The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, the LCK stands on top of the world, as
conquered the
Esports World Cup 2026 League of Legends tournament today by defeating
3-0 on home soil. Even though the French organization enjoyed a stellar run, redeeming its
abysmal performance in Daejeon at the
Mid-Season Invitational 2026, all its efforts proved to be not enough, as it was utterly outclassed on Sunday, missing out on the elusive chance to become one of Europe's few teams to ever win an international event.
Their triumph is made even more remarkable by the circumstances surrounding the organization. With Dplus KIA
currently in the process of being sold, reports have indicated that some players and staff have
faced delayed salary payments. Despite the uncertainty off the Rift, the roster never let those distractions affect its performance, producing one of the organization's most memorable tournament runs in years.
First International Title in Six Years
A miracle, perhaps, but a deserved one—the spirit of DAMWON Gaming is back. An organization once synonymous with dominance and strength, it had been quite some time since the South Korean team had truly been able to assert itself, not only on the international stage but even regionally. For years, fans waited patiently, with the team even missing Worlds last year for the first time in the organization's history. Now, their faith has finally been rewarded.
With flashbacks to peak
, reminiscent of his
Worlds 2020-winning form when he stood among the best midlaners in the world, Dplus KIA did not steal this victory. The team earned it by taking down MSI finalists
, as well as LCK powerhouse
, on its way to the title.
The squad also displayed utter dominance in the Grand Final, dismantling Karmine Corp in three consecutive stomps and leaving no doubt about its pedigree.
Nevertheless, this tournament remains one to celebrate for the Blue Wall, which recently
failed to escape the Mid-Season Invitational 2026 Play-In Stage and was sent home with its heads held low. For Europe, this marks the region's second international final of the year, following
' run at
First Stand 2026, and its second consecutive defeat. International finals—and losses—have unfortunately become all too familiar for Europe, which continues to live in the shadow of
Worlds 2018 and
2019.
For a team that was doubted for months, however, Karmine Corp can now return home to kick off the LEC Summer Split in Paris with renewed confidence after convincingly outperforming its European rivals, G2 Esports, and proving that it deserves to be part of the conversation for the title of Europe's strongest team. Only time will tell whether it can build on this momentum and prove it once again during
the Summer Playoffs in Nice, France.
