The LCK Rookies to Watch in 2026

Every new season in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) brings a wave of emerging talent ready to test themselves on the biggest domestic stage in the world. Here are the rookies you should be paying attention to this season.

LCK Rookies in 2026 will finally get their shot

DRX Vincenzo

For DRX, the offseason started off with a major rebuild, with all players except the top lane leaving at the end of 2025. The new lineup welcomes a couple of familiar names but also a new one: Ha ‘Vincenzo’ Seung-min. The guy was previously known for being the jungler on T1’s academy roster in 2025, which saw them fight consistently in the top half of the standings and finish in third place during the LCK CL Season Playoffs. The guy won the award for being the best jungler and is finally getting his opportunity in tier one.

In terms of playstyle, Vincenzo likes to be proactive early on and is notoriously known for playing AD bruiser champions like Xin Zhao, Vi, and Viego. His success in pro play hasn’t been as high when playing other champions. It’s clear that he’s more of a team player and is set to be playing around his mid and bottom lane in the new season. While DRX doesn’t have a competitive roster for the playoffs on paper, it should be a good experience for him. If results come around, he will likely be recognized for them.

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐑𝐗 – 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐨

DRX is excited to welcome Vincenzo to DRX League of Legends for 2026 (+1 Option-Year)!
Please send him your support as he joins us for a new challenge with DRX!

'Vincenzo' 하승민 선수가 DRX와 최대 2027년까지 함께하게 되었습니다!… pic.twitter.com/xHs9tmgBAZ

— DRX League of Legends (@DRX_LCK) November 18, 2025

BNK Daystar

BNK continues to bring new players through their academy program and 2026 is no different. Even though Daystar is expected to be fighting for the starting position with VicLa, his addition could change the way BNK plays in the new season.

He might not stand out for his overall laning phase, but the guy was often able to make it up through good skirmishing and teamfight execution. Unfortunately for him, he’s going to have a tough time facing the kings of the mid lane, especially this year with so many big names playing. If BNK, however, wants to aim for playoff finishes once again, Daystar must step it up and continue to evolve.

DK Career

Among all the rookies from this season, Career is probably the one who will get the most attention and exposure. Not only because the guy is playing for Dplus Kia and is expecting to be fighting in the top half of the standings, but also because of the level of play shown during the KeSPA Cup.

별명 오만가지를 가진 커리어의 50문 50답.
50 Questions with 'Career', the Icon of Countless Nicknames.
 
🔗 https://t.co/Zo3SiU2rSm
 #DplusKia #DKWIN #ShowMeYourMadness pic.twitter.com/ZUTKruiniB

— Dplus Kia (@DplusKia) January 13, 2026

The bot lane synergy with ADC player Shin “Smash” Geum-jae already seems to be quite strong and the guy had a great year playing on BNK FearX’s academy team last year. He’s comfortable on a lot of champions, although he is mostly known for his playmaking champions like Rakan. While he’s not expected to be fighting close to the top supports like Keria and Duro, Career might join them soon in the coming years.

BRION Casting and OK Namgung

The bottom teams in the LCK continue to give stage time to rising prospects from the LCK CL. Between Casting and Namgung, the hype is definitely on the latter. Casting previously played for KT Rolster’s academy team in 2025 and was consistently one of the strongest teams in the league. The team finished second at the end of the season, with several of his teammates finding teams in tier-one for 2026.

[𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗕𝗘 | 브리롱 골든벨🔔]

우리 친해질 수 있을까❓

🎥 https://t.co/Uwn9OYt2Gv pic.twitter.com/vk94DZ9igR

— 브리온 (@Brionesports) January 13, 2026

He’s comfortable playing most of the top lane champions and can play both weakside and strongside depending on the matchups, with champions like Gwen, Renekton, and Aatrox being among his comfort picks. Given the quality of top lane players in the LCK, it will be tough for him to stand out, but the new season changes could also allow him to make his mark and lead BRION to strong results.

Namgung, on the other hand, comes from a bit of a weird year, having played for Gen.G’s Challengers team. His stats aren’t among the best in his role either, which likely means that his value comes from things outside of pure gameplay. Considering he’s pairing up with a veteran like Teddy, who has been playing quite well lately, Namgung might be able to deliver more than what he’s shown so far.