When Riot rolls out major updates, the pro scene always pays close attention. Pro Player Reactions to Patch 15.8 give us insight into how buffs, nerfs, and item adjustments will influence drafts, champion priorities, and overall team strategies.
This article highlights the key champion and item changes in Patch 15.8, while summarizing how pro players around the world are responding to them. From LCK veterans to LCS rising stars, everyone has something to say about the shifting meta.
Chapter 1: Key Changes in Patch 15.8
- Champion Buffs:
- Orianna: Slight mana adjustments making her lane safer.
- Nunu & Willump: Buff to Consume damage on epic monsters.
- Xayah: Attack speed scaling improved.
- Champion Nerfs:
- Lee Sin: Reduced early damage and sustain.
- Zeri: Attack range slightly lowered, ultimate cooldown increased.
- Sejuani: Base HP reduced, weaker early clears.
- Item Adjustments:
- Evenshroud: Reduced bonus damage, affecting tank supports.
- Infinity Edge: Cost efficiency tweaked, making it slightly harder to rush.
Chapter 2: LCK Player Reactions
- Faker (T1): Noted that Orianna buffs may bring her back into mid lane priority, especially for control-focused comps.
- Chovy (Gen.G): Emphasized that Lee Sin nerfs will lower early jungle pressure, shifting jungle meta toward Sejuani alternatives or Jarvan IV.
- Keria (T1): Concerned about Evenshroud nerfs, suggesting support meta may swing back to enchanters like Lulu and Milio.
Chapter 3: LPL Player Reactions
- Knight (JDG): Believes Xayah buffs will make her a strong lane pick again, especially in LPL’s aggressive bot lanes.
- Meiko (EDG): Shared that Infinity Edge changes will slow ADC power spikes, altering how bot lane trades power in mid game.
- Xiaohu (WBG): Commented that jungle nerfs will encourage creative drafts, possibly opening space for Karthus jungle in LPL.
Chapter 4: LCS Player Reactions
- Bjergsen (100T Coach): Highlighted that Orianna buffs fit NA’s slower playstyle, predicting she’ll rise in draft priority.
- Blaber (C9): Disappointed about Lee Sin nerfs, calling him “still playable but no longer blind pickable.”
- Doublelift (Streamer): Mentioned Xayah buffs might bring her back as a staple ADC in solo queue as well as pro play.
Chapter 5: LEC Player Reactions
- Caps (G2): Excited about Orianna changes, calling her “stable and scaling—perfect for G2’s comps.”
- Hans Sama (G2): Said Xayah buffs could make her one of the safest blind pick ADCs again.
- Jankos (Team Heretics): Warned that jungle changes might make farming junglers stronger, changing how LEC drafts.
Chapter 6: Meta Predictions Based on Patch 15.8
- Mid Lane: Orianna climbing back into priority.
- Jungle: Lee Sin drops in value, Sejuani nerfs open door for Jarvan IV and bruiser junglers.
- Bot Lane: Xayah buffs make her a top-tier ADC, shifting away from Zeri dominance.
- Supports: Evenshroud nerfs push meta back toward enchanters and peel-heavy picks.
Chapter 7: Esports Implications
- Draft Phase Shifts: Expect bans on Xayah and new priority on Orianna.
- Regional Differences:
- LCK = more control mages and slower pace.
- LPL = aggressive bot lanes thrive.
- LEC/LCS = diverse jungle picks to replace Lee Sin.
- Upcoming Tournaments: MSI 2025 could see radically different bot lane matchups than the spring splits.
FAQs
Q1: Which champion benefitted the most from Patch 15.8?
Orianna—buffs give her a stable, scaling role again.
Q2: Which pro complained the most about nerfs?
Blaber and other Lee Sin mains voiced disappointment.
Q3: Will supports shift to enchanters now?
Yes, Evenshroud nerfs push the meta away from tanks.
Q4: Is Zeri finally out of the meta?
Not entirely, but her nerfs lower her priority compared to Xayah and Jinx.
Conclusion
Pro Player Reactions to Patch 15.8 show how even small tweaks shift the competitive landscape. From Orianna’s return to the spotlight, to Lee Sin and Zeri dropping in priority, and supports shifting away from tank engages, Patch 15.8 sets the stage for a fresh competitive meta.
As pro players adjust their strategies and drafts, fans can expect MSI and summer splits to look very different—proof that even one patch can reshape the entire esports ecosystem.
