In League of Legends, the mid lane is the heart of the map, providing opportunities for roaming, playmaking, and high-impact damage in team fights. The champions that dominate the mid lane meta often dictate the pace of the game, whether through burst damage, mobility, or scaling power. Here's a breakdown of the best and worst mid lane picks for Patch 14.19.

D-Tier (0.00 — 35.43): Underperformers

These champions are struggling in the current mid lane meta, either due to weak scaling, poor early game, or kits that don't mesh well with the current patch.

• Gangplank (35.43): While Gangplank can be powerful in the late game, his early laning struggles and reliance on scaling make him less viable in the current meta.
• Smolder (35.06): Lacks significant impact in the early and mid-game phases, falling behind more dominant picks.
• Azir (34.12): Azir’s high skill ceiling and reliance on positioning make him a difficult pick to succeed with, especially in fast-paced games.
• Sion (33.89): Better suited for the top lane, Sion lacks the tools to compete with mobile or high-damage mid lane champions.
• Rumble (33.49): Once a strong AP option, Rumble’s low mobility and reliance on melee range abilities put him at a disadvantage in the current meta.
• Tristana (22.68): While strong as an ADC, Tristana struggles in the mid lane due to her lack of lane control and reliance on all-ins.

C-Tier (35.43 — 40.55): Niche Picks

C-Tier champions have potential but often struggle in the current meta. They can work in certain matchups or compositions but are generally outclassed by stronger options.

• Irelia (40.55): Irelia has potential to dominate certain matchups, but her high skill ceiling and vulnerability to burst make her a risky pick.
• Cho'Gath (40.47): Cho'Gath’s tankiness and sustain are solid, but he’s too slow and easily kited by many popular mid laners.
• Talon (40.47): Talon’s burst is still strong, but the prevalence of durable or mobile champions makes it harder for him to snowball effectively.
• Jayce (40.35): Jayce offers great poke, but he’s often outmatched by stronger scaling or more mobile mid laners.
• Heimerdinger (39.77): Heimerdinger excels at controlling lanes but struggles against aggressive roamers and burst damage.
• Gragas, Qiyana, Quinn, Kayle: These champions can be viable in specific matchups, but their weaknesses in lane or reliance on scaling make them less consistent in the current meta.

B-Tier (40.55 — 47.69): Decent Choices with Some Limitations

B-Tier champions are solid picks that can perform well with the right team composition or matchup. They offer reliable power but often lack the consistent impact of higher-tier champions.

• Taliyah (47.69): Taliyah’s roam potential and utility are strong, but she requires good map awareness to maximize her impact.
• Diana (47.66): Diana’s burst and engage are effective, but her lack of mobility can leave her vulnerable to poke.
• Twisted Fate (46.98): Strong roam and utility, but TF struggles in direct 1v1 matchups and can be outpaced by assassins.
• Ekko, Garen, Cassiopeia, Neeko, Ziggs, Naafiri, Vel'Koz, Pantheon, Brand, Malphite, Kennen, Akshan: These champions offer solid laning and team fight potential but are often dependent on specific situations to truly shine.

A-Tier (47.69 — 55.82): Reliable and Versatile

A-Tier champions are consistently strong in the current meta. They have reliable damage, utility, or mobility that makes them solid picks in most matchups.

• Galio (55.82): Galio’s crowd control and global ultimate make him a great pick for setting up plays and protecting allies.
• Xerath (55.54): His long-range poke and zoning tools are effective, but Xerath’s lack of mobility makes him vulnerable to ganks and assassins.
• Nasus (53.93): Surprisingly effective in mid with strong scaling, though he can struggle against poke-heavy champions.
• Malzahar, Anivia, Vladimir, Swain, Aurora, Lissandra, Annie, Fizz, Viktor, Ryze, Kassadin, Zoe: These champions offer a mixture of scaling, burst, and utility, making them good picks for most games with the right team composition.

S-Tier (55.82— 69.52): Powerful Meta Picks

S-Tier champions are excellent choices in the current patch. They have strong laning phases, good scaling, and the ability to impact team fights or split-push effectively.

• Lux (69.52): A versatile pick with strong poke, shields, and crowd control, Lux is effective in both lane and team fights.
• Hwei (68.79): Offers strong utility and damage, making her a reliable pick in many matchups.
• Zed (68.67): Zed’s burst and mobility make him one of the best assassins in the current patch, excelling in both solo kills and team fights.
• Akali (66.89): Akali’s mobility and burst damage keep her competitive, though she requires high mechanical skill to master.
• Veigar, Orianna, Vex, Katarina, Aurelion Sol: These champions offer great burst or utility, making them strong picks in a variety of matchups and team compositions.

S+ Tier (69.52 — 100.00): Dominating the Mid Lane

These champions are defining the mid lane meta in Patch 14.19. They have few weaknesses, offering incredible burst, mobility, or utility that makes them near-must-picks in most games.

• Yone (86.57): Yone’s scaling, burst, and mobility make him one of the most powerful mid laners in the game right now. His ability to both engage and escape is unmatched.
• Yasuo (85.40): Yasuo’s damage and mobility allow him to dominate the mid lane with the right setup, and his synergy with knock-up champions makes him a deadly threat in team fights.
• Syndra (79.24): Syndra’s burst and crowd control make her an excellent pick for controlling fights and deleting squishy targets.
• LeBlanc (77.39): LeBlanc’s mobility and burst keep her as one of the best assassins, able to pick off key targets and escape with ease.
• Ahri (73.92): With strong pick potential and mobility, Ahri excels at catching out-of-position enemies and kiting during team fights.
• Sylas (71.41): Sylas thrives in extended skirmishes and team fights, with his ability to steal key ultimates making him a flexible and powerful mid laner.

Conclusion: Master the Mid Lane

The mid lane remains one of the most dynamic and influential roles in League of Legends. Whether you prefer burst assassins, control mages, or scaling champions, understanding the meta and picking the right champion can make all the difference. Stay informed on patch changes and adapt to counter your opponents to maintain your edge in Patch 14.19.