And Trâu, a long-time League of Legends streamer, is currently very passionate about this “merit-based chess” game. Currently ranked in Challenger, Trâu Đại Hiệp loves this champion and often uses the Emperor of the Sands to carry the team as well as build a composition to secure a top 1 finish.
So let’s explore how Trâu uniquely builds a team around Azir.
Early Game
You can use champions that you can level up to 2-stars early to defend in the early game before Azir appears, like Zyra, Vayne, Diana,… However, to get 3-cost champions like Azir and Karma early, you should aim to reach level 5 by the end of the 2-4 shop round.
For your tank lineup, simply use the Protector champions, and if possible, activate the Lunar and Mystic traits as early as possible; otherwise, using Forest/Nature is the strongest option at this stage.
Mid Game
While rolling to improve your team is essential, especially getting a 2-star Azir, try not to spend too much gold; keep yourself at 10-20 gold.
If your team isn’t strong enough or you’re low on health, you can go all-in at level 7 after defeating the Wolves; otherwise, play it slow and wait for opportunities to increase your strength in the late game. Make sure to activate 4 Protectors and 2 Mystics to shield Azir, allowing him to deal damage for as long as possible.
Late Game
Continuing to use 4 Protectors or switching to 4 Mystics will depend on the state of the match. If there’s a lot of magic damage, use 4 Mystics, and you can substitute a strong 5-cost Protector like Amumu or Taric for Nautilus if possible.
A Small Note on Using the Azir-Centric Composition
This is a “one-man army” composition, and stacking 3 items early on Azir may put you in danger when facing Yasuo. Therefore, consider equipping 3 defensive items on Malphite to serve as a “decoy” if many players are using Yasuo in the match.
Although this composition is strong in the early and mid-game, if you lack the luck to level up significantly with a 3-star Azir or 5-cost champions like Master Yi, Amumu, Taric, or Nami to 2-stars, it will be tough to secure a top 1 finish. Of course, this is a very viable composition in this patch and will help you easily reach the top 4.