Azir's LoL pick rate exploded after Faker's iconic Worlds play, and everyone keeps losing - Dot Esports
On u.gg, from Iron-Silver rank they consider AREY to be the BEST Azir rune. So many people in those ranks have played Arey azir that the winrate overtook the more viable options.
Rank 1 Azir Shows You The POWER of W MAX Azir! | Season 12 Azir Guide - YouTube