Drafting in League of Legends is a crucial strategic phase where teams select champions before a match, shaping their composition and overall strategy. The order of picks is consistent, with Blue side having the first pick advantage. Teams pick champions in pairs until the last pick for Red side, resulting in designations like B1 (first pick for Blue side) and R5 (last pick for Red side). Bans, though important, often reflect personal preferences for most players, but in professional play, they occur in stages, with each team making initial bans before picks and additional bans after the first 6 picks.
In the initial 6 picks of the draft (see image), Blue side started with Zeri (B1), a mobile carry. Red side responded with Vi (R1) and Rakan (R2), creating a synergistic dive composition. Vi's undodgeable crowd control targets Zeri effectively. Blue side then picked Lulu (B2) and Viego (B3). Lulu enhances Zeri's strength and provides counter-engage with Polymorph. Viego, while not terrible, doesn't align with the team's needs. Red side ended the round with Xayah (R3), complementing Vi and Rakan's engage with substantial damage.
After the initial Picks and Bans, teams focus on targeted bans for specific lanes. Blue side bans Aatrox and Gwen, while Red side bans Viktor and Malphite, aligning with their composition needs. Red side picks Azir (R4) for damage and secondary engage. Blue side picks Xerath (B4) and Sion (B5), countering Azir and providing frontline. Red side ends with Olaf (R5), strengthening their dive-heavy composition. While draft outcomes are unpredictable, Red side holds an advantage with early-game strength and a snowballing potential.
