IG has confirmed the release of their championship-contributing player.

After IG secured the first championship of 2026, numerous fans celebrated enthusiastically, convinced that this new IG team has the potential to be the biggest surprise in the LPL. The official IG account even shared a heartfelt message: “The perfect roster doesn’t mean everyone is the strongest individually, but united, no one can stand against us.” Despite the bold statement, many of Rookie’s fans expressed dissatisfaction with the official post, since IG’s veteran mid-laner Rookie did not participate in the event, and the message seemed to exclude him.

Many Rookie fans worry that IG’s management might prioritize maintaining the Demacia Cup-winning lineup by starting the rookie player Renard, potentially sidelining IG’s veteran star Rookie. Renard’s contract is inexpensive, similar to how WEI was signed cheaply as a jungler, impressed during scrims, and eventually replaced IG’s jungler JIEJIE. Many fans fear Rookie might suffer the same fate as “JIEJIE.”

As public debate grew louder, many industry insiders in the LPL stepped in to calm Rookie’s fans. One insider revealed that IG has not actually signed Renard; their relationship is more like a loan. Renard is still officially a player for EDG’s secondary team, and IG’s acquisition of him was just to compete in the Demacia Cup. After the tournament ends, Renard will leave IG, so Rookie remains IG’s future mid-laner.

Rookie’s situation is somewhat uncomfortable.

Following IG’s decision to let go of Renard, many viewers have compared Renard’s skill to Rookie’s. While Renard won the Demacia Cup, many believe he benefited from jungler WEI’s support and isn’t as strong as Rookie in lane or team fights. However, some Rookie fans worry that if IG performs poorly next season, critics might mock Rookie, since Renard did help secure the championship as a starter. (What do you think about Renard’s individual skills?)

Personally, I think IG’s management is handling things appropriately. Rookie has a two-year contract, and if IG abandons him midway, it will be very difficult for Rookie to find a new team this year. I even saw some “threats” under IG’s official posts from LPL viewers saying that if IG lets go of Rookie, the team’s reputation will collapse completely, especially since last year IG’s decision to drop jungler JIEJIE upset many of his fans.

Actually, Renard leaving IG might be a good thing. IG currently lacks a youth academy, making it tough to develop Renard internally. If Renard doesn’t play regularly, his skills will inevitably decline. Many viewers believe that as a promising rookie in the LPL with a Demacia Cup title, Renard could seek opportunities with other teams, especially those lower in the standings, where he would likely earn a starting position. There’s no need for him to remain Rookie’s backup.

Conclusion

Although Renard won the Demacia Cup, I feel the tournament’s level of competition isn’t very high, so it will be difficult for him to replace Rookie. While Rookie hasn’t won a championship recently, he definitely has stronger popularity and a deeper champion pool than Renard. Personally, I look forward to seeing how this new IG team performs in the future.