I feel like when Thrasher announces SOTY depends on their media schedule. I remember they announced Chris Cole the second time midway through December, whereas they announced Grant before Thanksgiving in 2011.
I'd be really surprised if this isn't a SOTY part, and good for Louie if so, but this pick seems a little sterile given everything that's happened this year (the past few months especially). I was hoping Tiago would pull above politics for a victory, a la Wes Kremer, but Louie's definitely been groomed for SOTY over the past few years and I can see this move pleasing plenty of industry types.