Best LCK top laners going into 2019
By Nick Yon
Season 9 makes its debut tomorrow, and players from around the world are ready to begin their ranked climbs. Pro top laners in the LCK will undoubtedly be eager to begin their climbs as well. Today I’ll be giving you my top 3 top laners in the LCK…
Despite top lane being the lane that gets the least amount of attention in solo queue, top lane is often a top priority for jungle ganks in the LCK. Top lane is a long solo lane, and in professional play it is extremely easy for teams to punish a lack of vision or even a slight overextension. Let’s see who the best top laners in the best region are.
1. Kim “Kiin” Gi-in of Afreeca Freecs
Afreeca Freecs was the last Korean team standing in Worlds this year. A chunk of that honor goes to their top laner Kiin. During the 2018 LCK Summer Split, Kiin had unprecedented success in the top lane. With a grand total of 114 kills, Kiin has had incredible success in taking down other top laners.
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Also, Kiin sparked a revolution in solo queue when he revealed just how oppressive his top lane Viktor could be. An off-tank champion that could absorb an impressive amount of damage as well as pump out decent damage number to. Kleptomancy Viktor became extremely popular, seen in games for months after its Worlds appearance. At one point, Kiin ended up with an enormous 50 cs lead over his opposing laner, Aatrox due to his range advantage.
2. Song “Smeb” Kyung-ho of KT Rolster
Smeb had an incredible showing during the LCK Summer Split. He had the fourth most kills of all top laners in the LCK but the most assists. His presence around the map is unprecedented. A combination of mechanical skill and strong communication, Smeb always seems to be in the right place at the right time for skirmishes and team fights.
During Worlds in 2018, Smeb showcased his talents on Irelia by having a 100% win rate on her through 4 games. Smeb and Kiin were rated extremely close to each other, but Afreeca Freecs’ placement in worlds ultimately knocked Smeb down to second place.
3. Choi “Sword” Sung-won
The starting top laner for Griffin, who remained undefeated during the KeSPA Cup. Sword lent aid to his mid laner Chovy allowing him to dominate the game. Sword’s dominant play had played a critical role in Griffin sweeping the other teams during the KeSPA Cup Semifinals and Finals.
Perhaps the scariest part for the other teams of the LCK is that Sword still has a lot to improve. During an interview after his victory at the KeSPA Cup, Sword openly admitted that he was looking to improve during the offseason. He even went as far as to say that he believes that his gameplay is lacking in several areas. If he improves on those areas to his satisfaction, a new number one will surely be sneaking up soon.
Next. What picks have dominated week 1 of professional play?. dark
Who do you think should be the top 3 for LCK’s top laners? Do you agree? Do you think Khan should be in here? Let us know in the comments!
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