As the new League of Legends season unfolds in 2025, we witness shifts in the meta, with some champions skyrocketing in popularity and others falling behind. Using data from multiple League of Legends statistics websites, we can pinpoint the worst champions in LoL 2025, considering their popularity, win rate, and KDA.
In this article, we’ll explore the champions that have been struggling in the current meta, highlighting those who have fallen out of favor with players.
Why Some Champions Are Struggling in 2025
Every season, the LoL tier list experiences significant changes. While champions like Mel, Ezreal, Lee Sin, Viktor, and Yone remain at the top, there are others that barely make a mark. These champions often find themselves relegated to the bottom of the list in terms of both popularity and performance.
At the start of 2025, some champions are barely seen in the game or have drastically reduced pick rates. One such example is Quinn, whose popularity hovers between 0.8% and 1.2% globally. While there are always champions who fly under the radar, it’s interesting to see that some champions traditionally considered reliable are also facing a slump.
The Rise and Fall of Naafiri, Rek’Sai, and Annie
Among the champions that have garnered attention for their low popularity in 2025, Naafiri, Rek’Sai, and Annie stand out. Each of these champions, once staples in specific roles, is now struggling to find their place in the current meta.
- Naafiri – Despite being a recent addition to the champion roster, Naafiri has been underwhelming in both pick rate and win rate. Since her release, her low popularity has surprised many, as she was expected to bring something fresh to the game.
- Rek’Sai – Rek’Sai, a champion known for her strong presence in the jungle, has also been struggling. With a pick rate below 1.5%, she is no longer considered a top-tier pick for competitive play or even casual games. This represents a significant drop from her earlier days when she was a powerhouse in the jungle.
- Annie – Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list is Annie. Once considered a safe pick in mid-lane or as a support, Annie’s popularity has also plummeted. Despite being an iconic champion, her popularity has barely crossed 1.5% in the current season.
The Decline of Popularity and Win Rates
Looking at these champions’ win rates, we see that their performance in-game also reflects their drop in popularity.
- Gragas jungle – With a win rate of 46.13%, Gragas has seen a significant decline in the jungle role. Once a staple pick, he now struggles to reach above average performance.
- Udyr top – Another champion with a low win rate of 46.69%, Udyr‘s performance in the top lane has fallen off sharply compared to previous seasons.
- Ashe support – Once a popular choice as a support, Ashe now boasts a win rate of just 44.28%, reflecting her diminished effectiveness in this role.
These champions, who once enjoyed a more prominent place in the meta, have struggled to adapt to the shifts in LoL’s 2025 season. The current tier list reveals that these champions are far less effective than before, especially in higher levels of play.
Top Champions in LoL 2025
While champions like Naafiri, Rek’Sai, and Annie struggle, some champions are thriving in the 2025 season. According to the latest data, the best champions in LoL right now include:
- Garen mid – With a win rate of 54.46%, Garen has emerged as a dominant force in the mid-lane this season.
- Yorick jungle – Yorick is another surprising pick in the jungle with a win rate of 54.1%, proving that he can still hold his own in 2025.
These champions, with their strong win rates and effective gameplay, are the ones taking the spotlight in the new season.
The Role of Popularity in Champion Balance
It’s important to note that champion popularity plays a significant role in how Riot Games balances champions. Champions like Mel, Cassiopeia, and K’Sante have received adjustments based on their usage rates. This ensures that meta champions remain strong while those who are underperforming or forgotten are tweaked or buffed accordingly.
Summary of Key Struggling Champions in 2025:
- Naafiri – A recent champion release with low popularity and win rate.
- Rek’Sai – Struggling to find relevance in the jungle role.
- Annie – Once a reliable pick, now a forgotten choice in 2025.
- Gragas jungle – A sharp drop in effectiveness with a win rate below average.
- Udyr top – Once a strong contender, now a low win rate champion.
- Ashe support – A surprising drop in her effectiveness as a support pick.
Final Toughts
As we head into 2025, it’s clear that some champions have fallen out of favor due to changes in the meta or their inability to adapt to newer strategies. Naafiri, Rek’Sai, and Annie are among the worst champions in LoL 2025, showing that even iconic picks can falter in a rapidly evolving game.
While these champions may struggle, the balance of the game always changes. Players should keep an eye on patch updates, as Riot Games often adjusts champions to make them more viable in future seasons. As always, the LoL tier list will continue to shift, and champions that are struggling today may find new opportunities in the future.
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