Elite among elites: A review of the top support players in the Chinese server, with Shao Siyuan standing out from the crowd.

Support has always been a popular role. Unlike marksmen in the development lane who constantly dodge assassins or mid-lane mages who provide support to both lanes and accompany the jungler in ganks, supports are less of a concern. Assassins, on the other hand, are more fatigued at the start of the game, have more responsibilities, and dominate the tempo. After reaching level four, they immediately go to their assigned lane to secure an advantage for their teammates before returning to the jungle to farm. Their margin for error is extremely low. The top lane is relatively boring, mostly involving solo play, managing minion waves, and occasionally showing up to join team fights. Roaming is a different story. They hold their license and follow the marksman around, acting as the marksman's bodyguard. In team fights, they are responsible for buffs and crowd control, putting immense pressure on the laner. They secretly observe and scout, and a single key initiation can turn the tide of the game.

Ranked matches offer freedom of gameplay, but the top-tier rankings are fiercely contested by Chinese players, leaving no room for error. Even if you're upset with your teammates, you have to compromise and work together. Since everyone is a stranger, teamwork is paramount. In such a challenging environment, have you ever wondered which support champion is the most popular in high-level matches? This article will list the most frequently picked support champions in the lower ranks and above.

Shao Siyuan

The elite of the elite, not the hard support everyone expects. For years, the stereotypical image of soft supports has remained unchanged: weak and powerless, hiding in the back, parasitizing others to climb the ranks. Tanky and capable of absorbing damage, they are the strongest support, providing maximum security. Moreover, after Dunshan's rework, rumors spread like wildfire. No one paid much attention to how strong he was because the data proved him to be extremely powerful. The exaggerated level of his strength led to his ban status, making him unplayable even in trials. After research and mechanism analysis, almost all forums said that there was no countermeasure and suggested bringing heroes with area-of-effect damage to punish the "conjoined twins".

Not exactly an upset, Shao Siyuan is a top-tier support, appearing 47 times in the Chinese server, a full 24 times more than the second-ranked Da Qiao. The difference is huge, which shows how much Chinese players adore her. Calling her the strongest support is well-deserved. Her stealing mechanic, kick passive, and high mobility make her a formidable force at the start of the game, easily securing first blood on the enemy marksman. Her headshot initiation and kills in high-level matches are almost 100% successful when coordinated with teammates. Once targeted by her kick, it's almost impossible to dodge. Her soft CC interrupts crucial skills, and she can use her 1st and 1st skills to return and heal during team fights. This margin for error is unmatched.