5 Best Alternatives to ShowMaker (Heo Su) in 2026

Why look beyond ShowMaker (Heo Su)

ShowMaker (Heo Su) has established himself as one of professional League of Legends' most impactful mid laners, particularly noted for his dominant performance leading DWG KIA to the 2020 World Championship title and multiple LCK championships in 2020 and 2021 ShowMaker Liquipedia profile. His playstyle is characterized by strong lane control, precise teamfighting, and a deep champion pool, making him a consistent threat in the mid lane.

However, the esports landscape is dynamic, and different competitive contexts or strategic philosophies may necessitate exploring alternatives. Teams might seek a player with a different regional focus, such as those dominant in the LPL or LEC, to bring a unique metagame perspective. Alternatively, a team might look for a mid laner with a more aggressive roaming style, a preference for specific champion archetypes not frequently played by ShowMaker, or a player with a different leadership presence within the team environment. For individual fans or analysts, examining other top-tier players provides a broader understanding of diverse skill sets and career trajectories within professional esports, particularly among those who have achieved similar levels of success or play comparable roles in other major titles.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) — The Unrivaled Legend of League of Legends Mid Lane

   Faker, often referred to as the "Unkillable Demon King," is widely considered the greatest League of Legends player of all time. As a mid laner for T1, Faker's career spans over a decade, marked by an unprecedented four World Championship titles and numerous LCK trophies Faker's competitive history on Liquipedia. His consistent performance, adaptability across multiple metas, and deep understanding of the game's mechanics and macro-strategy set him apart. Faker's influence extends beyond his in-game skill; he is a global icon for esports, embodying longevity and competitive excellence. Teams looking for a mid laner with unparalleled experience, proven leadership, and the ability to elevate an entire team's performance would find Faker an ideal alternative.

   • Best for: League of Legends World Champion, Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Mid Lane, Unparalleled experience

   Learn more about Faker's career and achievements on his Faker profile page or through the official T1 esports website.

2. 2. T1 — An unrivaled dynasty in League of Legends esports

   T1 is a South Korean esports organization primarily renowned for its dominant League of Legends team, featuring the iconic mid laner Faker. Founded in 2012, T1 has cultivated a legacy of unparalleled success, including four League of Legends World Championship titles T1 team history on Liquipedia. The organization is synonymous with competitive excellence, strategic prowess, and developing top-tier talent. While ShowMaker is a player, T1 represents an alternative in the sense of a premier competitive environment for a mid laner, offering a robust infrastructure, experienced coaching staff, and a culture of winning. For a player or a team seeking to understand the benchmark for success in League of Legends, studying T1's organizational structure and player development systems offers significant insights.

   • Best for: League of Legends, Faker, Esports dynasty, Consistent top-tier performance

   Explore T1's achievements and roster on the T1 team profile or the official T1 website.

3. 3. ZywOo (Mathieu Herbaut) — A CS2 AWPer with elite mechanical skill

   ZywOo is a French professional Counter-Strike 2 player, widely regarded as one of the best in the game's history. As the star AWPer for Team Vitality, ZywOo is celebrated for his exceptional mechanical skill, precise aim, and consistent clutch performances ZywOo's player statistics on HLTV. Although he competes in a different game (CS2 vs. League of Legends), ZywOo is an alternative in terms of being a generational talent who consistently delivers at the highest level, much like ShowMaker. His ability to impact rounds with calculated plays and game-winning moments makes him a focal point for his team. For those appreciating individual brilliance and consistent carry potential, ZywOo exemplifies these traits in a fast-paced FPS environment.

   • Best for: AWP highlights, Clutch plays, Consistent top-tier performance, Counter-Strike 2 superstar

   Discover more about ZywOo's career highlights on his ZywOo player page or through the Team Vitality official site.

4. 4. s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev) — A Counter-Strike 2 icon with aggressive playmaking

   s1mple is a Ukrainian professional Counter-Strike 2 player, recognized for his aggressive playstyle, extraordinary aim, and ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a match. As a former star player for Natus Vincere, s1mple has won numerous MVP awards and a Major Championship, solidifying his status as one of the greatest CS2 players ever s1mple's HLTV player profile. Like ShowMaker, s1mple is a player whose individual skill often translates directly into team success. While their games differ, both players are known for their profound impact on their respective titles and their ability to perform under immense pressure. For those seeking players with unparalleled individual skill and game-changing capabilities, s1mple represents a prime example in the FPS genre.

   • Best for: Exceptional mechanical skill, Aggressive AWPer, Clutch factor, Counter-Strike 2 legend

   Learn more about s1mple's career on his s1mple player profile or the official Natus Vincere website.

5. 5. League of Legends Worlds 2026 — The ultimate competitive stage for League of Legends

   The League of Legends World Championship, commonly known as Worlds, is the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends esports. Held annually, it brings together the best teams from various regional leagues to compete for the Summoner's Cup and the title of World Champion Liquipedia's overview of Worlds 2026. While ShowMaker is a player, Worlds represents the ultimate proving ground for mid laners and teams. For anyone interested in the highest level of League of Legends competition, understanding the scale and impact of Worlds is crucial. It serves as the stage where legacies are forged and where players like ShowMaker demonstrate their peak performance. For teams, winning Worlds is the ultimate goal, and for fans, it's the annual culmination of competitive excellence. As an alternative to focusing solely on a player, Worlds itself is a grand entity that defines competitive excellence in League of Legends.

   • Best for: League of Legends, Global competition, Championship aspirations, High-stakes esports

   Discover details about upcoming championships via LoL Esports official news.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Choosing an alternative to ShowMaker depends heavily on the specific criteria and priorities. Consider these factors to guide your decision:

• Are you seeking another top-tier League of Legends mid laner? If the goal is to find another player with exceptional individual skill and competitive pedigree in the mid lane role, Faker is the primary alternative. He offers even greater experience and a more extensive championship record, representing the pinnacle of the role.
• Are you interested in a dominant esports organization in League of Legends? If the focus shifts from an individual player to a successful competitive environment, T1 stands out. It embodies consistent achievement, strategic depth, and high-level player ecosystems within League of Legends, offering insights into what makes a winning organization.
• Are you looking for a player with comparable individual impact but in a different game? If the admiration for ShowMaker stems from his individual skill and ability to carry games, but you're open to other esports titles, then players like ZywOo (Counter-Strike 2) or s1mple (Counter-Strike 2) are highly relevant. They are considered generational talents in their respective games, capable of similarly game-altering plays and consistent top-level performance, showcasing different skill sets required for FPS titles. ZywOo provides a more calculated, precise AWPer role, while s1mple offers an aggressive, high-risk, high-reward approach that often pays off.
• Is the interest in the ultimate competitive stage for League of Legends? If the broader context of competitive excellence and the highest stakes in League of Legends is the primary interest, then the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2026) is the alternative. It represents the defining event where players like ShowMaker prove their worth and where the meta of the game is truly tested and evolved. Understanding Worlds provides context for all pro players' careers.
• Do you prioritize regional dominance or specific playstyles? While the listed alternatives are global icons, consider that different regions foster different playstyles. For example, a mid laner from the LPL might bring a more aggressive, skirmish-heavy approach compared to the LCK's typically more controlled style. While not explicitly listed here, exploring players from other major regions could offer further diversification if regional meta differences are a key consideration.
• What kind of achievements are most important? If the specific achievement of being a World Champion is paramount, then Faker's multiple titles make him an even more decorated alternative. If consistency over a long career is valued, Faker again stands out. If raw mechanical skill is the primary draw, both ZywOo and s1mple demonstrate this in spades for FPS titles.