LEC Versus 2026: Natus Vincere Defeat Karmine Corp Blue in a Tough Standoff

The second match of the day was Natus Vincere vs Karmine Corp Blue. After the first week, NAVI held a 2-1 group score, while KCB were sitting at 1-2. After previous matches, NAVI looked like the favorites coming into this match, but let's see how it went.

Game 1 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: Sion, Aatrox, Azir, Yunara, Alistar
• Karmine Corp Blue: Rumble, Jarvan IV, Akali, Aphelios, Neeko

Karmine Corp Blue started the early game very actively and confidently. They were able to pressure the Bot lane, securing two kills and taking a very early Infernal Dragon at the 5th minute. Rumble also gained a decent advantage by getting a solo kill on Sion. The only slight advantage was in the mid lane for Azir against Akali.

In the mid game, despite the kill advantage for Karmine Corp Blue, Natus Vincere managed to maintain a minimal gold lead. Overall, they slightly changed their picks compared to last week, and in this case, time was on their side. That is why KCB tried to play as fast as possible, forcing fights at every opportunity.

At the 27th minute, KCB tried to force a fight to catch favorable timings for Baron and Dragon. But NAVI were able to play excellently on the counter-engage and scored an ACE, losing only Alistar. This completely freed their hands, and they took the third dragon and Baron for themselves. After this fight, NAVI took down two inhibitors and earned a 10 thousand gold advantage.

But the match did not end there; KCB managed to force good fights a few more times and even almost turned the game around at one moment. When NAVI, with the second Baron buff and Soul point, lost four members, KCB went as five to push. But due to destroyed towers and pushed lanes, NAVI managed to respawn, won the fight in their own base, and ended the game.

This year, the LEC Versus 2026 does not provide a cash prize for winning the tournament. Instead, teams are competing for the opportunity to qualify for the international tournament, First Stand 2026. The Regular Season will be held in a Bo1 format where every team faces each other. In total, teams will play 11 matches each, and those with the best results will advance to the playoffs.