I cant be the only person. I get the champ select pool in pro play is limited, yet I cant remember the last time this guy was not picked or banned in any game regardless of region. I dont think hes overpowered or anything but this cant be sitting well with Riot to have someone this prominently played constantly, especially as a non flex option. Someone like Karma is at least more understandable and yet even she isnt picked at nearly the same rate.
I just have no idea when gnar got such high play all of a sudden. He's strong and was never absent from LCS but idk what really changed meta wise for him to be pick/ban so much.
His last buff was several patches ago.
The thing about Gnar is that he counters the melee tanks that are so popular in LCS, and is countered by snowbally bruisers or longer ranged options that are not seen often in the current meta or in LCS as a whole. He's a little on the strong side, but he's a champ that just fits LCS, in the same way champs like Rek'Sai or Sivir do.
Plus dont forget you can CC an entire team for like 3 seconds...
Gnar is one of my two go-to picks, so one hand, it feels sort of validating to see his widespread use in the LCS. On the other hand, too much usage means he gets hit by nerfs later on, which is no bueno.
Just adding to what other people have said, for a while Trundle was pick or ban, and Gnar counters the troll pretty hard in lane and as a much better team fight while in mega form.
