Top mid laners heading into the 2019 NA LCS spring split
The mid lane has long been a two-horse race, but now a few new faces are coming to test their mettle. As the NA LCS spring split approaches, who is the top mid laner in the NA LCS?
The start of a new season means a fresh start for the ten competing teams who, like every year, begin their quests for a spot in playoffs and eventually, a spot at Worlds and the Summoner’s Cup. With mid lane being the most important position, currently, the question that many are asking is who is the top mid laner in the league entering this year?
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5. PowerOfEvil (CLG)
The number five spot belongs to CLG’s Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage. The European powerhouse has set his sights to North America following several successful seasons in Europe. There, he headed a powerful Unicorns Of Love team to a second seed in their first-ever split and more recently, this last season, he helped Misfits Gaming reach a prominent quarter-final spot in Worlds after falling to SKT T1 in a showstopping 3-2 performance.
Combined with CLG’s strong bot lane out of Stixxay and Biofrost, this mid lane shift may be just what CLG needs after failing to make Worlds in the 2018 season.
4. Froggen (Golden Guardians)
Another European player to make the list, Henrik “Froggen” Hansen was historically a top mid laner, known for his eccentric style of play. He has become a seasoned veteran in the LCS community, having played competitively since Season One. His Anivia is known all throughout the rift and if you can have a champion which is synonymous with your name that strikes fear into people, well you are doing something right.
With Golden Guardians having a horrific 2018 season in their first appearance in the LCS, Froggen may give new life to a struggling team as he joins alongside the newly acquired former TSM top laner, Hauntzer.
3. Bjergsen (TSM)
It may come as a surprise that Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg falls this far down on the list, as many still consider him to be the best mid player in North America. The great Dane has without a doubt created a reputation for himself as the face of TSM through his consistent and flashy play.
His mechanical ability on champions such as Zed and Taliyah remain outstanding, but until TSM starts providing results and makes it to a respectable spot in Worlds, you can’t help but wonder if Bjergsen and the rest of TSM will be outclassed by other teams, just like we’ve seen in recent past.
2. Crown (OpTic Gaming)
The only Korean player on this list, he is a former world champion, having obtained the title with Samsung Galaxy in 2017. Lee “Crown” Min-ho has a very dominant playstyle and is without a doubt a contender for best mid in North America.
One of the few people to rival SKT T1’s Faker in the mid lane, Crown’s ability on control mages like Orianna are unparalleled. He is a farming machine and a teamfighting positional genius. Teams are likely going to have to target ban him and camp his lane if they want to be victorious in game. With Crown at the forefront, OpTic Gaming may be a serious force to reckoned with this coming split.
1. Jensen (Team Liquid)
Cloud 9’s former titan of a mid laner, Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen comes off of a relatively successful season following a semi-finals Worlds performance. His transfer to Team Liquid sees him join former champions Impact and CoreJJ as well as Doublelift and Xmithie.
Honestly, Team Liquid fell short last season, they were certainly a fan favorite in North America and after falling out of contention in the knockout stages at Worlds in 2018, Jensen’s acquisition may be just what Team Liquid needs to solidify themselves as a top elite team within North America. Until proven otherwise, Jensen is the top mid laner entering the coming spring split.
Next. NA LCS spring split power rankings - preseason. dark
Do you agree with our picks? Who do you think is the best mid laner in North America? Let us know in the comment section below.