After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign — from a historic first LEC title in Winter to their first international appearance at First Stand 2025, followed by the internal drama that led to missing Worlds qualification in Summer — the Blue Wall has built an XXL roster for 2026. With two changes to their lineup, Karmine Corp have carried out one of the loudest offseasons this year by signing the biggest Western support profile and taking a bold bet from the LCK for the midlane. Clearly, the French team continues to aim to be one of the most competitive teams in the European league.

Karmine Corp opted to retain three of their core players and strengthen the lineup around them — all among the league’s very best in their roles. Martin “Yike” Sundelin remains the team’s vocal leader despite the presence of rising star Johnny "Yukino" Dang in the academy; Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert, the team’s face and mechanical prodigy already compared to LCK’s top AD carries who was named rookie of the year; and most notably, Kim “Canna” Chang-dong, the clear 2025 LEC MVP, who re-signed for another year in Europe after exploring opportunities with South Korean and North American teams.

Heavy scouting on the midlane

With their season ending early in September after the Summer Split, Karmine Corp had a head start on the offseason market. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, the club’s shortlist for the midlane was extensive. Although it was first reported on November 10, the signing of Kang “Kyeahoo” Yea-hoo from DRX (LCK) finally ended weeks of speculation and rumors, as KC had also been in talks with several South Korean imports to replace Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtidis, who joined Fnatic during the offseason.

One of the main candidates considered was Lim “Quid” Hyeon-seung, left a free agent after 100 Thieves exited League of Legends, but he prioritized Team Liquid’s offer. Other options reportedly included Kang “Saint” Seong-in, whom LYON decided to keep; Lee “Loki” Sang-min, who chose to return to South Korea for personal reasons; as well as Lee “BuLLDoG” Tae-young currrently teamless and Yoo “Zinie” Baek-jin, who ended up joining Shopify Rebellion in the LCS.

The first bombshell of the offseason

Even before the midlane position was finalized, KC set off the first major shockwave of the offseason. As FlyQuest’s dominant 2025 LTA roster began to implode, the Blue Wall turned its eyes to Alan “Busio” Cwalina. Holder of a Polish passport granting EU residency status, Busio fit perfectly into KC’s plans to keep Canna while adding Kyeahoo on the midlane.

Considered one of, if not the best Western supports over the past two years, Busio was favored over Raphaël “Targamas” Crabbé, who remained the club’s backup option until the very end. That didn’t stop KC from exploring other possibilities at support either, including Polat “Parus” Furkan Çiçek and Adrian “Trymbi” Trybus.

Busio also held discussions with LYON, Shopify Rebellion, and FlyQuest about staying in the LCS next year but ultimately chose to make the move to Europe. He now becomes one of the very few North American imports in Europe — following in the footsteps of Joseph “Jojopyun” Pyun, who reopened that path last year by joining Movistar KOI.

Karmine Corp's reported roster for 2026:

For more roster changes, check out ourTransfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.