This past weekend, we witnessed the most significant moment of the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) season so far. Friday’s match between Fnatic, led by Oscarinin and Razork, and the Spanish team Movistar KOI, was highly anticipated by LOL fans in Spain. Unfortunately for the home team, they suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss, which was a tough pill to swallow, especially given the high expectations and the team’s subpar performance. As a result, Fnatic secured a spot in the “loser bracket” final.
In the “loser bracket” final, Fnatic faced off against Karmine Corp, the French team that had previously lost to G2 Esports, leaving a sour taste in their mouths. However, when the two teams clashed, the French team dominated the first two maps, catching many off guard. Fnatic managed to rally and tie the series, forcing a deciding fifth map that would determine the second finalist of the Winter Split. Ultimately, Karmine Corp emerged victorious, securing their first-ever spot in the LEC final.
The French team had extra motivation, seeking revenge against G2 Esports, who had defeated them in the “winner bracket” final. Prior to this match, G2 Esports, led by the highly skilled Caps, were the clear favorites, having won against Karmine Corp just days before. Caps, widely regarded as the “GOAT” of the region, had an impressive record of 14 wins out of 15 finals in the LEC.
Karmine Corp Stuns G2 and the Entire League
As expected, G2 Esports were the heavy favorites to win the Winter Split final, making Karmine Corp’s strong start to the match all the more surprising. The French team’s dominance extended into the second map, with G2 Esports struggling to keep up. Karmine Corp’s impressive performance was characterized by their ability to neutralize G2’s attacks, showcasing near-perfect mechanical skills. The individual duels between mid and top laners were particularly noteworthy, with Vladi and Canna from Karmine Corp outperforming Caps and BrokenBlade, two of the best players in Europe.
The 2-0 lead gave Karmine Corp a significant advantage, putting G2 Esports on the back foot. The German team, accustomed to winning LEC finals with relative ease, found themselves in an unfamiliar position.
Karmine Corp Pulls Off One of the Biggest Upsets in LEC History
Despite G2 Esports’ history of dominance, Karmine Corp’s 2-0 lead was not insurmountable, and many expected a potential comeback. However, the French team had other plans, winning the third map in convincing fashion and taking the series 3-0. This outcome would have been deemed unthinkable just 24 hours prior, with Karmine Corp’s victory sending shockwaves throughout the League of Legends community.
In the end, Karmine Corp’s historic win marked one of the greatest upsets in LEC history, earning them their first title and a spot in the First Stand, the first international event of the year. The team’s impressive performance, particularly from Vladi and Canna, as well as the staff’s exceptional guidance, deserve praise, as they have surpassed expectations and proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of League of Legends.