LEC Versus 2026: Los Ratones Defeat SK Gaming to Reach Balanced 5-5 Record

The next match of the day featured Los Ratones against SK Gaming. Los Ratones entered this matchup with a 4-5 record, while SK Gaming stood at 3-6. A victory is incredibly important for both teams, though Los Ratones currently hold a better overall chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Let us move on to the match review.

Game 1 Picks:

• Los Ratones: Gragos, Vi, Yone, Corki, Karma
• SK Gaming: Ornn, Xin Zhao, Azir, Yunara, Neeko

The start of the match was very close, as both teams moved effectively across the map and attempted to pressure their opponents. Despite this, neither side was able to gain a clear advantage before the 10th minute. First Blood went to Yone in the lower jungle near the mid lane after a kill on Vi. This allowed SK Gaming to pull ahead with a 1.5 thousand gold lead.

By the 20th minute, the gold lead stood at 1 thousand with a 3-1 kill score. However, Los Ratones managed to secure two dragons - though they were the Ocean and Mountain varieties, which were not the most ideal for them, the extra stats are always beneficial. Despite the tension, both Los Ratones and SK played very cautiously, shifting the game into a more passive farming phase.

The first major teamfight did not occur until the 30th minute at the Baron, which Los Ratones forced. LR managed to secure the Baron very quickly and took a fight where they eliminated all SK Gaming champions while losing only two of their own. This allowed them to swing the game in their favor with a 5,000 gold lead. After respawns, they initiated another fight, won it, and finished the match.

Following this victory, they move to a 5-5 record, significantly increasing their chances of advancing to the playoffs - even a loss tomorrow would leave them with a chance to qualify. For SK Gaming, this defeat effectively ends their tournament run with a 3-7 record.

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.