lane, her empowered spheres of energy decimating enemies with ease. Her long-range burst damage and ability to control the flow of team fights made her a popular choice.
Ekko: The Boy Who Shattered Time was a powerful jungler, known for his high damage output and time manipulation abilities. He excelled in ganking and disrupting the enemy team’s rhythm.
Fizz: The Tidal Trickster proved to be a highly adaptable champion, excelling in both mid lane and jungle. His mobility and ability to burst down targets quickly made him a dangerous opponent.
Assassins in Action: Key Moments
The Akali Show: During the quarterfinals, SKT T1’s Akali, played by Faker, showcased his legendary skills in a stunning display of outplays and dominance, proving why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Qiyana’s Domination: In the semi-finals, G2 Esports’ Perkz on Qiyana delivered a powerful performance, showcasing his mastery of the champion and his ability to carry the team to victory.
Syndra’s Explosive Plays: FPX’s Doinb consistently delivered impressive Syndra plays, showcasing the champion’s potential for burst damage and map control. His performance played a crucial role in their World Championship victory.
The Impact of Assassin Strategies
The prevalence of assassins in 2019 significantly impacted the gameplay:
- Emphasis on Objective Control: Teams had to focus on securing objectives quickly to prevent assassins from snowballing out of control.
- Early Game Pressure: The ability of assassins to kill early game and create early advantages led to more aggressive playstyles.
- Teamfight Dynamics: Assassins forced teams to adopt more proactive approaches to team fights, prioritizing quick kills and maximizing their burst damage output.
The Future of Assassins
While the 2019 season was dominated by assassins, their future in League of Legends is still uncertain. The meta is constantly evolving, and balance changes could impact their overall effectiveness. However, their potential for high burst damage and strategic flexibility ensures they will remain a powerful force in the game for years to come.
FAQ
Q: What makes assassins so effective in League of Legends?
A: Assassins excel in League of Legends due to their high burst damage, mobility, and ability to quickly pick off key targets. This makes them dangerous in team fights and allows them to create early game pressure, giving their team a significant advantage.
Q: What are some of the best assassin champions to play in League of Legends?
A: Popular assassin champions include Akali, Qiyana, Syndra, Fizz, and Ekko. These champions are known for their high damage output, mobility, and ability to quickly eliminate targets, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Q: How can I improve my assassin gameplay in League of Legends?
A: To improve your assassin gameplay, focus on mastering your chosen champion’s mechanics, learning their strengths and weaknesses. Practice timing your abilities and movements effectively, and focus on securing early game kills to snowball your advantage.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges of playing assassins in League of Legends?
A: The biggest challenges of playing assassins include their vulnerability to ganks and crowd control, their reliance on early game leads, and their susceptibility to counterpicks.
Q: What are some of the most memorable assassin moments in League of Legends history?
A: Some of the most memorable assassin moments include Faker’s Akali performance in the 2019 World Championship quarterfinals and Perkz’s Qiyana performance in the semi-finals, showcasing the potential for dominance these champions can bring to the Rift.
Q: What are some of the other champions that can be effective in a team composition with assassins?
A: Champions that synergize well with assassins include tanks, enchanters, and supports that can provide crowd control, protection, and utility to enable the assassins to maximize their burst damage.
Q: What are some of the resources available for learning more about assassins in League of Legends?
A: Resources like online guides, videos, and streams from professional players provide valuable insights into champion mechanics, strategies, and builds.
Q: What are some tips for playing against assassins in League of Legends?
A: To counter assassins, prioritize early game control, utilize crowd control abilities, and build defensive items to mitigate their burst damage.
Q: What are some of the trends that will shape the future of assassins in League of Legends?
A: The future of assassins will likely depend on the meta, balance changes, and the emergence of new champions. However, their ability to deliver high burst damage and dominate team fights suggests they will remain a significant force in the game.
Q: What are some of the factors that will influence the balance of assassins in League of Legends?
A: Balance changes, meta shifts, the introduction of new champions, and player feedback will all play a role in shaping the future of assassins in League of Legends.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of assassins in the 2019 League of Legends World Championship. By understanding the champions, strategies, and key moments, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of assassins on the tournament and the future of the game.
