The most improved professional players of 2020

The competitive landscape of League of Legends during 2020 showcased unprecedented player development across major regions. Despite transitioning to online competitions for most of the year, the season produced extraordinary talent evolution that culminated in October’s World Championship spectacle.

Numerous emerging competitors demonstrated their capabilities on global stages, creating compelling narratives for the upcoming season. The departure of veteran players opened opportunities for new stars to establish their legacies in professional esports.

This analysis examines four exceptional athletes who underwent significant transformations, establishing themselves as forces within their respective leagues and positions.

Selfmade

When Oskar “Selfmade” Boderek joined Fnatic for the 2020 competitive season, he faced immense pressure replacing popular jungler Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen. The Polish player’s integration into one of Europe’s premier organizations demonstrated rapid skill acceleration under high-pressure conditions.

Transitioning from SK Gaming’s developing roster to Fnatic’s championship-caliber team presented significant adaptation hurdles. However, Selfmade quickly silenced doubters by establishing himself as a central figure in the team’s strategic approach.

His previous performances with SK Gaming during 2019 highlighted raw talent, but questions remained about his ability to perform consistently at the highest competitive level.

What role does Selfmade play?

During the World Championship, Selfmade emerged as Fnatic’s most impactful performer, driving their quarterfinal appearance and nearly defeating tournament favorites Top Esports. His confident execution within the carry-oriented jungle meta demonstrated both technical mastery and strategic intelligence.

The 21-year-old’s continued development trajectory suggests substantial untapped potential. Fnatic’s infrastructure appears ideally suited to nurture his growth into an elite-tier jungler.

With Martin “Rekkles” Larsson’s departure to G2 Esports, Selfmade now shoulders increased responsibility as the team’s primary carry threat. His pursuit of domestic championship success continues into the 2021 season with renewed determination.

Ghost

Who is Ghost in LoL?

Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun’s contribution to DAMWON Gaming’s 2020 championship season often goes underappreciated. Replacing Shin “Nuclear” Jeong-hyeon at the beginning of the year, Ghost catalyzed the team’s transformation into global dominators.

While teammates like Heo “ShowMaker” Su and Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu receive widespread acclaim, Ghost’s consistent performance provided the stable foundation necessary for championship success.

The bot laner’s integration coincided with DAMWON’s evolution from LCK contenders to world champions, ending Korea’s three-year championship drought.

Ghost’s playing philosophy emphasizes reliability over spectacular plays, making him less visible but fundamentally crucial to team dynamics. His record-setting 7.6 KDA at Worlds demonstrates efficiency rather than flashiness, a quality that often escapes casual observation but proves invaluable in high-stakes competition.

Statistical excellence combined with continued strong performances in subsequent tournaments like KeSPA Cup 2020 positions Ghost for deserved recognition in the coming competitive year.

Santorin

Lucas “Santorin” Larsen’s 2020 season with FlyQuest demonstrated that experienced players can achieve dramatic improvement phases. The organization accomplished unprecedented successes with the Danish jungler leading their strategic execution.

Santorin’s leadership propelled FlyQuest to consecutive LCS finals appearances, securing their inaugural World Championship qualification.

Despite facing formidable group stage opponents including Top Esports and DRX, the team managed respectable performances that exceeded external expectations.

His career revival represents a compelling narrative of perseverance, having struggled to regain form since departing Team SoloMid back in 2015.

The transition to Team Liquid for 2021 positions Santorin within North America’s perceived strongest roster, creating optimal conditions for championship pursuit.

Bin

Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin’s rapid ascent from relative obscurity to international recognition defined one of 2020’s most impressive developmental stories.

Following nine months development within Suning’s academy system, Bin immediately established himself as a dominant force within the LPL’s competitive landscape.

His aggressive laning approach and carry-oriented champion pool featuring specialists like Gangplank and Jax revolutionized expectations for rookie top lane performance.

Did Suning win Worlds 2020?

Suning’s unexpected journey to the World Championship final against DAMWON represented extraordinary organizational achievement. For an 18-year-old competitor in his debut professional season, reaching the championship match exceeded all reasonable projections.

Bin’s statistical dominance, leading all top laners in eliminations by substantial margins, reflects his central role within Suning’s strategic framework.

The young player’s composure under extreme pressure situations defied conventional expectations for rookie performers.

Continuing with Suning into the 2021 season ensures fans will continue witnessing his development on competitive stages worldwide.

These four athletes exemplify different pathways to professional improvement within competitive League of Legends. Their stories highlight the importance of strategic adaptation, mental resilience, and continuous skill refinement.

The 2021 professional season commencing in January introduces new competitors while these established players continue their evolutionary journeys.

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