Rocket League has always been a game defined by its players’ skill and creativity. Since its release in 2015, the competitive scene has grown tremendously, and every year, a standout player rises above the rest. From the early days of air dribbles to the complex mechanics of today, we’ve seen the game evolve in ways no one imagined. Join us as we take a journey through the years, celebrating the best players who defined Rocket League Esports.
2015: Kovi
Back in 2015, Rocket League was in its infancy, and Kovi was lightyears ahead of the competition. Known for his ability to consistently air dribble—a mechanic that was groundbreaking at the time—Kovi inspired an entire generation of players. Using the Breakout car, he showed unmatched control and creativity, leaving opponents in awe. His gameplay was so revolutionary that clips of his air dribbles on Reddit sparked debates and amazement.
2016: Cucker 97
The year 2016 belonged to Cucker 97, who won RLCS Season 2 and was crowned MVP. His unique playstyle, which involved advanced spinning techniques to position his car perfectly, set him apart. Cucker’s ability to execute the now-famous “Cucker Pinch” left spectators stunned. His precise, calculated gameplay redefined what was possible in Rocket League.
2017: D.Va
In 2017, D.Va brought a new level of precision to the game, popularizing high-level double touches. His ability to hit the ball hard above the backboard and follow up with a perfect touch left defenders helpless. D.Va’s gameplay was the precursor to many of the mechanics we see in today’s Rocket League.
2018: Squishy
Squishy was a trailblazer in 2018, seamlessly transitioning his flashy YouTube mechanics to RLCS. Known for his ceiling shots and flip resets, Squishy’s ability to innovate during matches pushed the boundaries of what was possible. His gameplay during RLCS was both jaw-dropping and game-changing.
2019: Justin
Few players have captivated audiences like Justin did in 2019. After being promoted from RLRS, he silenced doubters by showcasing mechanics that were far ahead of the competition. His ceiling shots, pre-jumps, and incredible game sense helped NRG win the Season 8 World Championship, cementing his legacy.
2020: First Killer
In a year without a World Championship, First Killer dominated ranked play and tournaments alike. Known for his unparalleled speed and recovery, First Killer’s ability to outpace opponents made him unstoppable. His quick decision-making and mechanical precision earned him the title of best player in 2020.
2021: Monkey Moon
Monkey Moon was the backbone of Team BDS in 2021, leading them to a World Championship victory. While not the flashiest player, his consistency and positioning were unmatched. Monkey Moon’s ability to control the pace of the game made him an invaluable asset to his team.
| Year | Player | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Kovi | Pioneered air dribbles |
| 2016 | Cucker 97 | RLCS Season 2 MVP |
| 2019 | Justin | Season 8 World Champion |
| 2021 | Monkey Moon | Led BDS to Worlds victory |
2022: Vatira
Vatira was a standout player in 2022, known for his soft first touches and precise mechanics. His ability to control the ball and create opportunities set him apart. While his team didn’t win Worlds, Vatira’s individual brilliance was undeniable.
2023: Zen
After turning 15 and becoming eligible for RLCS, Zen took the Rocket League world by storm in 2023. Known for his innovative mechanics like ceiling pinches and air dribble resets, Zen proved his doubters wrong by winning the World Championship. His creativity and ability to adapt to defenders made him a revolutionary player.
2024: Dra
Dra emerged as the best player of 2024, leading BDS to yet another World Championship. His freestyle-like mechanics blended perfectly with competitive play, showcasing the evolution of Rocket League Esports. Dra’s ability to innovate under pressure made him the standout player of the year.
Rocket League continues to evolve, and every year brings a new legend to the forefront. Who will define 2025? Only time will tell.