With Worlds 2023 wrapped up and the 2024 Spring Split in plain sight, we wanted to reflect on what has been yet another action-packed year in League of Legends. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane in our guide and review the best LoL players of 2023.
Then, once you’ve soaked up all the knowledge, you can see how to put that knowledge to test by going through our LoL Betting Guide or checking out the latest LoL Betting odds.
Why Did We Pick These As The Best LoL Players?
We chose these players by carefully evaluating each player’s performance throughout the year, which means our focus extended beyond the LEC and LCS. Specifically, we considered players’ individual tournament achievements and their consistency, growth, and impact on their respective teams.
We’ve also given weight to players’ adaptability in high-pressure scenarios and their expected performance in the upcoming 2024 LoL esports season. Importantly, this list is not intended to rank or compare players’ skills; it’s a celebration of their unique contributions in 2023.
Please note: These picks are based on the author’s opinion and do not necessarily align with all Thunderpick staff.
Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk (JD Gaming)
Ruler’s near-flawless team fights and incredible farming ability cement him among the most well-rounded ADCs globally. This much is evident from his track record, which includes gold trophies at the 2017 World Championship, LCK Summer 2022, MSI 2023, and LPL Spring and Summer 2023.
A pivotal figure in JDG’s bot lane, the Korean star was the linchpin and driving force behind their world-class gameplay in 2023, consistently delivering top-tier performances. With that, the 2024 LoL esports season is met with exceedingly high expectations for what Ruler will bring to the stage.
Zhuo “Knight” Ding (Bilibili Gaming)
Few LoL players will deny that Knight dominated the mid lane, boasting solid team fight and mastery with champions like Ahri, Jayce, Annie, and Syndra in 2023. His overall skill was unmistakable, too, even under the immense pressure of events like the LPL Summer Finals against LNG.
While his attempt at The Golden Road with JDG was halted by T1 at Worlds 2023, the Chinese titan celebrated a year of triumphs: 1st place at LPL Spring, LPL Summer 2023, MSI 2023, and even the LPL 2023 MVP title, closing the 2023 competitive year with a near-spotless record.
Knight is dead set on dominating in the 2024 Spring Split alongside Bin, XUN, Elk, and ON for Bilibili Gaming. His move from JDG to BLG strengthens BLG’s top side massively, making them serious contenders for the title of best team (at least on paper) in 2024.
Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon (Gen.G Esports)
Chovy had a great year that included helping Gen.G secure both LCK playoffs and entering Worlds 2023 as the LCK’s top seed. While the mid laner’s mastery over the LoL champion pool and propensity to find leads in losing games reflect pure brilliance, his only setback seems to be folding under pressure.
While his Worlds 2023 performance was marred by a few crucial misplays (reminiscent of his upset against DRX at Worlds 2022), the Korean superstar is redeemed by his adaptability. Chovy’s high-level play is also underscored by reaching five consecutive World Championship quarterfinals, which (until now) was a feat not even Faker achieved!
Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok (JD Gaming)
Hailed by many as the best jungler in LoL, Kanavi had an exceptional year. He earned $150k and had a near indomitable mastery with Wukong (76%) and Sejuani (75%) in 2023. Now practically a franchised player, Kanavi has become a core part of JDG’s identity and success (alongside Ruler, of course).
Kanavi has racked up numerous trophies and awards in 2023, thanks to his consistent high-level play in the LPL. He’s earned widespread respect and cemented his status as an absolute machine, apparent by his strong team fight, predictive ability, and champion pool depth.
Choi “Zeus” Woo-je (T1)
At just 19 years old as of this writing, Zeus has already left an indelible mark in LoL history by securing eight top 3 finishes with T1. His outstanding skill not only led the Korean team to clinch the Summoner’s Cup at Worlds 2023 but also earned him the Finals MVP award after closing the 3-0 series with a 16/4/17 KDA.
Looking ahead, Zeus will remain with T1 in 2024. He was a standout player alongside Gumayusi, particularly during Faker’s brief absence last year. In an interview, Zeus said he wanted to be “the brightest star” and that his goal now ”is to shine for a long, long time”—and we’re certain he will.
Lee “Scout” Ye-chan (LNG Esports)
This list would be incomplete without acknowledging Scout’s outstanding contributions. Despite LNG’s challenges with securing major wins in 2023, the Worlds 2021 champion has consistently showcased exceptional gameplay like clinching back-to-back 2023 LPL Spring and Summer MVP titles.
With LNG’s recent acquisition of GALA, Weiwei, and Mark, expectations are high for Scout to excel within this renewed lineup. While his performance at Worlds 2022 included a brief stumble against DRX Zeka, Scout’s performance in 2023 reminded fans of his status as one of the best mid laners in LoL.
Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin (Bilibili Gaming)
Now a household name in LoL esports, Bin (until recently) held a unique record at Riot Games international events, reaching the Grand Finals of every event he attended! And why aren’t we surprised? In 2020, the Chinese top laner executed the first-ever penta-kill at a World Final.
In the 2023 season, Bin continued to push the needle. He has been a strong factor behind BLG’s success, with the meta favoring his signature champions: Jax, Renekton, Fiora, and K’Sante. Last year proved Bin’s status as a top-tier top-laner, with his aggressive playstyle being his only weakness.
Honorable Mentions
We wanted to also shout out the following League players who deserve recognition for their performance this season:
- Bai “369” Jia-Hao (Top Esports)
- Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong (KT Rolster)
- Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon (Hanwha Life Esports)
- Yoo “Delight” Hwan-joong (Hanwha Life Esports)
- Zhao “Elk” Jiahao (Bilibili Gaming)
- Chen “GALA” Wei (LNG Esports)
- Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong (T1)
- Ryu “Keria” Min-seok (T1)
- Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle (G2 Esports)
- Luo “ON” Wenjun (Bilibili Gaming)
- Han “Peanut” Wang-ho (Hanwha Life Esports)
- Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan (Gen.G Esports)
- Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok (Free Agent)
- Zeng “Yagao” Qi (JD Gaming)
- Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao (Weibo Gaming)
Who Was The Best Overall?
Few will deny that Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is the GOAT in LoL. As the most celebrated mid laner and the cornerstone to T1’s dominance, the Korean stalwart holds four World Championships, two Mid-Season Invitationals, and ten LCK and Champions Korea titles.
While the likes of Zeus and Gumayusi overshadowed his performance in 2023, it is undeniable that Faker has been key to T1’s success, exemplified by a fearless approach to competition. Despite rumors that the Unkillable Demon King will retire, Faker will contend for a fifth World Championship win in 2024.
Looking for more thrilling action? Place your League of Legends esports bets on the Thunderpick esports betting site, backed by super-competitive odds! Take advantage of a diverse menu of betting markets, exclusive welcome bonuses, and zero-rated deposits and withdrawals with various crypto payment options.
Always practice Responsible Gambling and check out our latest promo offers and boosts. T&Cs apply. 18+ to play.
