TL;DR
- FakeGod transformed 100 Thieves from 10th place to playoff contenders during his rookie split
- Coach Cain built Team Liquid from relegation threats to three-time consecutive champions
- Both awards highlight the importance of talent identification through programs like Scouting Grounds
- The timing before semifinals emphasized regular season achievements over playoff performance
- These honors demonstrate the LCS’s maturation in recognizing both player and coaching contributions
Riot Games made the official announcement of the 2019 LCS Summer Rookie of the Split and Coach of the Split recipients just before the playoff semifinals commenced.
The voting process concluded with these significant category winners being revealed at a pivotal moment in the competitive calendar, creating additional excitement around the postseason matchups.
LCS Rookie of the Split, FakeGod
Aaron “FakeGod” Lee, the emerging top lane talent for 100 Thieves, secured the Rookie of the Split distinction following his impressive debut performance. His journey began with 100 Thieves Academy in 2018 after scouts identified his potential during the Scouting Grounds showcase event, where he stood out as a premier upcoming prospect. Before entering the professional scene, FakeGod competed at the collegiate level representing UC Santa Barbara’s esports program.
FakeGod initiated his competitive career within the 100 Thieves developmental system before earning promotion to the main LCS roster during the Summer Split. He assumed the crucial top lane position previously held by Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho, widely regarded as one of North America’s elite top lane performers.
The first-year player exceeded expectations and played an instrumental role in his squad’s remarkable mid-split resurgence. After a disastrous beginning that left them languishing in last position, FakeGod helped engineer a dramatic turnaround that nearly secured postseason qualification.
During matches, FakeGod demonstrated exceptional ability to withstand pressure from veteran top laners while maintaining minimal jungle dependency. His self-sufficient playstyle and consistent contributions make him an invaluable asset to 100 Thieves and unquestionably one of the most promising talents ever developed through the Scouting Grounds initiative.
LCS Coach of the Split, Cain
Jang “Cain” Nu-ri, head coach of Team Liquid, finally received the Coach of the Split recognition after what many considered an unexpectedly prolonged wait for such acknowledgment.
Cain became part of Team Liquid in 2017 during the organization’s most precarious period when they confronted potential relegation from the league. Under his strategic guidance, Liquid evolved into a dominant force consistently positioned at the LCS summit, capturing three straight championship titles while qualifying for both the Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship tournaments during both the 2018 and 2019 competitive seasons.
“Every moment since joining Team Liquid has presented significant challenges. Our entire organization—staff, players, and Steve [Arhancet]—has dedicated tremendous effort to reach our current standing, and we remain committed to sustained victory,” Cain expressed during his acceptance speech before the semifinal clash between Team Liquid and Clutch Gaming.
The honored coach and his squad will compete for another championship on August 25 against Cloud9. Following this match, the team will enjoy a short hiatus before commencing preparations for the 2019 League of Legends World Championship.
The recognition of FakeGod and Cain illustrates the League of Legends Championship Series’ evolving approach to talent development and recognition. FakeGod’s path demonstrates the effectiveness of the Scouting Grounds program in identifying and nurturing raw talent, while Cain’s delayed acknowledgment highlights how coaching impact sometimes requires sustained success before receiving proper recognition.
For aspiring professional players, FakeGod’s journey offers valuable lessons: collegiate competition provides solid foundation, academy teams serve as crucial development platforms, and replacing established stars requires both mental fortitude and adaptable skill sets. Common mistakes rookies make include overestimating their readiness for LCS-level competition and failing to adapt to the increased strategic complexity.
Advanced optimization for coaching success involves building systems that survive roster changes and developing player talent from within. The time investment for developing rookies into LCS-ready players typically ranges from 6-18 months through academy systems.
These awards also reflect the league’s growing sophistication in evaluating contributions beyond mere win-loss records, considering developmental impact, strategic innovation, and organizational leadership. Understanding these deeper mechanics helps fans appreciate the strategic layers behind competitive success.
Action Checklist
- Analyze Scouting Grounds alumni performance metrics to identify future prospects
- Study coaching impact through team transformation case studies like Cain’s Liquid rebuild
- Track rookie development timelines from academy to LCS starting roles
- Evaluate award criteria evolution across multiple LCS splits
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Cain wins LCS Coach of the Split, FakeGod awarded Rookie of the Split Analyzing FakeGod's rookie breakthrough and Cain's coaching legacy in the 2019 LCS Summer Split awards