The Gen.G – HLE Match Reveals the “Dismal” Fate of a Champion in League of Legends
In the match between Gen.G and Hanwha Life Esports that kicked off the 2025 Regular Seasons, a “strange” champion made an appearance. This is because this champion has been in League of Legends for a long time but has been nearly absent. That champion is Naafiri. However, this time, the “dark fate” continues to haunt Naafiri as it suffers a defeat in the Jungle position under the hands of a top superstar in this role – Peanut.
Specifically, including the match between HLE and Gen.G, Naafiri has only made a total of… 4 appearances in LCK. Notably, this champion has been available since July 2023. It can be said that Naafiri has the fewest appearances in the history of League of Legends in Korea. Particularly, Naafiri has a “disastrous” win rate: 3 losses – 1 win in 4 times chosen.
Riot’s Efforts Still Can’t Save Naafiri from a “Dark Fate” in Professional League of Legends
It should also be noted that since Riot adjusted this champion, Naafiri has started to appear more frequently. Including the Pre-Season, the kickoff tournaments, and various Winter tournaments in some regions, Naafiri has been banned 99 times and appeared 40 times, as of April 4. This is a significantly higher number compared to the 2024 season (12 bans – 5 picks). However, Naafiri’s win rate has not improved.
Specifically, this champion has appeared 38 times in the Jungle position with a win rate of around 60%, but in the Mid Lane, it remains 1 win – 1 loss. Among them, Kanavi is currently the most successful player using Naafiri with 3 picks and a 100% win rate. It can be said that the Jungle role may suit this champion better, but when facing equally matched opponents, Naafiri still hasn’t produced many surprises, as evidenced in the recent Gen.G – HLE match.
Perhaps in the future, this Darkin dog-like champion will be chosen more often. However, whether Naafiri will be an effective name as Riot hopes depends on larger matches rather than one-sided games.