If a spell is countered (e.g., by Defy), does it still count as having chosen/targeted for the purpose of triggering effects like Irelia Blade Dancer?

Ruling: Yes, choose/target triggers occur when the target is selected as the item finalizes, which happens before resolution. Even if the source spell is countered afterward, the trigger has already occurred and will resolve.

Sequence:

• Targets are chosen as the item finalizes (after it's pending)
• The trigger ability (like Irelia's) goes on the chain
• The spell can then be countered (e.g., by Defy)
• The trigger ability still resolves because it was already placed on the chain

Nuances:

• The spell being countered is considered as not played, but the targeting/choosing has already occurred by that point