LEC Versus 2026 Playoffs: GIANTX Eliminates Natus Vincere in a 2:1 Series

The LEC Versus 2026 Playoffs continue, and today featured a Lower Bracket Quarterfinals match between Natus Vincere and GIANTX. The match was played in a Best-of-3 (Bo3) format utilizing the Fearless Draft system. The losing team is eliminated from the tournament, while the winning team advances to the Lower Bracket Semifinal and secures a top-4 finish in the Winter Split. Let's move on to the match recap.

Game 1 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: Sion, Qiyana, Azir, Varus, Bard
• GIANTX: Gwen, Pantheon, Aurora, Ezreal, Neeko

Game 2 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: Gnar, Jarvan IV, Anivia, Corki, Nami
• GIANTX: KSante, Xin Zhao, Ryze, Ash, Seraphine

Game 3 Picks:

• Natus Vincere: Rumble, Wukong, Ahri, Aphelios, Lulu
• GIANTX: Ornn, Aatrox, Taliyah, Yunara, Nautilus

The first map started on equal terms, but NAVI's solid frontline looked more promising. An early fight at the dragon brought Natus Vincere the objective and two kills for Varus and Qiyana. By the 21st minute, NAVI held a 5,000 gold lead, but GIANTX managed to take the dragon, delaying the opponent's soul point.

The decisive moment came at the 30-minute mark: NAVI secured the Infernal Soul and got two kills. Pantheon's attempt to steal the Baron failed, and the advantage grew to 10,000 gold. A final teamfight in the top lane cemented the victory for NAVI - 1:0.

In the second game, GIANTX dominated due to an aggressive draft and constant pressure on the bot lane. By the 9th minute, they were freely entering NAVI's jungle, utilizing their damage advantage.

By the 15-minute mark, NAVI temporarily regained map control, but GIANTX were still leading in dragons 2-0. The turning point occurred during the contest for the third dragon: following the deaths of Gnar and Anivia, GIANTX secured the Baron, nullifying NAVI's gold lead. NAVI's last chance was lost in the fight for the soul point, where GIANTX secured four kills and finished the game pushing through the mid lane. The score became 1:1.

In the deciding game, GIANTX appeared more confident, largely due to the proactive movements of their jungler. By the 8th minute, they had established a 1,500 gold lead and secured the first dragon. By the 17-minute mark, this advantage had expanded to 3,000 gold, and at 23 minutes, GIANTX successfully claimed the Infernal Soul. Following the capture of the Elder Dragon, NAVI's ability to resist was completely broken. A final ACE in the jungle concluded the series. Natus Vincere are eliminated from LEC Versus 2026, while GIANTX advance to the lower bracket semifinal.

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.