Vi, a League of Legends champion released in 2012, has emerged as a dominant force in professional play after nearly a decade of obscurity. This unexpected rise demonstrates how champions can suddenly find their place in the meta even years after their release.

The Piltover Enforcer maintained less than 1% presence in competitive matches until Season 12, when Riot's durability update (patch 12.10) revolutionized her viability. The patch strengthened tanks and divers while weakening assassins, making Vi's kit of sustained damage, durability, and crowd control particularly valuable.

Vi's breakthrough came during Worlds 2022, where she achieved a 72% presence rate during patch 12.16. Her ability to lock down mobile carries made her especially effective against popular champions like Ahri and Zeri. LPL players Wei and Jiejie's successful utilization of Vi further cemented her position in the meta.

Key factors in Vi's competitive success:

• Versatile build paths (tank or damage)
• Strong crowd control abilities
• Effective against mobile carries
• Additional popularity boost from Netflix's Arcane series
• Continued relevance in Season 15 with over 50% presence

Currently, Vi maintains her strong presence across tier-one esports leagues, with the implementation of Fearless Drafts likely to ensure her continued viability. Her success story has sparked discussions about other potential "hidden picks" that might emerge in professional play.

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