Cho'Gath vs Malzahar — Top Lane Matchup Guide
You
Cho'Gath
Opponent
Malzahar
Your ranked stats
50.0%
Win rate
4.0%
Pick rate
1.0%
Ban rate
2.07
KDA
C
Tier
#110
Rank
Opponent stats
50.0%
Win rate
7.0%
Pick rate
10.0%
Ban rate
2.04
KDA
B
Tier
#51
Rank
A level-by-level game plan for Cho'Gath vs Malzahar.
Levels 1-2
Lane priority is decided by who wins the level 1-2 skirmish or poke exchange.
- Cho'Gath should soak poke and hold lane priority through durability, not even trades.
- Malzahar likely outranges you — approach through minion wave cover instead of walking in.
- OP.GG data flags Malzahar as a strong counter to Cho'Gath in this role — expect them to look for early trades, so play a touch safer than usual.
Levels 3-5
Trading windows open as skills come online — track cooldowns before you commit.
- Look for CC chains that let your jungler or teammates punish overextensions.
- Expect poke whenever you're out of position; punish only after they use their combo.
Level 6
Ultimates come online. This is usually the first real all-in window of the lane.
- Your ultimate usually turns you into a real engage or peel threat — use it on your terms.
- Their ultimate usually adds burst or CC — don't sit still in their range once it's up.
Levels 7-11
Priority shifts toward objectives — use a lane lead to pressure river, dragon, or Herald.
- Front line for your team around objectives so your carries can output freely.
- Watch for wave clear into a fast roam — don't get caught alone in a side lane.
Levels 12-15
Item spikes start deciding fights more than levels do.
- Tank items complete — you should be nearly unkillable while still landing your CC.
- Burst items make them a one-combo kill threat on squishies — use minions or terrain as cover.
Level 16+
Both ultimates are maxed — play for your team's win condition, not just the lane.
- You start most teamfights and decide their shape — landing your engage matters most.
- Focus them first in teamfights if you can reach them — they melt fast but hit hard if ignored.
OP.GG data as of Jul 13, 2026 · patch 16.13.1