LEC Versus 2026: GIANTX Topple Heretics in a Thrilling Elimination Clash

The LEC Versus 2025 Playoffs continue, and today's matchday kicks off with GIANTX taking on Team Heretics. This is the first elimination match in Lower Bracket Round 1, played in a Bo3 format utilizing Fearless Draft. The winning team will advance to face Natus Vincere in the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals. Let's move on to the match overview.

Game 1 Picks:

• GIANTX: Sion, Vi, Taliyah, Varus, Bard
• Team Heretics: Rumble, Nocturn, Aurora, Jhin, Rakan

Game 2 Picks:

• GIANTX: KSante, Aatrox, Ryze, Lucian, Nami
• Team Heretics: Gnar, Xin Zhao, Anivia, Corki, Rell

Game 3 Picks:

• GIANTX: Zaahen, Poppy, Azir, Aphelios, Braum
• Team Heretics: Ambessa, Naafiri, Aria, Jinx, Thresh

The teams traded proactive plays early, with GIANTX securing First Blood for Varus and claiming two dragons plus the Herald. Although Heretics kept the gold even through efficient farming, a mistimed Smite during a third dragon fight allowed GIANTX to secure the objective. Later, a disastrous Dragon Soul fight cost Heretics two key members, handing GIANTX the dragon, Baron, and a 6,000 gold lead. After one final catch in the fog of war, GIANTX closed out the game for a 1:0 lead.

GIANTX applied early bot-lane pressure, but Heretics countered with an Infernal Drake and better objective control. Despite Heretics stealing a Baron, GIANTX won the ensuing fight and built a 5,000 gold lead. The turning point came during the Dragon Soul fight, where Heretics stabilized and brought their composition online. Minutes later, an incredible mid-lane combo wiped out GIANTX, allowing Heretics to tie the series 1:1 and force a decider.

On map three, GIANTX resumed their aggressive play, prioritizing the bot lane to create space for Aphelios. By minute 14, they held a 2,500 gold lead, though Team Heretics stayed in the mix by securing two dragons.

From the 17th minute onward, GIANTX took total control. Dominating objectives and winning every fight, they leveraged a massive gold and XP gap on key carries to close out the series. GIANTX advance to the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals to face NAVI, while Team Heretics exit the tournament in 7th-8th place.

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.