The region known for its lack of scouting and talent development and voracious importing actually saw a good handful of rookies join the scene in 2020. Most came into the League Championship Series fulltime in the Summer Split, but one played all year, prompting Riot to change the usual "Rookie of the Split" award to include both halves of the season. In the end, Edward "Tactical" Ra claimed the honor for his strong showing in a few games in Spring and a dominant Summer Split, helping take Team Liquid to its best-ever regular season record at 15-3 and yet another Worlds appearance.

Up for the award along with Tactical were Johnson "Johnsun" Nguyen, Philippe "Poome" Lavoie-Giguere, Erik "Treatz" Wessén, David "Insanity" Challe, and even Joseph "Potluck" Pollock.  While Poome, Treatz, and Potluck did not play the entire Summer Split, Insanity did, and Johnsun played the entirety of both seasons. 

Despite Johnsun playing both splits and arguably being the strongest member of the Dignitas roster, a seventh and eighth place finish were not enough to push him over the edge, compared to Tactical's strong performances and first place finish on Team Liquid. Johnsun came in second in the votes, with Treatz rounding out the votes in third place. 

Tactical and Liquid have since qualified for Worlds, and the LCS Rookie of the Split will join with his teammates in his first-ever international competition, playing against some of the best ADC's in the world. Meanwhile, only one other rookie has a chance to make it, TSM fights against Cloud9 this weekend for the last NA World seed. Treatz has taken to the sideline for the time being, with vincent "Biofrost" Wang rejoining the main team, but upon a Worlds qualification, TSM may shift around with more time to prepare and adapt. 

For now, all eyes are on Tactical. Congrats to the TL Zoomer on winning Rookie of the Split.

For more LoL Esports news and content, head over to our dedicated League of Legends section!

Find full schedules, brackets, and more for your favorite esports on Juked.gg!