Riot Games has announced an update to the eligibility rules for the LEC Rookie of the Year award, aiming to ensure the title reflects the strongest debut performance over an entire competitive season. Players must now have competed in at least two splits during the year to be considered.
This means the successor to Martin "
Yike" Sundelin in 2023 and
Adam "Jackies" JeĆĂĄbek in 2024 will necessarily be a newcomer with no prior major league experience who remained active across at least two splits in 2025. For those entering the LEC in the Summer Split, eligibility will carry over to the following year, provided they continue competing in the league.
Favoring long-term
By tightening eligibility, Riot Games sets clearer boundaries. The change saves the integrity of the award, prevents single-split surprises from overshadowing longer-term performances, and highlights rookies who have successfully adapted to Europeâs top competition across a full calendar. One direct consequence is the exclusion of
players like Yoon "Poby" Sung-won, who recently joined Fnatic as their midlaner and only played in Summer split.
- Be active in the LEC during the voting period.
- Compete in at least two of the three splits in the same year.
- Play in at least 50% (rounded up) of scheduled matches in those splits (to anticipate potential rookies in 6-man rosters).
A player becomes ineligible if they have:
- Already been nominated for Rookie of the Year in any major league, including the LEC.
- Competed in more than four splits.
Riot concluded that this update strengthens the value of the Rookie of the Year honor while keeping the competition fair and consistent with the leagueâs long-term talent development strategy.
Caliste versus SkewMond
Caliste âCalisteâ Henry-Hennebert has quickly emerged as the standout favorite for the 2025 LEC Rookie of the Year award. At just 19 years old, the Karmine Corp botlaner is already being hailed as one of Europeâs most promising prodigies, having risen through the French competitive scene with a reputation for bold, aggressive play. Though Riot Gamesâ age requirement once delayed his debut, Karmine Corp showed faith early by signing him to a three-year deal, and he made his mark in the LEC as soon as he became eligible.
His rapid growth has even drawn praise from veteran star Martin âRekklesâ Larsson, who lauded Calisteâs sharp instincts and fast improvement. While Caliste leads the conversation, other rookies like G2 Esports' jungler Rudy âSkewMondâ Semaan, who impressed after MSI with key victories in Summer, and Team Vitalityâs promising toplaner Kaan âNaak Nakoâ Okan have also been spotlighted as contenders.
Header Photo Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games
