Now that the Groups stage of Worlds 2018 has begun, it’s time for teams to get serious. Their entire season prepared them for this point. While there are players who stand out, which among them stand out the most? That’s what The Game Haus staff is trying to answer with our top 30 players list. This time around we’ll be looking at the 25th to 21st best players at this tournament.

25. Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang, Mid, Flash Wolves

The all-star mid for the Flash Wolves starts off this portion .of the list. Coming into Worlds, the expectation for the Flash Wolves is huge. Part of that is due to the stellar performance of Maple. Leading the LMS in kills during the regular season helps hype up this teams chances as well. As he has already proven his ability to keep up with the best mid laners of the world, Maple now needs to prove that the Flash Wolves can make a deep run with him leading the way. With expectations high and a fairly easy group, Maple and the Flash Wolves have been setup for success.

Comment:”It’s no surprise that Maple and SwordArt ended up next to each other on this list. The two have become synonyms for Flash Wolves and the LMS, after playing for six years together on the team. Together, they have played in four World Championships, but never breached fifth-eighth. Maple has consistently remained an internationally competitive mid laner, and 2018 is no different. He stood out at this year at the Mid-Season Invitational, despite low expectations. Expect him to do the same here.” -Thomas Baker

24. Shi “Ming” Sen-Ming, Support, Royal Never Give Up

Supporting the best ADC in the world is no small task, but Ming has been able to hold his own and prove himself in such a role. This Summer, he further proved his own abilities as a support when Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao decided to take a break and Dai “Able” Zhi-Chun became Ming’s partner in the bot lane. While Ming might not be the best support at this tournament, he’s proven to be the perfect support for Uzi and a capable player in his own right. Now he finds himself at Worlds once again with the pressure on both himself and his team higher than ever.

Comment: “Nothing is greater than the pressure of supporting the King himself, but Ming has risen to the occasion and then some. Uzi goes for plays that would be suicide for anyone else because of his full confidence in Ming. Oppressive trading in lane, impeccable vision control, wide champion pool, commanding sense of engage/disengage, peel for days and sacrificing himself for his King, Ming shows the true meaning of support. Watch out for him on the Gragas especially this tournament.” -Taylor Damaschi

23. Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in, Support, Gen.G

While he’s not the most notable player on Gen.G, CoreJJ has proven himself to be one of the best supports Korea has to offer. Even when Gen.G was struggling to find wins in LCK, CoreJJ along with his ADC Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk remained a constant force to be reckoned with. With CoreJJ acting as a key playmaker for the team, his accomplishments shouldn’t be ignored. This was further proven as the Gen.G duo represented Korea at the Asian games and CoreJJ continued to show his mechanical prowess. Finding themselves in a huge group of death with RNG once again, CoreJJ and the rest of Gen.G will need to play amazing League of Legends and show why they won it all last season.

Comment: “Just outside the top 20, CoreJJ represents the third best support at Worlds 2018. Gen.G’s support has proven time and time again that he is reliable, rarely making game-losing mistakes. The main issue keeping him lower than Mata and Meiko is team dynamic. While CoreJJ is essential to Gen.G’s success, he is not necessarily a larger cog than his teammates. Ruler stands out as the key carry, while Ambition, Crown, Fly, CuVee, and CoreJJ make up a stellar supporting cast.” -Thomas Baker

22. Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho, Top, 100 Thieves

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Ssumday is on this list. The man has been dominating the NA LCS sporting the highest KDA and most kills among top laners. As the key playmaker for 100 Thieves, his ability to completely take over a game is simply amazing. While he isn’t higher on the list due to playing in a weaker region, his abilities as a player shouldn’t be underestimated. With 100 Thieves finding themselves in the traditional Group D group of death, Ssumday will have to put the team on his back and play near perfect if the team wants a chance to make it into the playoffs. Will he be able to do it? Only time will tell.

Comment: “Ssumday is by far the best top laner in the west at the moment. At his current level, I could easily see him being in contention for best top laner in Korea. If it wasn’t for Ssumday it’s very likely we wouldn’t see 100 Thieves at Worlds at all. As a result, I believe Ssumday deserves a spot in the top 30.” -Rui yang Xu

21. Lee “Kuro” Seo-haeng, Mid, Afreeca Freecs

While Kuro is not the most mechanically gifted mid laner, he has proven to still be one of the best around, hence his spot on this list. While being able to hold his own against some of the best Korea has to offer, Kuro shines in his overall playmaking abilities and leadership that has made his teams so successful. Now he finds himself at Worlds once again with a new team but the same ambitions, win it all on the grandest stage. He already beat one demon this season in the form of Kingzone DragonX. Will he be able to complete his fantastic run through the rest of the Worlds to lift the cup at the end? With his amazing team around him, anything is possible.

Comment: “Kuro deserves a much higher spot on this list. Afreeca’s mid laner might not dominate his lane, but he always shows up during the macro-play portions of the game. Kuro barely missed Bdd for Player of the Game awards across the year, more than UCal, Fly, or Crown. Most fans associate the Freecs with Spirit and Kiin, but Kuro is a top Korean mid laner. Don’t forget, Kuro also played for KOO when they acheived Worlds runner-up in 2015, and ROX when they finished 3rd-4th in 2016. And in 2018 he’s in his best form ever.” -Thomas Baker

To watch Worlds, visit watch.na.lolesports.com. For more information on the Split, teams, standings, and players, visit www.lolesports.com. Recaps of former weeks and other LoL content can be found at https://thegamehaus.com/league-of-legends/.

Featured image courtesy of LoL Esports Flickr.

Follow us

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles

Follow Rui on Twitter @ruixu38 

From Our Haus to Yours.