Is there really a gap between LEC and ERL teams? LEC Versus 2026 gave us the answer

No ERL Team Made the Playoffs in the LEC Versus

The debate becomes much more interesting when looking at Los Ratones. While factually both teams coming from the ERLs failed to make the playoffs, a closer analysis shows that LR was actually very close, with outcomes hinging on fine details—like Karmine Corp’s surprising loss to Team Heretics on the very last day.

It should also be noted that their start to the split wasn’t great, which began with a 0-4 record. However, they bounced back strongly with four consecutive wins, including two against Europe’s top European representatives at Worlds 2025, G2 Esports and Movistar KOI. Even in their loss to KC, the best team of the regular season, LR weren’t stomped.

The Place of Merit in the LoL Ecosystem

The participation of LR and KCB in the LEC has long sparked debate among fans, with many criticizing Riot for opening up the European ecosystem in a league where ten teams bought franchised slots for millions of euros. Only two leagues have remained unaffected by this phenomenon: the LCK and the LPL.

Elsewhere, it’s already firmly set: the top two teams from NACL and LRN competed in a promotion tournament against the LCS guest team, Disguised, which the latter won. The same applies in CBLOL, where Los Grandes secured the guest slot in the league, and in LCP, where only three teams are partners, five team can be always subject to demotion.