This split of the LEC, dubbed “LEC Versus,” featured a new format, inviting the previous year’s top two teams from EMEA’s tier 2 scene to compete at the highest level. Those teams were Karmine Corp Blue, the winner of the last EMEA Masters, and Los Ratones, the winner of the previous two. Now, after both teams failed to make LEC playoffs, the next EMEA Masters is upon us.

And while a disbanded LR is absent from Sheep Esports sources’ reports of the next EMEA Masters Winter lineup, reigning champions KC Blue are present, indicating the team’s return to the Tier 2 scene it has competed in as a top threat for years. Per sources, Karmine Corp Blue will enter the tournament directly in the Group Stage as the LFL’s fourth seed.

Sources show that the EMEA Masters tournament is more important than ever for Tier 2, being the first step to potentially qualify at the Esports World Cup for two ERLs teams, as previously reported and detailed by Sheep Esports in this article. To summarize, the revamped EM will take place from March 9 to April 21, with a total of 36 participating teams.

The tournament will be played across three different stages, ultimately determining the two ERL teams that advance to the next step of the EWC qualification process, against LEC teams. LEC academy teams, however, will not be eligible to be among the two teams competing for qualification to the Esports World Cup in the tournament against the LEC teams.

Organizationally, Karmine Corp has had a stronghold over the tournament, picking up four EMEA Masters titles as KC and one as KC Blue. Though their performance in LEC Versus was a challenge, ending last place with a 2-9 record, their history of dominance over Tier 2 is undeniable. With a chance to take many lessons away from their LEC struggles, KC Blue is poised to remain the kings of T2 and contend for yet another EMEA championship.