Graves can be considered one of the top jungle champions in League of Legends right now, possessing all the necessary qualities such as good damage, diverse item builds, a certain level of tankiness, and even stable power spikes towards the late game. Graves fits many playstyles and team compositions, gradually becoming the most popular champion in the jungle position, alongside Trundle and Lee Sin, making up the trio of champions with the highest pick rates in the professional arena.
However, despite being powerful and popular, Graves is facing a dire situation in LCK – Korea, where he has been picked 15 times and lost 14 matches, resulting in a win rate of 6.7% along with terrible stats like 1.7 KDA and 295 damage per minute. What is happening with the junglers of Korea?
First, we must admit that the current junglers of Korea do not possess the qualities of a carry player. Names like Cuzz from T1, Clid from Gen.G, or Pyosik from DragonX… despite having high skill levels, they excel only in jungle control, objectives, and map resources. They are not suited for champions that require a more “selfish” playstyle like Graves, which involves farming a lot and carrying later in the game.
Moreover, to play Graves well, one needs a certain understanding of positioning in team fights, essentially playing like an ADC; however, the junglers of LCK lack this. They can farm well, but their sensitivity to engaging in fights with Graves is missing, which makes it understandable that LCK teams struggle when using this champion.
Furthermore, the tactical system of Koreans does not allow a jungle champion like Graves to shine. Simply put, jungling in an LCK team is similar to playing a second Support; instead of protecting the ADC, you control the map and objectives. You will receive very few resources as you have to give way to the ADC and Mid Lane, making champions that are strong at 1-2 item thresholds the most suitable.
Although not a weak champion and played extensively in Challenger Korea, professional teams in LCK are not suitable for Graves, both in terms of players and playstyle. Perhaps in the remainder of the summer split, LCK teams will continue to abandon this champion.