LoL - EMEA Masters: Karmine Corp Blue ends Los Ratones’ ERL Golden Road

Karmine Corp Blue reminded everyone that the EMEA Masters is their domain. The most decorated organization in the competition’s history crushed Los Ratones’ incredible 2025 run with authority, sweeping them 3–0 in semifinals. With this victory, the Summer Split champions of the LFL advance to their fifth EMEA Masters final—and the most chilling statistic remains: Karmine Corp has never lost a final in the tournament.

For Los Ratones, it’s heartbreak. Triple NLC champions, nearly untouchable at home, and double EMEA Masters winners in 2025 during the Winter and Spring splits, they entered the tournament with only three losses all year across all competitions. Yet this Summer run never felt quite as dominant. This is the first BO5 loss in the history of the club.

Their dream ends in the semifinals, evoking memories of JD Gaming’s fall during Worlds 2023—when a team chasing a historic “Golden Road” was stopped short by the one destined to shine, T1. Here, history repeats itself in spirit: in their own domain, Karmine Corp Blue stands tall as the unbeatable force that denies the fairytale.

After a shaky Swiss Stage of best-of-ones, Karmine Corp Blue entered the playoffs transformed. What followed was pure domination: a 3–0 sweep over TCL’s top seed MISA Esports, followed by another flawless 3–0 against NLC’s champions, Los Ratones. With such commanding performances, their status as clear favorites for the grand final is undeniable.

In the post-match interview, botlaner Thomas “3XA” Foucou captured the team’s mindset: "In this tournament, we’re the best team. We have the best individual players. And we understand the drafts better."

Few could argue otherwise. Each of the three games ended in under 30 minutes, exposing a significant gap in both execution and confidence. Los Ratones’ star toplaner Simon “Baus” Hofverberg, usually the catalyst of their creative playstyle, never found his footing, his trademark proxy plays all but erased. Meanwhile, Karmine’s support Kim “Piero” Jung-hun delivered a standout performance, leading aggressive early-game plays and dictating the pace, especially with his Alistar in Game 2.

Asked about the grand final, 3XA didn’t hesitate: "I think we’ll play against Heretics. I really want to face Rin (Khalil Sahraoui)." Regardless of who awaits them, Karmine Corp Blue stands on the brink of another milestone. The LFL is on course to reclaim its first EMEA Masters title of the year and extend a remarkable legacy—the French league hasn’t gone a full season without lifting the trophy since 2018.

The showdown will take place at the Dôme de Paris during Paris Games Week on November 2, where Karmine Corp Blue will play in front of a euphoric home crowd. For 3XA, it’s the opportunity to claim the first EMEA Masters title of his career—on home soil and under the brightest lights.