For the first time in their history, Movistar KOI are LEC champions. On paper, it's their first. In spirit, it’s their fourth — if you count the three titles won under the MAD Lions banner (Spring and Summer 2021, Spring 2023). The badge has changed, the bloodline remains. Just one day after knocking out Karmine Corp, the previous split's champions, KOI came for the Samurais who had sent them crashing into the lower bracket just two weeks earlier. They simply swept G2 Esports 3-1 in the most astonishing scenario.

G2, who've ruled the European scene since 2016, lost back-to-back LEC finals for the first time in their history. Of the 18 finals they’ve played, this is only the fourth they’ve lost — but the cracks are showing. When KOI lifted the trophy, it wasn’t a shock. It was the conclusion to a slow-building shift. And Rasmus "Caps" Winther? Five final losses in his career. Twice at Worlds. Thrice now, at home. At least, this is the first time he hasn't lost in a severe 0-3. MKOI will now head to the Mid-Season Invitational as Europe’s #1 seed. G2 will have to fight through Play-Ins.

MKOI joins the elite

Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun made history of his own. The young North American midlaner, after becoming the first NA player to represent EMEA at an international event, becomes the first NA import to win a European title, adding another line to a growing résumé that already includes LCS Spring 2022. He now joins the elite club of players who have won splits on both sides of the Atlantic: Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer, Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau, and the recently retired Luka "Perkz" Perković. But if Jojopyun lit the fire in mid, Javier "Elyoya" Prades fanned the flames everywhere else.

This is Elyoya's fourth LEC title. A year and a half ago, he was the lone veteran anchoring a rookie project that raised more doubts than hopes. Today, he’s a multi-time champion and arguably one of the best junglers Europe has ever produced. In this final, he played like he was done waiting. He turned sidelanes into minefields and turned teamfights into declarations of intent. David "Supa" Garcia and Álvaro "Alvaro" Fernández del Amo — KOI’s botlane duo — were in the zone all series long, tight, confident, fast. It wasn’t a perfect series from KOI, but it never needed to be.

A test on the big stage

Both teams will have a bit of time to catch their breath before emotions give way to preparation. Europe’s two representatives at MSI are heading to Canada for the tournament, which kicks off on June 27. G2 will have to fight their way through the Play-In stage — for now, the only confirmed opponent is GAM Esports, the second seed from the LCP. Movistar KOI, on the other hand, goes straight to the main event, which begins July 2. It’s a chance for Europe to put two fresh faces to the test on the international stage — after Karmine Corp’s impressive run to the final at First Stand earlier this year, expectations can be high.