As the 2024 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) approaches, all eyes are on the evolving meta that could shape the tournament. One of the most intriguing developments comes from Gen.G’s star midlaner, Chovy, who has been experimenting with an unexpected pick—Garen mid.
This choice, which could initially seem out of place in the current meta, may actually be a strategic masterstroke in the upcoming Worlds 2024.
Chovy’s Strategic Experimentation
Chovy isn’t just considered one of the best midlaners in the world because of his mechanical skill and in-depth game knowledge. His ability to adapt to new metas and innovate within his role has kept him ahead of the curve.
Known for his exceptional farming and game-changing plays, Chovy has a passion for meta gaming and theorycrafting, exploring unconventional strategies that could give him an edge.
In recent weeks, Chovy has been practicing Garen in the mid lane, a pick that raises eyebrows but could be highly effective against the rising trend of ADCs (Attack Damage Carries) in mid. Garen’s tankiness and burst damage can counteract the squishy nature of most ADCs, making him a viable option in certain matchups.
Why Garen Mid Could Work
While Garen is traditionally a top lane champion, Chovy’s experimentation highlights several reasons why Garen could be a strong pick in the mid lane:
- Durability: Garen’s natural tankiness allows him to absorb damage, making him hard to burst down by typical mid lane champions.
- Silence: His Q ability, Decisive Strike, can silence opponents, which is particularly useful against champions that rely heavily on their abilities.
- Sustain: Garen’s passive, Perseverance, provides significant health regeneration, allowing him to sustain through poke-heavy lanes.
- Flexibility: With a build focused on offense through runes and items, Garen can dish out considerable damage while remaining resilient.
- Matchup Advantage: Garen’s simplicity and strength make him an unexpected yet effective counter to popular mid lane picks like Tristana, Yasuo, and Galio.
Chovy’s use of Garen mid isn’t limited to just one champion either. He’s also been experimenting with other unconventional picks like Nasus and Wukong, along with lesser-seen AP mages such as Orianna and Aurelion Sol, showcasing his readiness to challenge the expected meta.
What This Means for Worlds 2024
With the World Championship set to begin on September 25 with the Play-In Stage, the meta is still in flux, and the final changes from Riot Games are yet to be announced. However, Chovy’s willingness to explore and possibly bring unconventional picks like Garen mid to the world stage could set a new trend if successful.
His approach underlines the importance of adaptability in professional play, especially in a tournament as significant as Worlds. If Garen mid becomes a staple in Gen.G’s strategy, it could lead to a broader acceptance of unorthodox champions in the mid lane, potentially altering the competitive landscape.
Conclusion
As Worlds 2024 draws near, Chovy’s experimentation with Garen mid highlights the ever-evolving nature of League of Legends’ meta. While unconventional, this pick could offer a strategic advantage in the right circumstances, reflecting Chovy’s deep understanding of the game and his innovative approach to play.
Whether Garen mid will become a staple in competitive play or remain a niche strategy will be one of the many intriguing storylines to watch in this year’s World Championship.
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