The Return of Nasus: A Decade-Long Wait Ends on the LCK Stage

In an electrifying turn of events that shook the foundations of the League of Legends competitive scene, Dplus KIA’s mid laner, Heo "ShowMaker" Su, broke the meta wide open during their playoff series against BINK FearX. By choosing Nasus for the mid lane, ShowMaker ended a staggering decade-long absence of the champion from professional play in Korea, marking a historic moment in League’s ongoing narrative.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Pick: After more than 4,000 days, Nasus returns to the professional stage, this time in the mid lane, a role traditionally dominated by mages.
• Strategic Flexibility: ShowMaker, known for his versatility, illustrates his broad champion pool by opting for an unconventional pick against Lee "Clozer" Ju-hyeon’s Azir.
• Team Synergy Over Solo Plays: The victory was a team effort, with significant contributions from the jungle and AD carry positions, showcasing the importance of synergy and strategy over individual picks.

Nasus, one of League’s original champions, has long been relegated to the sidelines of professional play, especially in a mid-lane capacity. Historically, the mid lane has been the domain of traditional mages, making Nasus an unconventional and surprising choice. However, ShowMaker’s bold move not only brought Nasus back into the spotlight but also led Dplus KIA to a pivotal victory.

Throughout the season, ShowMaker has demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel with a variety of champions, from Taliyah to Tristana. His decision to lock in Nasus against Azir was a testament to his strategic depth and understanding of the game. Nasus, with his ability to farm safely using Siphoning Strike and control the lane with Spirit Fire and Wither, proved to be a formidable pick against Azir, challenging traditional meta expectations.

The match against FearX highlighted not just the potential of unconventional picks but the critical role of team dynamics. With the jungle and AD carry positions stepping up, Dplus KIA showcased a well-rounded team performance that underscored the significance of collective effort over individual brilliance. The jungle’s support-oriented playstyle, amassing 10 assists on Ivern, and the AD carry’s aggressive play, leading the server with seven kills, were instrumental in securing the victory.

Looking ahead, Dplus KIA faces formidable opponents in either Gen.G or Hanwha Life Esports. With the defending LCK champions and a revitalized HLE squad in their path, the strategic ingenuity and team cohesion displayed in their series against FearX will be crucial. The return of Nasus to the professional stage, piloted by ShowMaker, not only adds a thrilling chapter to League’s competitive history but also sets the stage for an exciting playoff run.

This moment serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of League of Legends, where innovation and strategy can overturn years of established meta, breathing new life into forgotten champions and reshaping the competitive landscape.

(First reported by: Dot Esports, Date)