The Top-Laner of the Year award recognizes esports players who perform one of the most challenging yet underrated roles in modern League of Legends. Their task is to maintain a balance between playing on the weak side of the map, controlling teleports, and creating pressure at crucial moments of the match. In 2025, the top lane role firmly established itself as the strategic foundation for team success.
Top lane players are no longer just "tanks" or "duelists." They read the map, close off space for the opponent, absorb pressure, and can become a key force in the late game. It was in the 2025 season that the top lane became the litmus test of a team's quality on the international stage.
This ranking was formed based on a combination of individual skill, stability, and impact on team results throughout the year.
Methodology and Evaluation Criteria
For an objective comparison of top lane players, the following were considered:
- Total number of matches played at the highest level throughout the year
- Average KDA
- Kill Participation rate
- Average damage per minute (DPM)
- Trophies, prize placements, and playoff impact
- Performances in international tournaments (MSI, Worlds 2025)
The balance between statistics and real impact on results allowed us to identify the five best top lane players of 2025.
Top 5 Top-Laners of 2025
5. Chen "Bin" Ze-bin
Bin traditionally remains a symbol of the aggressive carry approach on the top lane. In 2025, he wasn't as dominant as in his peak years but still remained one of the most dangerous threats on the strong side of the map.
His mechanical prowess on champions like Jax, Gwen, and Rumble allowed BLG to build strategies around the top lane. However, mid-season instability prevented Bin from climbing higher in the rankings.
4. Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon
Doran embodied the ideal weak-side top laner. His contributions are not always visible in the stats, but it's through players like him that teams gain stability and structured play.
He excelled in discipline, precise positioning, and the ability to withstand pressure without losing control. Doran rarely demanded resources, allowing the team to invest in carry lanes while remaining useful in team fights.
3. Choi "Zeus" Woo-je
Zeus had one of the strongest individual seasons of his career. After moving to Hanwha Life Esports, he instantly elevated the team's level, combining mechanical perfection with incredible efficiency without excessive resources.
He showcased top-tier damage and kill stats while remaining one of the least greedy top laners. His play on the side lanes and ability to find moments for aggression made Zeus one of the season's major threats.
2. Li "Flandre" Xuan-jun
Flandre became a stabilizing factor for Anyone’s Legend, especially in the LPL playoffs.
His strength lies in reliability and versatility. Flandre was confident both on initiating tanks and bruisers, acting as a facilitator for the team. He was rarely the reason for defeats and often ensured tempo control in series where every mistake could cost the season.
1. Kim "Kiin" Gi-in — Top-Laner of the Year 2025
Kiin was the epitome of the perfect top laner: he didn't lose lane, used teleports flawlessly, and remained relevant even without resources. His versatility—from carry champions to initiators—allowed Gen.G to maintain control in the toughest matches.
At the MSI, Esports World Cup, and Worlds 2025, Kiin was one of the main stability factors for Gen.G, helping the team win three titles in a year. His consistency, composure, and game understanding set a new standard for top laners.
The role of the top laner in League of Legends in 2025 has never been so demanding. Constant meta changes, Fearless Draft, and increasing competition turned this position into a true test of gaming intelligence and psychological resilience.
While Flandre, Zeus, Doran, and Bin had outstanding seasons, Kiin was on another level of consistency and impact. He didn't just play the top lane—he set the standard for what an elite top laner should be in modern League of Legends.
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