The next generation: League of Legends rookies to watch in 2026

Sofia Guimarães

Sofia Guimarães

League of Legends

League of Legends

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The next generation: League of Legends rookies to watch in 2026 cover image

In the 2026 season, many League of Legends rookies are set to shake up the scene with their unbelievable talent.

Every year, League of Legends introduces a new wave of talented rookies, and 2026 is no exception. Across all major regions, promising rookies are stepping onto the biggest stages, ready to prove their worth and aim for more than just the title of Rookie of the Year. Let's meet them!

LCK's most promising rookies of 2026

It is undeniable that South Korea has been a factory of elite talent since the earliest days of League of Legends. Many of the world’s best players are Korean, and the next generation is already preparing to follow in their footsteps.

In 2026, we pinpoint three promising talents that might surprise you in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK). From Dplus Kia, Oh "Career" Hyeong-seok has come to shake the support world with his raw talent. Also known as the "master of off-meta picks," he is not afraid of trying new champions in the bot lane.

He will be playing with former T1 star Shin “Smash” Geum-jae, forming a dangerous duo on raw talent and ambition. Can they lead DK back to its former glory?

Career will play for DK in 2026 (Image via LCK)
Career will play for DK in 2026 (Image via LCK)

Still in South Korea, the now rebranded HANJIN BRION brings some interesting talent to the new season. Shin “Casting” Min-je made waves in KT Challengers and now brings that same fighting spirit to BRION. He is known for his aggressive playstyle, having won two LCK CL titles, the LCK CL Kickoff, and the 2024 Asia Star Challengers Invitational.

Meanwhile, Gen.G Academy standout Namgung “Namgung” Seong-hoon arrives with underrated game sense and exceptionally strong map control.

Casting is one of the young League of Legends rookies joining the LCK main stage in 2026 (Image via LCK)
Casting is one of the young League of Legends rookies joining the LCK main stage in 2026 (Image via LCK)

LPL

In the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), Ultra Prime has definitely the most interesting debuts of 2026. One of them is Zhang "Liangchen" Liang-Chen. From the Bilibili Gaming Junior team, this Chinese talent became popular after his insane Fiora and Camille plays. His aggressive and unique playstyle might bring the split-push meta back to the LPL, especially with all the updates happening in the game this year.

Liangchen is debuting in the LPL 2026, playing for Ultra Prime (Image via UP)
Liangchen is debuting in the LPL 2026, playing for Ultra Prime (Image via UP)

LEC

No doubt, 2026 could be the year of the top laners. One rising star to watch is Ukrainian talent Volodymyr “Maynter” Sorokin, who has vowed to shake up the League of Legends EMEA Championship this season.

Coming from Karmine Corp Blue, fresh off an EMEA Masters 2025 Summer victory that secured LEC Versus qualification, Maynter now joins NAVI. Known for his aggressive playstyle and carry potential, he proved himself as one of Europe’s best top laners in 2025 and is ready to bring that unique impact to the main stage once again.

Maynter is joining NAVI in 2026 and will be playing in the LEC Versus (Image via Riot Games)
Maynter is joining NAVI in 2026 and will be playing in the LEC Versus (Image via Riot Games)

LCS

Yoo “Zinie” Baek-jin was one of the young talents emerging from the KT Challengers team. Now, the star is joining Shopify Rebellion to compete in the League Championship Series (LCS), bringing his signature Korean firepower to North America. He is also known as a "solo kill machine," and he's more than ready to dominate the mid lane with his relentless playstyle.

Back in the LCK AS 2023 2nd Championship, his 16/3/5 Jayce mid pentakill was unforgettable. At the time, he was a key member of the super team that ultimately led KT Academy to tournament victory.

Zinie is emerging as one of the most promising rookie mid laners to watch in the LCS 2026 (Image via SR)
Zinie is emerging as one of the most promising rookie mid laners to watch in the LCS 2026 (Image via SR)

CBLOL

In South America, the Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends (CBLOL) returns, and Wallyson “Duduhh” Francisco could be one of 2026’s biggest surprises among League of Legends rookies.

Known as one of the region’s most aggressive bot laners, he thrives on dominating his lane and pushing limits to gain an edge over his opponents. He is only 17 years old, but he can be one of the most oppressive ADCs to play against.

Duduhh is one of the young Brazilian superstars of 2026 (Image via KaBuM! IDL)
Duduhh is one of the young Brazilian superstars of 2026 (Image via KaBuM! IDL)

LCP

Another mid laner who could be a major surprise in the restructured CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) is Lee “Pungyeon” Jong-hyuk. In 2025, he demonstrated his explosive firepower, earning comparisons to the now-retired Taiwanese superstar Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang. The South Korean will make his debut in the region, and he’s more than ready to dominate anyone who stands in his way.

Pungyeon is one of 2026’s most promising League of Legends rookies (Image via LCK)
Pungyeon is one of 2026’s most promising League of Legends rookies (Image via LCK)

All regions are arriving with talented rosters for the upcoming season. League of Legends rookies are ready to dominate, showcasing their unique playstyles throughout the 2026 season. Furthermore, we’re excited to see how everyone will perform in a new year full of updates and fresh strategies shaping the game.