Tristana’s Disappointing Performance at the League of Legends 2023 World Championship

Tristana’s Small but Impactful Nerfs from Patch 13.16

The Yordle marksman Tristana, despite registering impressive presence rates during the Summer Splits, has failed to make an appearance at the League of Legends 2023 World Championship. In the second split of the season, Tristana was a popular pick in major regions, especially towards the end of the Summer playoffs. However, at Worlds, she has only been picked five times with four bans, resulting in a presence rate of 13.4%, a considerable drop in priority.

A significant factor contributing to Tristana’s decline is the nerfs she received in Patch 13.16. Prior to the patch, Tristana boasted presence rates of 83% in the LCK, 82% in the LPL, 91.8% in the LCS, and 97% in the LEC, according to stats site Games of Legends. However, her base health, base armor, and base magic resistance underwent reductions, making her weaker overall. Although her armor growth increased slightly, this did not compensate enough for the nerfs. Tristana relies on her early game strength, especially when played as a mid laner, and these changes have made her easier to punish and kill.

Her Advantages Aren’t Really Advantages Anymore

Tristana’s flexibility between the mid and bot lane, along with her ability to counter most mid lane mages, were significant advantages she possessed. Additionally, her pushing power and ability to quickly destroy turret plates gave her team a strategic advantage. However, the current meta at Worlds 2023 has shifted, and these advantages have lost their effectiveness. Champions like Syndra and Sylas can easily counter Tristana, and team compositions now prioritize strong teamfighting over early skirmishing power.

Furthermore, Tristana’s presence in the mid lane requires magic damage on other sides of the map. However, there are limited AP options in other roles, making it challenging to create well-rounded team compositions. Tristana’s lack of synergy with the available magic damage champions further diminishes her viability.

Her Lack of Influence in Teamfights

One of the primary reasons for Tristana’s absence at Worlds 2023 is her underwhelming performance in teamfights. Strong teamfighting has become essential in the current meta, with teams relying on multiple AoE abilities to set up plays or deal significant burst damage. Unfortunately, Tristana does not excel in these situations and can be easily picked off due to her squishiness as an ADC. Although her Rocket Jump provides some repositioning potential, its cast time is too long for fast-paced teamfights. Without exceptional positioning and reflexes, players struggle to utilize Tristana effectively.

So, Is She Going to Be Picked Again?

Based on the current tournament trends, it seems unlikely that Tristana will make a comeback at Worlds 2023. There are numerous stronger picks available, such as Orianna, Neeko, and Azir, that offer higher impact in teamfights without compromising team compositions as much. Unless there is an unforeseen series of mid lane champion bans within a single game, Tristana is unlikely to set foot on Summoner’s Rift for the remainder of the 2023 season.