Discover the top League of Legends players who dominated 2021 with expert analysis, strategic insights, and actionable improvement tips
Introduction: Defining Excellence in League of Legends Esports
League of Legends professional competition delivered another electrifying year of high-stakes action across global regions. This comprehensive analysis identifies the five standout performers who fundamentally shaped the competitive landscape throughout 2021.
The 2021 League of Legends season showcased remarkable talent development across every major region, featuring unforgettable championship moments, dramatic playoff upsets, and individual performances that redefined positional excellence. These five athletes not only dominated their respective competitions but also established new benchmarks for professional play.
While EDward Gaming’s stunning reverse-sweep victory against Damwon Gaming at Worlds 2021 captured global attention, the complete competitive calendar revealed consistent excellence from multiple organizations. True greatness in esports extends beyond single tournament performances to encompass year-round dominance and meta-defining playstyles.
Throughout twelve months of intense competition, elite competitors from Royal Never Give Up, EDG, Damwon KIA, T1, G2 Esports, MAD Lions, Cloud9, 100 Thieves, and numerous other organizations demonstrated exceptional skill. These athletes dominated Summoner’s Rift during domestic league splits while also excelling at international tournaments including the Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship.
Within these successful teams emerged genuine difference-makers—players who consistently elevated their squads during critical moments and established themselves as the definitive performers of 2021. Their individual excellence often determined match outcomes and championship results throughout the competitive year.
For additional esports analysis, explore our expert rankings covering elite Call of Duty competitors, top-tier Valorant professionals, and Warzone’s most dominant players. Below, we present the definitive assessment of League of Legends’ five most impactful competitors during the 2021 season.
1 — Viper: The New ADC Sovereign
Park “Viper” Do-hyeon had already cultivated substantial fan appreciation during his tenure with Griffin, the organization that revolutionized LCK strategies during 2018-2019. However, his 2021 campaign with EDward Gaming permanently established his legacy, culminating in a World Championship title that cemented his status among League of Legends’ all-time greats.
EDward Gaming’s third-place LPL Spring Split finish served as valuable preparation rather than disappointment. During Summer Split, Viper and his teammates executed a complete transformation, securing China’s domestic championship and restoring EDG to their former glory. Their World Championship victory represented the organization’s first international League of Legends title—a monumental achievement for Chinese esports where Viper played an indispensable role.
Statistically, Viper delivered his most impressive professional season, achieving a remarkable 5.79 KDA ratio while accumulating 1,163 combined kills and assists across 121 competitive games. His champion pool versatility and teamfighting precision proved instrumental throughout EDG’s championship campaigns.
Strategic Insight: Viper’s success demonstrates how ADC players can maximize impact through calculated aggression. His positioning during teamfights consistently optimized damage output while minimizing vulnerability—a skill intermediate players should practice through VOD review and targeted drills.
Common ADC Mistake to Avoid: Many players overextend during laning phase attempting unnecessary trades. Viper’s disciplined approach focuses on securing farm advantages and capitalizing on enemy mispositioning rather than forcing unfavorable engagements.
The bot lane hierarchy has undergone fundamental restructuring—Viper now occupies the throne previously held by legendary marksmen like Uzi, Rekkles, and Deft.
2 — ShowMaker: The Complete Mid Lane Virtuoso
Heo “ShowMaker” Su may not have replicated DWG KIA’s dominant 2020 championship results, experiencing heartbreaking five-game defeats at both MSI and Worlds 2021. However, the Korean mid laner demonstrated extraordinary adaptability throughout 2021, seamlessly adjusting to League of Legends’ evolving competitive meta while expanding his strategic repertoire.
Transitioning beyond his established role as primary carry alongside jungle partner Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, ShowMaker shouldered increased responsibility throughout 2021. He successfully piloted both explosive damage champions and utility-focused picks while maintaining exceptional performance levels. Current competitive consensus unequivocally recognizes ShowMaker as the world’s premier mid laner, with his secondary bot lane proficiency further enhancing his value.
Optimization Tip for Advanced Mid Players: Study ShowMaker’s wave management techniques during international tournaments. His ability to create lane priority enables superior jungle coordination and objective control—skills transferable to competitive and high-level ranked environments.
