The Fearless Draft system has transformed the competitive landscape at Worlds 2025, prompting teams to try out innovative tactics. However, for certain meta champions, this shift has been particularly harsh, with one popular selection still struggling to secure a win.
The champion experiencing this unfortunate streak is Jarvan IV, who has suffered defeats in all nine of his matches at Worlds 2025. The jungler is known for his ability to control low-mobility compositions, providing his team with a better chance to execute strategies and manage teamfights.
Jarvan IV’s capability to reduce armor makes him a crucial asset in teamfights, capable of altering the outcome of battles. Nonetheless, the international results have been quite disappointing so far. In a discussion with Dot Esports, Top Esports head coach Yoon «Homme» Sung-young highlighted that the drafting approach is a significant factor behind the character’s poor performance at the event.
«Recently, we’ve observed trends where other jungle champions have been nerfed, leading teams to pick him [Jarvan IV] too quickly. I believe that’s not the right strategy,» Homme stated to Dot Esports following their 2-0 defeat against KT Rolster in the Swiss Stages of Worlds 2025.
The current jungle meta is favoring champions like Wukong, Xin Zhao, and Vi, all of whom possess strong mobility options that counter Jarvan IV’s ultimate, undermining one of his core advantages for early skirmishes and jungle control. Although he can also be utilized as a support, which enhances his drafting appeal, his effectiveness remains in question.
A similar narrative unfolded during MSI 2025, where champions such as Kalista and Twisted Fate were initially esteemed for their unique abilities but ultimately fell short in the competition. For Jarvan IV to achieve success at Worlds 2025, it will necessitate careful drafting and specific compositions that leverage his engage potential and early game pressure.
The Worlds 2025 Swiss Stage continues tomorrow, as teams compete for a spot in the Knockout phase.
