Kennen vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Kennen vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Kennen should leverage his ranged poke and mobility to pressure Illaoi early and deny her safe tentacle zones.
This is a control vs splitpush matchup where Kennen must prevent Illaoi from establishing tentacle dominance and scaling comfortably.

Trading pattern

Trade short-range poke with (Q) and (W) to stack marks and stun Illaoi before she can retaliate.
Punish Illaoi when she misses (E) by stepping forward to chip and pressure her tentacles.
Avoid committing to long trades or using (E) aggressively without vision, as Illaoi punishes extended fights inside her tentacle zone.

Danger windows

Kennen is vulnerable after using (E) as it is his main escape; avoid overextending without it.
Illaoi is dangerous when (E) lands near tentacles and (R) is ready; avoid grouped fights in her zone.
Be cautious of ganks that coincide with (R) availability, as she can turn fights with multi-target tentacle slams.

Early game

Use (Q) and (W) to poke Illaoi from range and avoid letting her set up tentacles near the wave.
Keep (E) available to escape or reposition when Illaoi attempts to engage or land (E).
Avoid extended trades before level 6 unless Illaoi is marked and vulnerable to your stun.

Power spikes

At level 6, preserve health and look for flank or flash angles to use (R) for a multi-target stun and teamfight impact.
Hold (E) for mobility and safety; losing (E) cooldown makes you vulnerable to Illaoi's all-ins.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) power spike when she commits with tentacles; disengage to avoid her zone control.

Win conditions

Use ranged poke and mark stacking to control the lane and prevent Illaoi from establishing tentacle zones.
Reach level 6 with good health and look for (R) flank engages to win teamfights and objective contests.
Deny Illaoi safe farming by clearing tentacles quickly and punishing missed (E) attempts to limit her scaling.