LEC Versus 2026 Playoffs: Karmine Corp Advance to the Finals After a Hard-Fought 3:2 Victory Over MKOI

Only 2 matches remain in the LEC Versus 2026 Playoffs before we find out who is going to First Stand. And today, Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp faced off for a spot in the finals. The match was played in a Best-of-5 (Bo5) format using Fearless Draft. Now, let's take a look at how the match unfolded.

Game 1 Picks:

• Movistar KOI: Ambessa, Jarvan IV, Azir, Sivir, Rakan
• Karmine Corp: Varus, Pantheon, Azir, Ezreal, Alistar

Game 2 Picks:

• Movistar KOI: Zaahen, Xin Zhao, Aurora, Yunara, Lulu
• Karmine Corp: Sion, Wukong, Ryze, Ashe, Seraphine

Game 3 Picks:

• Movistar KOI: Renekton, Qiyana, Taliyah, KaiSa, Nautilus
• Karmine Corp: Jayce, Sejuani, Syndra, Jhin, Rell

Game 4 Picks:

• Movistar KOI: Zaahen, Poppy, Ahri, Aphelios, Neeko
• Karmine Corp: Gnar, Malphite, Victor, Corki, Karma

Game 5 Picks:

• Movistar KOI: KSante, Gwen, Yone, Lucian, Milio
• Karmine Corp: Akali, Kha'Zix, Galio, Kalista, Renata Galsc

In the first map, the teams focused on the mid lane. Thanks to the Ezreal pick in the bot lane, the Karmine Corp (KC) support gained freedom of action and created heavy pressure in the mid lane. By the 10-minute mark, this resulted in a 3-0 score and a 2,000 gold advantage for KC. However, Movistar KOI (MKOI) waited for their core items and capitalized on KC's mistakes in unfavorable team fights. By the 30th minute, MKOI's lead exceeded 7,000 gold, and after one successful team fight in the mid lane, they easily closed out the map in their favor.

KC started the second map very aggressively across the entire map, securing a 2.5 thousand gold advantage by the 10-minute mark. MKOI's mistakes in decision-making when engaging in fights led to the loss of champions. A confident snowball from Karmine Corp left their opponent with no chance for a comeback, resulting in a victory for KC.

In the third map, KC once again tried to apply pressure through the mid lane, but during the mid-game, MKOI began to perform much better in team fights. This allowed them to close the gap, secure key objectives one after another, and cement their lead. The fourth game turned out to be slower, with a focus on macro play. KC managed to secure three dragons by the 18-minute mark, but MKOI found good opportunities for trades, successfully executed their draft, and pulled ahead.

The fifth and decisive map was completely controlled by Karmine Corp. Early aggression secured them a 3,000 gold lead by the 10-minute mark. High damage output and smart macro decisions allowed KC to achieve a quick victory in the series. As a result, MKOI leave the tournament in 3rd place.

In 2026, the LEC Versus format does not feature a monetary prize pool - teams are competing for the regional championship title and the only spot at the international First Stand 2026 event. Currently, the competition has reached its climax: only the grand final remains on the schedule, which will take place on March 1st. The championship will be decided in a matchup between G2 Esports and Karmine Corp, who will play the decisive series in a Best-of-5 (Bo5) format.