Ablazeolive’s journey from Academy to LCS stardom and NA’s rookie revolution
A New Hope for Golden Guardians
The Golden Guardians have placed their faith in Nicholas ‘Ablazeolive’ Abbott as their new Mid Laner, signaling a bold commitment to developing North American talent in the 2021 LCS season.
While not yet a widely recognized name, Ablazeolive enters the LCS with something to prove. Despite low external expectations for the rookie-heavy Golden Guardians roster, the 22-year-old Mid Laner is determined to demonstrate that NA’s homegrown talent can compete at the highest level.
Following North America’s disappointing performance at Worlds 2020, the region faced intense scrutiny. This created an opportunity for organizations to rethink their approach to roster construction and player development.
Ablazeolive’s journey to the LCS began five years earlier in the NACS with Zenith Esports. His patience finally paid off when Golden Guardians offered him the starting Mid Lane position, making him one of three rookies on their 2021 roster.
Learning from a Legend: Bjergsen’s Influence
During his time with TSM Academy, Ablazeolive had the unique opportunity to learn from one of NA’s greatest Mid Laners, Soren ‘Bjergsen’ Bjerg. This two-year mentorship proved invaluable for both in-game skills and mental preparation.
“Bjergsen’s guidance extended far beyond champion mechanics and lane matchups,” Ablazeolive explained. “The most transformative lessons were about managing competitive pressure and maintaining confidence on stage – skills that have been crucial in my LCS transition.”
While Bjergsen’s retirement means Ablazeolive won’t face his mentor in professional play, he carries forward the legacy of their training. “I approach every Mid Lane matchup with the same confidence Bjergsen taught me to have,” he stated.
The 2021 Rookie Wave Changing NA’s Approach
The 2021 LCS season marks a significant shift in North America’s competitive philosophy. For the first time in years, North American Mid Laners outnumber their European counterparts, with teams like Golden Guardians, Immortals, and Dignitas investing in Academy talent.
“This change was necessary for NA’s long-term growth,” Ablazeolive observed. “Relying on imports created a developmental gap that hurt our international competitiveness. Giving Academy players real opportunities is the only way to build sustainable success.”
The perception of NA Mid Laners has historically been negative, but Ablazeolive believes this stems from lack of opportunity rather than inherent skill deficits. “With consistent playtime and proper coaching, we can prove NA can develop world-class Mid Laners,” he asserted.
Defying Expectations: Playoffs and Beyond
Despite being underestimated by analysts, Ablazeolive remains confident in Golden Guardians’ playoff potential. “Our scrim progress has been remarkable,” he noted. “The coaching staff has accelerated our development in ways that will surprise many observers.”
The team’s immediate focus is their upcoming match against 100 Thieves, but Ablazeolive sees this season as just the beginning. “We’re not just playing for 2021 – we’re helping build a new path for NA talent. In three months, we’ll be an entirely different team,” he promised.
For aspiring NA players, Ablazeolive’s journey offers a blueprint: persistence through Academy, learning from veterans, and seizing opportunities when they come. His success could inspire the next generation of North American talent.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Ablazeolive on his LCS call-up: “You have to take risks on younger talent” Ablazeolive's journey from Academy to LCS stardom and NA's rookie revolution