LoL - EMEA Masters: ZennIT Gaming, first benelux team to ever reach EMEA Masters Playoffs

In a historic achievement for League Of Legends Esports in Benelux, ZennIT Gaming has become the first team from the region to ever reach EMEA Masters Playoffs since the inception of the tournament in 2018. This achievement was reached on Wednesday during the EMEA Masters 2025 Winter edition. The Brussels-based team secured their qualification to the knockout stage after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Italy's Macko Esports in the lower-bracket of Group C, despite being the youngest team competing at the tournament.

ZennIT Gaming entered the tournament as underdogs, particularly after their initial defeat to one of the favorites, Los Heretics. In that match, they struggled to execute their strategy against a team of superior caliber. However, they bounced back in a crucial do-or-die match against FlameHard, the Portuguese champions, securing a 2-1 victory. Later, they faced the Italian champions Macko Esports, who had also just suffered a loss to Los Heretics in their second series of the tournament.

Once again, the series began unfavorably for ZennIT, as they dropped the first game and appeared to struggle with momentum. However, demonstrating resilience and adaptability, they rallied to win the next two games, clinching the series 2-1. A standout performance came especially from their midlaner Martin "Marty" Dimitrov and botlaner Atis "Afriibi" Fridensteins-Bridins, whose exceptional play was instrumental in the team's comeback.

“Against Macko, they were much less stressed, which was clearly noticeable in teamfights,” said Denis "Shoganai" Lefebure, General Manager of ZennIT. “We have a solid, tight-knit team that works extremely well together. They’ve all worked so hard, want to prove themselves, and are well-coached. I believe that’s the key to our success.”

The victory marked an extraordinary milestone for ZennIT, proving they were more than just a regional contender. “Even though we’re from a minor region, we’ve always aimed for the EMEA Masters,” Shoganai added. “It’s always been the dream for the players to perform at this level and to eventually find a path into a bigger European league.”

They have already defied all predictions, including those from our editorial team, who did not include ZennIT in the Power Ranking, by securing a spot among the top eight teams of the competition. They earned the right to access the knockout stage, where they will face Karmine Corp Blue, the LFL champion, in an elimination BO5 series this Thursday.

ZennIT's journey to the playoffs has been filled with challenges, but their biggest test yet lies ahead. This Thursday, they will face Karmine Corp Blue, one of the most respected teams in the European scene, and the reigning champions of the LFL (French League of Legends). With such a strong opponent, expectations among fans are low, but Shoganai remains confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“Karmine Corp Blue is definitely the favorite,” said Shoganai. “They’ve got incredible resources and probably a hundred times our means, but I’ll always back my team. We’ve already shown that we can surprise people, and I believe we still have a card to play in this series.”

Despite the challenges they face, ZennIT’s mindset heading into the match is one of determination and focus. “We want to prove that Belgium and the Benelux region have something to offer. Facing the favorites in the playoffs is the best way to do that. We’re hungry, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Shoganai’s unwavering confidence in his players echoes their collective ambition. “Regardless of the outcome, our goal is to not go down without a fight. We want to make our region proud, and even if we don’t win, we’ll leave it all on the rift.”

This victory shines a spotlight back on a region that had lost recognition among analysts. Considered a minor region in the ERLs, the Benelux had never reached the knockout stage of the EMEA Masters. The achievement has sparked widespread excitement on social media, especially among the players themselves—Marty, for instance, praised his team for bouncing back in the BO3 after losing Game 1.

Shoganai, who has been with ZennIT since its humble beginnings, expressed pride in the team's journey: “We’ve received a lot of messages of support after our qualification, and it’s really heartwarming. Some Belgian fans didn’t even know our team and our ERL existed, and for that alone, it’s already a huge victory.”

Shoganai has been with the club since its inception six years ago when they were competing in Belgium’s third division. “I started as an assistant coach, then coach and manager, and four years ago, I took on the role of General Manager and project manager for ZennIT. Today, I handle everything related to esports within the organization,” Shoganai explained. “It’s been a long journey, but we’re finally at the top of the Benelux League, and now, we’ve earned a spot in the EMEA Masters playoffs.”

Founded in 2019 in Brussels, ZennIT Gaming spent several years competing in amateur circuits and the Open Tour in the Benelux and France, achieving some success along the way. The organization joined the first-tier of Benelux competition in 2023 after being selected to enter the league, despite failing to qualify through the promotion tournament at the time. In their very first year in the top-tier Benelux league, they secured a third-place finish in the Summer Split—a position they would maintain throughout both splits in 2024. Armed with patience, they finally broke the curse in this year's Winter Split, winning the grand final against mCon Esports in a thrilling 3-2 series.

After six years of existence, ZennIT Gaming has finally left a strong mark on its region, earning a spot in the EMEA Masters for the first time in Benelux history history. Not only did they qualify for the tournament, but they also managed to reach the Playoffs, bringing renewed attention to a region often considered minor among the ERLs. “Winning the Benelux League is of course an objective in itself, but it’s also a way to prove our value on the European stage,” said Shoganai. “There’s professional League of Legends in small countries, and talent is hidden all over Europe. We just need the opportunity to shine.”

As the team gears up to face the formidable Karmine Corp Blue, the stakes are high, but ZennIT Gaming is ready to fight. “Regardless of the outcome, we want to show that Belgium and the Benelux have what it takes to compete with the best. We’re hungry, and we’ll give it everything we have.”