Riot Games has introduced new criteria for selecting the Rookie of the Year in the LEC. Now, to be nominated for the best rookie of the year, a player must participate in at least two out of the three splits within the season and play in no less than 50% of the official matches in those splits. 

Players who debuted in the LEC only during the Summer Split are not eligible for the award in the same year. However, if they continue to perform in the league, their candidacy will be considered in the following season.

This rule led to the exclusion of the young mid-laner from Fnatic, Yun "Poby" Seong-won, who joined the roster only in the summer split of 2025. Poby can still become a contender for the Rookie of the Year title in 2026, provided he remains in the league for another season.

Riot Games explains the changes as an effort to evaluate players who have shown consistency and adapted to the higher level throughout the year, rather than based on the results of a single standout split. This allows for the selection of true breakthroughs of the year, who have managed to withstand the pace of the big stage in the long term.

The main favorite for the award this season is the bot-laner from Karmine Corp, Kaliste "Caliste" Henry-Anneber, who has already been recognized for his rapid progress in the LEC and impressive gameplay. Also on the list of contenders are the new jungler from G2 Esports, Rudy "SkewMond" Semaan, and the top-laner from Team Vitality, Kaan "Naak Nako" Okan, who are seriously intensifying the competition among rookies.