The 2023 LCS Season is fast approaching and it is time to start looking at all the LCS teams and their players to determine how good their Spring Split could be. This is the top lane Preseason Power Rankings and is the first of three different editions of this piece. The goal will be to look at each player in their respective role and see where they rank compared to the opposition. Here are the LCS 2023 Spring Split Mid Lane Power Rankings ranked from 10 to 1.
[Related: LCS 2023 Spring Split Jungle Power Rankings: Preseason]
After what felt like a breakout season in 2021, 2022 was not as kind to Ablazeolive. He would finish the summer would the second least amount of kills, the most deaths and the worst KDA amongst mid laners with at least 16 games. When he was replaced by LIDER, many thought that would be the end. Instead, IMT decided to bring him in over POE, who also finished at the bottom in nearly every statistical category. Luckily for Ablazeolive, this meta may be a bit more suited for him as more control mages make their way into the mid lane. If this trend continues he may quickly climb the ranks.
The trend of PCS and more specifically PSG Talon players coming to the LCS continues with Gori. The South Korean was once a backup for Faker and Doinb. If a player needed to learn under anyone, those two players are probably some of the best. He will have another chance to establish himself and while a bit of an unknown, Gori could be exactly what River and PSG Talon needed.
One of the more forgotten members of an incredible TL Academy squad, Haeri has a chance to really establish himself. With Pyosik as his jungler, Summit as his fellow solo laner, Yeon coming along with him and CoreJJ, the support GOAT of NA on his squad, he will have plenty of support. With less pressure this young mid laner can focus on his on play while listening to two former World champions make the more important calls. He still has to show that he can do it in his first top region callup, but TL certainly believe that he could skyrocket up rankings like these.
One of the best surprises of last year was CLG and within that team, Palafox may have been the biggest surprise on his own. He finished the summer in fourth for kills but only nine behind Jensen who lead the league. Deaths were a bit of a problem for him but if his Gold Difference at 10 is any indication, his laning was not whether those issues occurred. He will have to die less and up his CS per minute but if he can do that then Palafox could be in line for another great year.
Diplex comes over from Europe being known as a talent mid but one with some attitude problems. Ringing any bells? If Cloud9 hit on Diplex in the same way they did with Jensen then this will be one of the most underrated pickups in quite some time. Funny enough, he is also dethroning Jensen who now finds himself on Dignitas. Regardless, this young mid laner can play the hell out of assassins which means this meta outside of Akali may be a bit tough on him. Luckily he has an amazing team surrounding him while he grows and learns how to play at an LCS level. The sky is the limit for Diplex which should make him an interesting player to watch once the season begins.
The first regular season split for Maple was pretty average to below average. Then once the playoffs hit it was like fans were teleported back to a time when Maple was scaring the hell out of the best mids in the world. He will have had more time to adjust to the US and being with a TSM team that is constantly in flux. Add in that this meta should suit him perfectly and TSM have their star player to play around. People will overlook him and that could be their downfall. If TSM are to have any chance to surprise people, it will be thanks to Maple.
One of the more surprising signings of the offseason, VicLa comes off of a Rookie of the Year award in the LCK to join FlyQuest. His name was not one that was being discussed much but the newest moneybags org on the block likely gave him just that, money. Along with signing Prince it was clear that this org wanted young talented Korean talent to build their base. VicLa can play just about anything but some of his best champions should be in the early meta. Picks like Ryze, Syndra, Ahri and Akali will not only offer him comfort but the ability to showcase his best. It also doesn’t hurt that jojopyun already believes he is the second best mid in the LCS.
Even after being kicked off Cloud9, again, Jensen leads what should be the first interesting Dignitas team in nearly a decade. He is truly Mr. Consistent as he was at the top of the leaderboard in terms of kills in the LCS and third in assists. Jensen joined Cloud9 off the streets to lead them to another championship. While he fizzled out a bit at Worlds, he still showed that there is plenty of juice left. Look for him to have another solid season, especially with the control mage meta that many are predicting.
The fact that Bjergsen died basically once a game last season while still finishing second in kills and also first in Gold and XP difference at 10 minutes is absolutely insane. He is back on a team with Doublelift after dragging him out of retirement and has two of the biggest LCS prospects along with a solid jungler in Closer. It seems obvious that 100 Thieves are looking to regain their position at the top of the LCS. There is not a person who will benefit more from this meta than Bjergsen. Some of his most iconic plays are on champions like Syndra and Akali. Buckle up LCS fans, carry Bjergsen is back.
Even with all the talent in the LCS at mid, no one is better than jojopyun. In his first season he accomplished more than any player in LCS history. He was able lead EG to their first title in LCS history, be a 1st Team All-Pro and Win Rookie of the Year all while EG ended up at MSI and Worlds 2022. This guy only just turned 18 and already has the maturity of a veteran along with the ability to play what helps his team best. His potential is insane and putting him anywhere else but first for these LCS 2023 Spring Split Mid Lane Power Rankings would be an insult.
You can find more pieces like “LCS 2023 Spring Split Mid Lane Power Rankings” and you can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Robert!
“From Our Haus to Yours”
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
