LEC Versus 2026 Playoffs: Natus Vincere Secure a Clean Sweep over Fnatic

The honor of opening the first match of the playoff stage went to Natus Vincere and Fnatic. The match was played in a Best-of-3 (Bo3) format using the Fearless Draft system. These teams previously faced off during the regular season, where Fnatic secured a victory after pulling off an incredible comeback with their Nexus almost completely exposed. Now, let’s dive into the match.

Game 1 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: K`Sante, Zaahen, Azir, Corki, Leona
• Fnatic: Renekton, Xin Zhao, Orianna, Kai`Sa, Nautilus

Game 2 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: Sion, Aatrox, Ahri, Ezreal, Bard
• Fnatic: Jax, Pantheon, Taliyah, Yunara, Alistar

On the first map, both teams opted for a draft centered around proactivity and pressure in the bottom lane. Thanks to a gank from Zaahen in the bot lane, they managed to heavily pressure Xin Zhao and the enemy duo, eventually securing First Blood. Constant playmaking and pressure from NAVI allowed them to build a massive lead, especially for the team's ADC and jungler.

Natus Vincere held a colossal advantage in terms of objectives. In the mid-game, Fnatic decided to play strictly as a unit of five, looking for picks on isolated champions to stabilize their position. While trades occurred on both sides, these moments were more beneficial for Fnatic as the trailing team than for NAVI.

Securing four dragons and Baron Nashor allowed NAVI to take down all of Fnatic's outer towers and snowball their lead even further. Subsequently, NAVI began trapping Fnatic inside their base, clearing out their jungle and leaving no chance for a gold comeback. This led to a final fight in the top lane, which Natus Vincere won convincingly to take the first map.

The second map started at a slower pace, but NAVI still maintained strong pressure in the bot lane, which granted them more map mobility. Natus Vincere's superior macro understanding allowed them to take objectives entirely uncontested. It is also important to note that NAVI never gave up an objective without a cross-map response. If Fnatic took the Rift Herald, Aatrox would counter-jungle, denying the Fnatic jungler crucial farm.

The fight for the fourth dragon turned into a total disaster for Fnatic. NAVI managed to steal the Infernal Soul, secure an ACE, and move toward Baron Nashor. This teamfight victory allowed Natus Vincere to swing the gold lead by 5,000.

The final fight took place at the Elder Dragon. Fnatic attempted to contest it, but NAVI's damage output was already too high. Before even reaching the dragon pit, Fnatic members were losing most of their health. This allowed NAVI to commit to the fight, secure the dragon, and end the game with an Ace.

In 2026, the LEC Versus format does not include a cash prize. Instead of a prize pool, teams are competing for qualification to the international tournament, First Stand 2026. The match format changes during the playoff stage: early rounds are held as Best-of-3 (Bo3) series, while key and final matchups are played in a Best-of-5 (Bo5) format. These matches will determine the team that secures a slot for the international stage.