The 2024 League of Legends World Championship is just around the corner, but some of the biggest names in the game will be notably absent from this year’s tournament.
Despite high expectations, these iconic players and teams failed to secure their spots at Worlds 2024, leaving fans disappointed and marking the end of the road for some legendary careers.
Here are six of the biggest names missing from this year’s LoL Worlds:
1. Deft
The 2022 World Champion and KT Rolster star, Deft, won’t be making an appearance at Worlds 2024 after his team fell short in the regional qualifiers. KT finished fifth in the Summer Playoffs and narrowly lost to T1 in a 3-2 series during the LCK Regional Finals.
This marks a sad end to Deft’s season, especially with his impending mandatory military service set for 2025, putting his career on pause.
2. Ruler
One of the most celebrated League of Legends players, Ruler, is also missing out on Worlds 2024 after a disappointing year with JDG. Despite a solid 2023 season, JDG struggled in Summer, finishing seventh to eighth and ultimately losing to LNG in their final qualification match.
Ruler, a former World Champion and two-time domestic champion, will not be competing on the global stage this year, which is a massive blow to both JDG and fans of international competition.
3. Jankos
In Europe, Jankos, a multi-LEC and MSI champion, won’t be attending Worlds 2024 after Team Heretics failed to make the cut. Despite being one of the most experienced players in the LEC, Heretics struggled throughout the year, finishing well below expectations.
Jankos’ future with the team is uncertain, with reports suggesting he and several teammates may be exploring other opportunities for the 2025 season.
4. Rookie
Rookie, one of the most decorated mid laners in League of Legends history, will also miss Worlds 2024 after NiP (Ninjas in Pyjamas) had a disastrous summer. NiP finished last in their group and couldn’t secure a second chance in the LPL regional finals, losing a close 3-2 series to JDG.
Despite Rookie’s impressive individual performance throughout the year, NiP’s team struggles ultimately kept him out of Worlds.
5. Jojopyun and Blaber
In North America, Cloud9 failed to deliver on the international stage, with Blaber and Jojopyun missing out on Worlds 2024. After a disappointing year, Cloud9 finished fourth in the LCS Summer Playoffs, unable to qualify for any international events.
For Blaber, this is only the second time in his career that he’ll miss Worlds, while Jojopyun’s future with the team is reportedly in jeopardy after underperforming throughout the season.
Conclusion
The absence of these big names from Worlds 2024 is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of League of Legends esports. While teams and players can dominate throughout the season, a few bad performances can spell the end of their World Championship dreams.
Fans will undoubtedly miss these icons, but Worlds 2024 still promises to deliver incredible competition as new stars rise to claim the Summoner’s Cup.
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