Top 10 Rocket League players entering 2022

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Rocket League is a 'tier 1' esport. Amassing record-breaking numbers in prize pools, viewership and world-class sponsorships across regional and international competitions, there is no better time to tune in than now.

With that said, it can be daunting for newcomers to engage with the community or even pick a team to cheer for. Fret not, fellow rocketeer, as here are the top 10 best Rocket League players heading into the year 2022.

10. Atomic from Team Envy

At only 18 years of age and as clutch as one can be, Massimo "Atomic" Franceschi is leading the charge in Envy taking the Texas-based organisation to the top of the North American region.

The pro is entering his third year in the league and has only been formerly a part of three rosters so far, something to credit him for as transfers, releases and retirements are common in that time span.

Mechanics that place him in the right place, right time every single game, Atomic is a menace both on defence and offence – so much so, that NA teams are fighting tooth and nail for the 18-year-old to join their rosters.

9. JKnaps from G2 Esports

The longest-tenured samurai, Jacob “JKnaps” Knapman has been with the organisation since 2017 and is yet to let the foot off the gas pedal. Picking up Reed “Chicago” Wilen and making up for Dillon “Rizzo” Rizzo’s retirement with super sub-now-super starter Andres "Dreaz" Jordan, the Knap Man has been a constant for G2.

Recently winning their first RLCS championship in the third regional of the North American season, JKnaps and co. aren’t planning on stopping anytime soon.

8. Ahmad from Sandrock Gaming

Sandrock Gaming is here to stay and whoever disputes this fact can 1v1 me anytime, now. Veteran and MENA superstar Ahmad "Ahmad" Abdullah is leading the charge in the newly added RLCS region, sending shock waves across the globe when SRG upset and clean-swept G2 Esports on the main stage in Sweden.

His 0-second goal in Game 3, SRG’s back-to-back-to-back regional championships and top eight placement in the first international LAN in two years set Ahmad’s leadership and clutchness apart from most rocketeers.

7. Seikoo from Team Endpoint CeX

Somehow, someway, France is always on top of their Rocket League game and Enzo "Seikoo" Grondein is no exception. About to turn 18 and in his official rookie season, the French menace is taking Rocket League esports by storm, conquering the European region twice with Endpoint and maintaining coldblooded performances when it came to doing so on LAN.

What really makes him special is his mechanical ability reminiscent of a somewhat younger Justin “jstn” Morales. He’s a threat regardless of boost -- that’s a trait rare to find and Seikoo will only climb the ladder from here on out in the Rocket League scene.

6. Shad from Complexity Gaming

The “Vamos movement” was imported from South America when the True Neutral roster made the ever-so-ballsy call to relocate to Mexico to compete in NA after winning it all back in SAM.

Looking for an org change and switching their lifestyle seeking competition, the three lads found a home in Complexity and quickly settled any debate about their ability to compete. The Argentinian + Chilean roster eliminated Spacestation Gaming, a staple in the RLCS scene, and snatched SSG’s trip to Sweden.

Scoring the Stockholm-clinching goal and representing the American dream alongside the COL roster, Facundo "Shad" Vallerino is the embodiment of blood, sweat, and tears when it comes to car soccer.

5. Joreuz from Dignitas

Dignitas has been reborn as of late. With their first RLCS regional dub in two seasons and an undefeated run in Stockholm during the Swiss stage, the roster in its totality got praise and compliments all across social media.

The unsung hero, though? Joris "Joreuz" Robben. The Dutch machine is a cyborg behind the ball, constantly reading, reacting and executing to near-perfection, the 16-year-old is everywhere you don’t want him to be if you are the opposing team.

With a great roster currently surrounding him and a bright future ahead of him, Joreuz could easily make a case for “best in the world” when the time is right.

4. Chausette45 from SMPR Esports

There’s something to be said about consistency, especially when it comes to esports as, in general, is a fleeting career choice for the average pro player – but Thibault "Chausette45" Grzesiak is no average pro.

The Frenchman’s ability to stay atop of his game heading into year seven of his career is astonishing by itself, let alone the fact that Chausette has placed amongst the best in the world consistently in that time span.

Not enough credit goes his way, but 2022 definitely will be the year that the 20-year-old lets the haters know to put a sock in it.

3. Firstkiller from FaZe Clan

Sometimes you’re talented, sometimes you work hard, sometimes you happen to be Jason "Firstkiller" Corral. The prodigy keeps proving himself despite everybody and their momma already knowing how dangerous Firstkiller is.

Leading FaZe Clan to a top-four international placement in Sweden and winning their first-ever RLCS regional championship, First is most certainly a generational talent that young rocketeers are looking to replicate.

2. GarrettG from NRG

Garrett “GarrettG” Gordon is unofficially called Captain America and for good reason. The man lives and breathes Rocket League and has led the charge in the North American region for the past seven years. 

A staple of the RLCS community, a content creator and the heart and soul of NRG Esports, Garrett is the only player in history to have reached every single Rocket League Championship Series LAN since Season 1 – and there are zero signs of the trend stopping anytime soon. 

It’s only a matter of time until the next World Championship comes and the defending champs can take a shot at the back-to-back titles.

1. M0nkey_M00n from Team BDS

If you haven’t picked up on the trend, every member of this list was picked from a different roster to maintain a fresh and varied order. However, if there was a roster that deserved players and coach to be featured on it thoroughly, it would have to be BDS.

Dominating the X Season with almost a dozen championship dubs and toppling the rest of the world in Stockholm to take home the Fall Major LAN, all players, fans, talent and staff can agree that it could not be possible without Evan "M0nkey M00n" Rogez.

One of the original BDS members, M0nkey has proven time and time again why he is the best in the world at what he does and despite a slow start in the European region, the Swiss organisation took the big one home to start their 2022 on the right foot: as the unofficial champions of the world.

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Featured image courtesy of Psyonix.