Los Ratones eliminated from LEC Versus despite a 90% chance to qualify for playoffs

The final day of the LEC Versus regular season promised a high-intensity slate of matches filled with momentum swings and dramatic turnarounds. With five teams tied in the standings and only three playoff spots available, nearly every game carried major implications. At the conclusion of the final six matches of the regular season, Los Ratones became the last team eliminated from the competition, despite holding a 90.6% chance of qualifying at the start of the day.

Like most of their rivals, the former NLC champions started the day with five wins and controlled their own destiny entering the day. With a victory over Team Vitality, Los Ratones could have secured their playoff berth in the very first match. However, despite holding a 5k golds lead and fielding Simon "Baus" Hofverberg’s signature Sion, Team Vitality confirmed their recent form by mounting a comeback against Marc "Caedrel" Lamont’s squad.

Even after that defeat, the team still retained every opportunity to qualify for the playoffs. However, setbacks quickly began to accumulate and ultimately swept away Los Ratones’ hopes. First, Movistar KOI regained momentum, taking control of their fate and clinching qualification by defeating NAVI. Shifters did their part by beating SK Gaming, but unexpectedly, Team Heretics also rebounded to take down Karmine Corp. The final remaining scenario then hinged on Fnatic defeating G2 Esports. Yet, as has often been the case, the Black and Orange lineup was unable to overcome their longtime rival, indirectly sealing Los Ratones’ fate.

With five total wins, Los Ratones finished tied with Shifters and Fnatic, but unfavorable tiebreakers meant that the latter claimed the final playoff spot. Los Ratones ultimately paid the price for their disastrous 0–4 start to the season. Despite a strong upward trajectory — notably driven by their toplaner Baus and an authoritative Tim "Nemesis" Lipovšek — LR had rekindled hope by defeating Movistar KOI and G2, stringing together four consecutive victories but without it being enough in the end.

With this elimination, Los Ratones’ LEC journey comes to an end. Last December, Caedrel had confirmed that his team would not return to ERL competition this season. In other words, Los Ratones’ loss to Team Vitality may well mark the organization’s final competitive match on the professional circuit, barring an unexpected turn of events in the coming weeks.