LEC Versus Team of the Week 5

The first week of the LEC Versus Playoffs has concluded this Tuesday. With eight matches scheduled these last two days, four teams secured their place in the next round, while four others already find themselves at risk of elimination. Karmine Corp and Natus Vincere lived up to expectations as favorites, whereas G2 Esports and Movistar KOI delivered performances notably stronger than those displayed during the regular season, thereby reinforcing their status as serious contenders.

Sheep Esports’ Team of the Week, limited to a maximum of two players per team, includes Kim “Canna” Chang-dong in the toplane, Enes “Rhilech” Uçan in the jungle, Rasmus “Caps” Winther in the midlane, Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert as AD Carry, and Labros “Labrov” Papoutsakis as support. In recognition of his standout performance against GIANTX on Tuesday, Caliste has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the week.

The Korean toplaner for Karmine Corp likely did not overlook the fact that Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan had claimed the majority of recent Team of the Week selections. He began the LEC Versus playoffs in commanding fashion, securing a solo kill against Eren “Lot” Yıldız. Dominant on both Rumble and Gwen, he once again proved a dependable cornerstone for KC, who followed his lead to a relatively straightforward victory over GIANTX.

Competition for the jungle spot with Rudy “SkewMond” Semaan was intense, yet after an already impressive regular season, Rhilech reaffirmed that he could meet the heightened demands of playoff competition. His carry-oriented playstyle, which had propelled Natus Vincere through the best-of-one stage, translated effectively into best-of-three series. He set the tone with a Zaahen performance against Fnatic—a new addition to an already extensive champion pool. In Game 2, supported by teammates in strong form, he delivered a composed display that secured NAVI’s first playoff victory in the organization’s history.

After a sluggish start to the regular season with G2 Esports, Caps earns his first appearance in our Team of the Week. Already more convincing over the past two weeks, the multiple-time European champion has continued to build on his momentum. His Ryze roams in Game 1 created decisive early advantages and effectively put the game beyond Team Heretics before they had an opportunity to recover. In Game 2, building a substantial lead on Orianna, he capitalized effectively on his advantage, notwithstanding a few minor missteps that did not ultimately affect the outcome.

Caliste is our LEC MVP of the week. The French AD Carry also makes his first Team of the Week appearance this year. Efficient without necessarily being spectacular since the start of the season, he appears to have elevated his level with the onset of the playoffs. Despite facing a formidable GIANTX botlane, his partnership with Alan “Busio” Cwalina proved overwhelming for their opponents. Nearly untouchable on Varus and Yunara, he accumulated 21 kills across the two games and carried Karmine Corp through the advantages he methodically established.

Much like his team, Labrov had been markedly inconsistent during the first half of the season, and certain performances had drawn criticism. However, against Team Heretics, he left little room for reproach, matching his team’s decisiveness. In Game 1, he survived by the narrowest of margins in the opening team fight, a turning point that effectively sealed Heretics’ fate. His Bard denied Paul “Stend” Lardin the opportunity to exert influence with Pyke. Although he encountered greater resistance in Game 2, he continued to provide utility and enabled G2 to maintain control, closing out the series with authority.