G2 Esports has claimed another victory in the LEC's most iconic rivalry, defeating Fnatic 3-1 in the opening match of the 2025 Spring Playoffs. With this win, the Samurai secure a minimum top 3 finish and move within one series of qualifying for the Mid-Season Invitational. On the other hand, Fnatic suffered a tough setback and fell to the lower bracket, where they will face either GIANTX or Team Heretics.

G2 will be back on stage Monday evening to face the winner of Sunday’s highly anticipated series between Karmine Corp and Movistar KOI. Fnatic is also watching that outcome closely, as it determines their next opponent. If MKOI loses, Fnatic will face Heretics in the lower bracket; if KC falls, Fnatic will go up against GIANTX. Rasmus "Caps" Winther has already set his sights on Karmine Corp in his post-match interview, looking to take revenge for the loss in the Winter Split final.

A spectacular Classico

Despite a dominant start in Game 1, Fnatic slowly lost control of the series as G2 adapted and took over. The opening game was a masterclass from Fnatic, with clean early-game execution and objective control thanks to a wonderful jungle/support dynamic, but G2 struck back decisively in Game 2, led by standout solo performances from Caps and Sergen "BrokenBlade" Çelik. Game 3 saw Fnatic with a massive gold lead and map control, yet they were unable to close it out. Steven "Hans Sama" Liv flipped the script in the final team fight with clutch positioning on Xayah.

Game 4 followed a similar pattern: early momentum went Fnatic’s way, but G2 stayed calm under pressure, punished key mistakes, and turned the tide in the late game. With Hans Sama shining once again on Kai’Sa and Caps providing key impact in midlane fights, G2 sealed the 3-1 victory with composure and precision. The series highlighted the resilience of a G2 squad that, just two weeks ago, looked far less convincing during the regular season. Their clutch factor was embodied by Hans Sama, who rightfully earned the series MVP after single-handedly showcasing G2’s superior team fighting in the most critical moments.

The Blue Wall Enters the Stage

The 2025 LEC Playoffs continue this Sunday with the debut of the reigning champions. For the first time in LEC history, Karmine Corp will face off against Movistar KOI in a best-of-five. The winner will advance to meet G2 in the next round of the upper bracket, while the loser will drop to the lower bracket. As the first-place team from the Spring regular season, KC had the privilege of selecting its opponent and chose the Spanish team.

While Karmine enters the series as the clear favorite, it will serve as a solid test for MKOI, who are known for their strength in fearless Bo5s. Their deep pool of pocket picks, particularly from toplaner Alex "Myrwn" Villarejo, made them a dangerous opponent last season in similar formats. The match kicks off at 5 PM CET.