The LEC is almost here for its first-ever winter split, and the pros are ready to get back in the action after a 3-month break. The huge format changes have taken effect, so we'll see 3 superweeks and then it's straight into playoffs. New teams and unexpected changes also mean that no roster is the same as in 2022.
Season 13 has brought some huge changes to the jungle, with the addition of pets as well as new items. Playing such a critical role in the team, we've broken down who we think can adapt the fastest, and make the biggest impact this split.
Also check out our Full LEC Power Rankings.
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Honourable Mention - XL Xerxe
Xerxe joins XL after only one split on Astralis, following his return from North America last year. He is known both for his veterancy and his innovation, being one of the first players to play Warwick and Hecarim, which are now very popular.
Despite failing to make a huge impact on Astralis, he now joins a much stronger team for this split. With better tools around him, he will hopefully be able to showcase his talent much more reliably this LEC Season.
5 - FNC Razork
Razork definitely deserves the title of the most improved player on this list, winning rookie of the split in 2020 and rising fast to be a key aspect of Fnatic's success at Worlds in 2022. He only falls this far down the list due to very stiff competition.
Much like the rest of Fnatic in 2022, his regular season was shaky, and he struggled to find an impact consistently once Poppy fell down the meta. If he can sharpen up his mid-game however, he will be one of the most impactful players in the LEC.
4 - MAD Elyoya
Elyoya has been the silent hero of MAD Lions since their LEC titles in 2021 and is the only player from that roster now remaining. Despite being lately known for farming junglers, he is hugely versatile, and boasts one of the highest kill participation stats in the league.
Now with a new top laner, Chasy, and a more unpredictable but talented bot lane, he will be key in ensuring MAD's stability. Paired with Nisqy, if they can enable the talent their team has, they can definitely surprise everyone.
3 - VIT Bo
In Vitality's quest to try as many junglers as they can, Bo is the latest addition. Although he hasn't played pro in a few years, he is arguably one of the most talented junglers in the World, and his achievements even while on the bench are impressive.
After being suspended from FPX for allegations of match-fixing, he Reached 1500 lp and top 3 in Korean solo queue during his suspension period. He also achieved rank 1 on the EUW solo queue ladder in 32 days of playing on the server.
If Bo can transfer his raw talent to playing with the team, Vitality's ceiling this split will be absolutely huge. He will be a key element of how far the new team can go.
2 - KOI Malrang
Malrang made quite the mark on the LEC when he first joined Rogue in Spring 2022. In the midst of an immobile hypercarry meta, his Jarvan was feared across Europe, constantly able to find favourable fights from a distance, and this continued through Worlds.
With much the same squad as last year, save for Szygenda in the top lane, KOI look set to continue their dominance. Their path to success is likely through their bot lane, but Malrang's emphasis on enabling his team pairs perfectly with this.
1 - Team Heretics Jankos
After 5 years on G2, Jankos now finds himself on the newest LEC team, with a completely new roster. Heretics brings together several successful elements of teams from different leagues, and how they mesh together will decide how they fare.
Jankos is undoubtedly the most solid element of the team, and in the current jungle-dominant meta this will be crucial. If he can use his expertise to fully enable his team, Heretics could be a dark horse this winter split.
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