The LEC Summer 2026 Playoffs have reached their penultimate act: In the Lower Bracket Final, Movistar KOI made quick work of Karmine Corp on September 19th in Nice, decisively winning the series 3-0. This propels the Spanish team into the Grand Final, where they will face G2 Esports on September 20th at Palais Nikaïa, with the LEC Summer title on the line.
How did the Lower Bracket Final between Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp unfold?
Movistar KOI arrived in Nice with little rest: just one day prior, the Spanish squad had knocked NAVI out of the tournament in a grueling five-game thriller, overcoming an initial 0-1 deficit. However, little fatigue was evident against Karmine Corp. Jungler Elyoya emerged as the dominant factor of the series, notably with strong performances on 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 high-pressure playstyle and had to concede defeat more decisively than expected. For Movistar KOI, it also serves as revenge for a season loss: Karmine Corp had already swept them 3-0 in a direct matchup in Spring 2026, securing a spot at MSI – now MKOI has turned the tables.
What does this victory mean for the LEC 2026 season and the path to Worlds?
In terms of competition, 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 5th, it even marks the very first Worlds participation in the club's history. 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 them in the Grand Final, having previously defeated Karmine Corp 3-1 in the Upper Bracket, directly qualifying for the Worlds Swiss Stage. Incidentally, this matchup 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, it's the next highlight of a strong second half of the season; for Karmine Corp, despite the loss, it remains a remarkable first Worlds season. Who gains the upper hand in the Lower Bracket is a topic not just in the LEC – a similar Lower Bracket upset recently caused a stir in the LCK. This Sunday will show whether Movistar KOI can carry this momentum into their match against G2 Esports.
Source: ggscore.com, escorenews.com
Do you believe Movistar KOI can win the title against G2 Esports in the Grand Final, or will the reigning champions hold their nerve in Nice? Share your predictions in the comments!
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