If I choose my Irelia Fervent with Challenge, does she gain 1 before the damage is done? Also, if they Counterspell it, does she get 1 still for being chosen?

Yes, Irelia, Fervent will gain the +1 Might bonus before combat damage is dealt, and she will still receive that bonus even if the spell targeting her is countered.

Here is the breakdown of how these interactions work based on the rules and FAQs for Irelia, Fervent:

1. Does she gain +1 Might before damage is done?

Yes. When you play a spell that chooses Irelia, her triggered ability ("When you choose... me") is placed on the chain on top of the spell. Because the chain resolves in LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) order, her triggered ability resolves first, granting her +1 Might before the spell itself resolves. Since this happens during the Main Phase (or while a chain is active), this bonus is applied well before the Combat Damage Step occurs.

2. If the spell is countered, does she still get the +1 Might?

Yes. According to RiftJudge FAQ #9108 and #9163:

• Irelia's ability triggers the moment she is chosen during the spell's finalization process.
• Once the trigger is placed on the chain, it exists independently of the spell that caused it.
• If your opponent counters the spell, the spell is removed from the chain and does nothing, but Irelia's triggered ability remains on the chain and will resolve normally, granting her the +1 Might.

Sequence of Events

1. Play: You play a spell and choose Irelia, Fervent as the target.
2. Trigger: Irelia’s ability ("When you choose... me") triggers and is placed on the chain on top of your spell.
3. Counter (Optional): The opponent plays a counter effect targeting your spell.
4. Resolution:
   • The chain resolves in LIFO order.
   • Irelia’s triggered ability resolves first: She gains +1 Might.
   • The counter effect resolves: The original spell is countered and sent to the trash.
5. Result: Irelia keeps the +1 Might bonus for the turn, even though the spell that targeted her was countered.