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" Jeřábek 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 Europe’s 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.

A player becomes ineligible if they have:

Riot concluded that this update strengthens the value of the Rookie of the Year honor while keeping the competition fair and consistent with the league’s long-term talent development strategy.

Caliste versus SkewMond

Caliste “Caliste” 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 Europe’s most promising prodigies, having risen through the French competitive scene with a reputation for bold, aggressive play. Though Riot Games’ 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 “Rekkles” Larsson, who lauded Caliste’s sharp instincts and fast improvement. While Caliste leads the conversation, other rookies like G2 Esports' jungler Rudy “SkewMond” Semaan, who impressed after MSI with key victories in Summer, and Team Vitality’s promising toplaner Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan have also been spotlighted as contenders.