As competitive focus shifts toward 2022, speculation intensifies regarding ShowMaker’s potential challenge to Faker’s enduring legacy. The enigmatic superstar appears determined to establish his own indelible mark on League of Legends history.
3 — Gumayusi: LCK’s Phenomenal Rookie Sensation
Discussing exceptional first-year performers naturally leads to T1’s AD Carry prodigy Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong, who captivated audiences throughout Korea’s domestic league and during international competition with his spectacular 2021 performances.
Gumayusi developed within T1’s prestigious academy system for approximately three years, competing as a trainee throughout 2019 and 2020 before making his unexpected LCK Regional Finals debut late in 2020. While that initial appearance didn’t yield Worlds qualification, Gumayusi secured international competition just one year later through sheer performance excellence.
During Worlds 2021, the 19-year-old phenom collaborated with legendary teammate Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok during T1’s impressive semifinal run before their defeat against Damwon Gaming. Analytical consensus suggested T1 possessed genuine championship potential, with Gumayusi serving as crucial component in nearly dethroning the defending world champions. His exceptional Jhin performance during game three systematically dismantled DWG’s defensive formations.
Practical Strategy: Gumayusi’s champion specialization demonstrates the value of mastering specific picks. While maintaining broad champion knowledge remains important, developing two or three “pocket picks” to professional-level proficiency can provide competitive advantages during critical matches.
Gumayusi has already revealed his distinctive playstyle and extraordinary skill level during domestic and international competitions, prompting the inevitable question: What ultimate achievements await LCK’s latest extraordinary young talent?
4 — Elyoya: Europe’s Revolutionary Jungler
Javier “Elyoya” Batalla represents the second Western jungler featured among our top five selections, potentially exerting greater influence on MAD Lions’ success than Closer achieved with his North American squad.
The Spanish sensation experienced a remarkable debut season within Europe’s premier league, guiding MAD Lions to consecutive split championships while securing Spring Split Rookie of the Split honors. During Reykjavik tournaments, Elyoya facilitated MAD Lions’ fourth-place MSI finish before returning to Iceland for their Worlds quarterfinal elimination.
Throughout 2021, the 21-year-old prodigy substantially influenced LEC jungling meta development, elevating MAD Lions above established powerhouses G2 Esports and Fnatic while demonstrating competitive parity against international opponents during both major tournaments—an extraordinary inaugural campaign for the rookie jungler.
Jungle Pathing Optimization: Elyoya’s success stems from efficient clearing patterns combined with intelligent gank timing. Aspiring junglers should study his early game route efficiency and objective prioritization during VOD review sessions to improve their own map impact.
5 — Closer: North America’s Explosive Playmaker
While 100 Thieves concluded their Worlds 2021 campaign disappointingly with Group B elimination, the North American champions displayed exceptional form throughout their LCS season, with Turkish playmaker Can “Closer” Çelik functioning as their competitive engine.
The explosive jungler operated alongside established stars including Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho, Victor “FBI” Huang, and German import Felix “Abbedagge” Braun, but Closer’s consistent performance provided 100 Thieves’ competitive foundation. His exceptional LCS Championship performances proved particularly noteworthy, especially during a grueling 84-minute victory against Team Liquid during early playoff rounds.
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Closer’s spectacular season conclusion earned selection to the LCS Second All-Pro Team alongside LCS Finals MVP recognition for his extraordinary playoff contributions.
Common Jungle Mistake: Many players overcommit to unsuccessful ganks instead of prioritizing farm and objective control. Closer’s balanced approach demonstrates how efficient clearing combined with selective aggression generates superior map influence.
Legacy and Forward Perspective
The 2021 competitive season will remain memorable for numerous reasons, with these five exceptional League of Legends professionals representing particularly significant contributors. Each athlete fundamentally influenced domestic and international competitions, imposing their will upon Summoner’s Rift throughout the entire calendar year.
As competitive attention shifts toward 2022, maintain focus on Viper, ShowMaker, Closer, and their fellow elite performers—when these athletes demonstrate peak performance, League of Legends transcends mere competition to become artistic expression.
Explore additional Dexerto Best of 2021 coverage featuring premier competitors, influential content creators, and definitive game selections across multiple esports titles.
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