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Flaws in high elo banning system: targeting champions

Flaws in High Elo Banning System | Target Bans Under Fire

By

Jessica Chen

May 6, 2026, 01:36 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

Updated

May 6, 2026, 06:45 AM

2 minutes of duration

A digital illustration showing a player targeting a champion for a ban in a competitive game setting, highlighting the flawed system
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A growing coalition of players is pushing back against the high elo ban system, sparking heated discussions on forums. Concerns focus on how this system enables strategic target banning, particularly in Champ+ ranks, where players often share insights and tactics.

Ban System: Initial Intent vs. Current Reality

The ban system aimed to limit knowledge of opponents among players. Developers designed it to keep hero bans general, preventing players from targeting specific challengers. However, this original intent isnโ€™t holding in the Champ+ tier.

The Evidence of Flaws

With a limited pool of active players often circulating, many in high elo can easily deduce who will appear in matches. "If a one-trick is at play, teammates often lobby to ban their hero," one commenter pointed out. Another echoed this, stating, "Teammates banning your pick is an entirely different issue from whatโ€™s being talked about here," suggesting discussions around banning run deeper than just personal issues.

A player stated, "Players recognize each other and adapt ban strategies. Itโ€™s not just about meta picks anymore; it becomes personal."

Insights from the Community

Community sentiments range from critical to humorous. "Stop one-tricking heroes or play in streamer mode," one suggested, emphasizing that at high levels, adaptability is key.

Interestingly, one player highlighted the issue of frequent matchups: "Marvel rivals is so bad for this. You often queue against the same people, no matter the rank or time of day." This reinforces the cycle that enables target bans, as players often know each other's tactics.

Debating the Solution

Reflections vary on how to handle this situation. While some argue for more flexibility in play styles, others acknowledge that the existing problems stem from the ban system itself, particularly its implementation in games with smaller competitive pools. As one player noted, "This is just a fundamental problem with ban systems at the top level."

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ”ผ High elo players often manipulate bans toward familiar competitors, rather than general strategies.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฝ System flaws lead to emotional strain and create environments for personal attacks in games.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Target banning people is a valid strategy" - a perspective that emphasizes the reality of the system.

The fallout from this ongoing issue may lead to developers reassessing the high elo ban system. With players calling for reforms, change may be on the horizon, underscoring the need for fair and engaging gameplay.

As discussions continue, players might push for a system where anonymity prevails, allowing for more balanced competition without the pressure of target bans.