The LEC Summer 2026 Playoffs have reached their penultimate stage: In the Lower Bracket Final on September 19 in Nice, Movistar KOI made quick work of Karmine Corp, securing a decisive 3-0 series victory. This win propels the Spanish team into the Grand Final, where they will face G2 Esports on September 20 at the Palais Nikaïa to contend for the LEC Summer title.
How the Lower Bracket Final between Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp unfolded
Movistar KOI arrived in Nice with little rest: Just one day prior, the Spanish team had eliminated NAVI from the tournament in a grueling five-game thriller, coming back from an 0-1 deficit to win 3-1. However, there was little sign of fatigue against Karmine Corp. Jungler Elyoya emerged as the standout player of the series, delivering strong performances on champions like Lee Sin and Qiyana, while Top Laner Myrwn clearly won his matchup against Canna. Karmine Corp, which had finished the regular season undefeated with a 9-0 record and entered the match as favorites, found no answer to MKOI's aggressive playstyle and suffered a more significant defeat than anticipated. For Movistar KOI, this also serves as revenge for a previous season loss: In Spring 2026, Karmine Corp had secured a 3-0 victory in their head-to-head match, earning a spot at MSI – now, MKOI has turned the tables.
What the victory means for the LEC 2026 season and the path to Worlds
From a competitive standpoint, both teams are no longer fighting for mere survival: Both Karmine Corp and Movistar KOI have already secured a ticket to the 2026 World Championship by reaching the top three of the Summer Playoffs – for Karmine Corp, following their 3-1 victory over GIANTX on September 5, this marks the club's very first Worlds appearance. With the 3-0 win against KC, MKOI is now playing for more: the LEC Summer title and a better seeding for the Worlds bracket. G2 Esports awaits in the Grand Final, having previously defeated Karmine Corp 3-1 in the Upper Bracket to qualify directly for the Worlds Swiss Stage. This matchup, incidentally, has nothing to do with MSI – the Mid-Season Invitational was already decided after the Spring Split, with the Summer Playoffs exclusively determining the LEC title and Worlds seedings.
For Movistar KOI, this is another highlight in a strong second half of the season, while for Karmine Corp, despite the loss, it remains a remarkable inaugural Worlds season. Who ultimately prevails in the Lower Bracket is a topic not just in the LEC – a similar Lower Bracket upset recently caused a stir in the LCK. Sunday will reveal whether Movistar KOI can carry this momentum into their match against G2 Esports.
Source: ggscore.com, escorenews.com
Do you believe Movistar KOI can claim the title against G2 Esports in the Grand Final, or will the reigning champions maintain their composure in Nice? Share your predictions in the comments!
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