The LEC Spring Finals 2025 were held this weekend. Movistar KOI closed the door on all the debates, winning the trophy in the best possible way. Firstly, by beating Karmine Corp (3-2) and then by giving G2 Esports almost no chance in the grand final (3-1). Yet there was every reason to believe that this trophy was not destined for them, as MKOI came in with the tag of underdog in this top 3.
MKOI, at the right time, in the right place
But they did prove themselves worthy of being the best team in Europe, winning their second BO5 in a row against the Winter champions as well as a final against the most successful organisation in LEC history. They simply peaked at the moment that mattered the most. Jojopyun becomes the first NA-trained player to win a LEC split. Elyoya won his fourth split without ever having played for G2 or Fnatic. For the others, it’s their first Tier 1 title, having trained under the Movistar Rider banner – in Superliga – no more than two years ago.
I was particularly surprised by the discipline shown by the Spanish team this weekend, despite their reputation for often lacking clear, well-defined game plans. More than once during the Winter and regular season, their aggressiveness and lack of synergy played tricks on them. This time around, it was a completely new team that came together as one. With unambiguous game plans and mechanically sharp players (in particular Jojopyun, Supa and Alvaro). Myrwn was still able to make some differences with his cheese picks (Varus, Neeko, Nidalee). As for K’Santé, a champion he mastered perfectly last year but who is not so popular nowadays. But above all, Elyoya has not stolen his Finals MVP award.
The jungler established himself as a true leader during the final, enabling his team to take an advantage in each of the early games and to disrupt a Skewmond known for his “by the book” playstyle. As was the case last year – when MAD Lions KOI qualified for the Worlds and beat G2 in BO5 – this team’s near-perfect management of lane swaps remains characteristic. Melzhet and his players proved that they had more than just a few leftovers in this exercise. Winning many games, by coordinating themselves so that key players could collect resources and objectives on unexpected timings. This is what made the difference particularly in game 5 against Karmine Corp, with Supa on Jinx always present at the right times and in the right places.
Road to MSI
After this final, I have a slight fear as a European observer who is about to be represented by G2. Whereas Karmine Corp tried their hand at some points – especially in the early/mid game – during their series against MKOI, the Samurais were mainly wait-and-see after falling behind. There was little inspiration to get back into games, or even to extend an advantage – like Caps, for example, who had a lead of around 2k golds over Jojo after the laning phase in game 4. Let’s hope they show more adaptation and resilience in Vancouver, because the Eastern junglers are not lacking creativity in early game.
Another split done!
Congratulations to @MovistarKOI_en and Captain Elyoya, really well played.
It was a long 12 weeks Spring with a lot of competition, lot of dramas and lot of emotions. We even got some adventures in Spain and France via the roadshows. Thank you to all the… https://t.co/JwAA9MJhRK pic.twitter.com/CJmvon2ao6— Romain Bigeard (@RomainBigeard) June 9, 2025
As for MKOI, if they approach international events as seriously as they did – we know they tend to lack focus in training – whether in scrim or in preparation, I think they’ll have a serious role to play. They’re a team capable of surprising… in both ways. I think that with a good start, they could build on their momentum and put in a performance that would make Europe proud. On the other hand, if they start the competition in the wrong way, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them quickly fall by the wayside. Whatever happens, they will have to assume the status of European champions and set an example. If they take the necessary responsibility to match their new status, there’s no doubt they’ll be capable of achieving great things.
On a more general note, I’m pleased to see new teams challenging the G2/FNC hegemony in these first two splits. The region can only evolve if a top 3 or 4 push each other to challenge for trophies. And I’m all the happier because these are the two teams with the most committed communities at the moment. It’s a testament to the seriousness and ambitions of these teams, which match those of their fans.
