At just 18 years old, Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert made his debut in the LEC as the AD Carry for Karmine Corp at the start of the 2025 season. He is already being praised as the prodigy Europe has been waiting for to reclaim its former glory on the international stage. Often compared to Rasmus "Caps" Winther, Caliste is exceptionally skilled in nearly every aspect of the game, initiating what could be the beginning of a renaissance for European League of Legends.

Early life and introduction to Esports

Caliste was born on August 28, 2006, in France and grew up in Paulhan near Montpellier. From an early age, Caliste demonstrated a natural affinity for video games, playing Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends, just like his two big brothers. He quickly showcased an exceptional ability to grasp complex strategies and mechanics.

Caliste’s journey began in his adolescence, balancing school with his growing passion for esports. Despite his young age, his commitment to improvement and his drive to compete against the best players in the world set him apart from others in his peer group. Inspired by legendary professional players, like Steven "Hans Sama" Liv, Caliste’s goal was clear from the start: to become a leading figure in the competitive League of Legends scene.

Professional beginnings

In February 2021, Caliste officially entered the professional esports scene by joining Otterz Esport in the French Tier 3 division. Though starting with a relatively unknown team, this period was crucial for Caliste as he honed his skills, built his reputation, and gained critical experience in high-pressure matches.

Following his stint with Otterz, Caliste’s career rapidly progressed, and he joined other notable teams such as Omerix Esport, Mirage Elyandra to play the Coupe de France in 2022, and ViV Esport with whom he played the 2023 Spring Split in LFL Division 2. With each team, he developed not only his technical prowess but also a keen understanding of teamwork and communication, vital skills in a game as intricate as League of Legends. During these formative years, he transitioned from a promising rookie to a player capable of leading his team to victory through sharp decision-making and a commanding presence in the botlane.

The rise of Caliste with Karmine Corp

The pivotal moment in Caliste’s career came in May 2023 when he joined Karmine Corp, one of the most prestigious esports organizations in Europe, to play the LFL Summer Split. This move marked a turning point, firmly establishing him as a rising star in the competitive scene. He stepped into the ADC role, previously held just a year earlier by none other than Martin "Rekkles" Larsson, widely regarded as the greatest botlaner Europe has ever produced. In an interview with L'Équipe, Rekkles himself described Caliste as a "sharp player," adding, "It's easier to improve as a player when you have this within you from the start. You can learn how the game works, but this quality is innate."

In a symbolic passing of the torch, Caliste went on to win the LFL Summer Split, where he was even named MVP. Alongside Karmine Corp’s super team of the time—Lucas "Cabochard" Simon-Meslet, Jakub "Cinkrof" Rokicki, Lucas "SAKEN" Fayard, and Raphaël "Targamas" Crabbé—Caliste also triumphed in the EMEA Masters.

Then came Karmine Corp's announcement during the offseason: they had finally achieved their ultimate goal of joining the LEC, the league featuring the ten best teams in the region. The fanbase erupted with excitement, but a shadow loomed over this achievement. Riot Games also introduced new rules, which set the minimum age for league entry at 18. This indirectly prevented Karmine Corp from promoting Caliste to the LEC roster alongside his teammates. This didn’t stop Caliste from continuing to place his trust in the club. He signed a three-year contract extending until the end of 2026, keeping the door wide open for his promotion to the LEC the following year.

He then benefited from an additional year to sharpen his gameplay and embrace his new status as a local legend, bolstered by his passionate fanbase in the LFL. Surrounded by a team built specifically around him, Caliste claimed victory in the Spring 2024 split and secured second place in the Summer 2024 split, where he faced off against the BDS Academy super team and broke many records in the league.

These achievements added even more accolades to his record before he finally joined the LEC at the start of 2025, still representing Karmine Corp. Thanks to these accomplishments, his reputation only continued to soar. Having known almost nothing but success throughout his career, Caliste now carries the weight of Karmine Corp’s hopes as the most promising young talent in Europe since Caps himself.

Playstyle and impact on the game

Caliste’s playing style can be described as aggressive, precise, and highly adaptive. As a botlaner, he excels in positioning, timing, and decision-making during critical moments. He has earned praise from Rekkles, who remarked during his interview with L'Équipe, "Who is the best player in the LEC at his position right now? Hans Sama? He will be at that level, immediately." His proficiency with a wide variety of champions enables him to adapt to his team’s needs and counter the opposing team’s strategies effectively. This versatility, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him a cornerstone player for Karmine Corp.

Off the Rift, Caliste is known for his analytical approach to the game. He dedicates countless hours to studying replays, analyzing his performance, and learning from the best players around the globe. "He immediately acted as if he were a veteran, he carried the team on his shoulders a lot in 2023," says Targamas to L'Équipe. "He has a discipline and professionalism that you don’t see in people who are ten years older". This meticulous preparation has not only elevated his own gameplay but also inspired his teammates to strive for excellence.