Movistar KOI reach Worlds after beating NAVI 3-1 in the LEC Summer Playoffs.
NAVI took the first game, but MKOI turned the series around and won the next three. The result gives MKOI the LEC's final Worlds spot.
They are back on stage tomorrow against Karmine Corp. The winner will meet G2 Esports in the LEC Summer grand final.
MKOI take Europe's final Worlds spot
The match took place in Nice, with both MKOI and NAVI coming into the series off 3-2 wins in the lower bracket.
MKOI came through Team Vitality in a 3-2 series on September 12. NAVI followed a day later by beating GIANTX 3-2.
There was only one Worlds spot left for the LEC. MKOI took it.
NAVI struck first, winning Game 1 in 41 minutes. MKOI then changed the direction of the series, taking Game 2 in 28 minutes, Game 3 in 32 minutes and Game 4 in 34 minutes to complete the 3-1 comeback.
| Game | Winner | Duration | MKoi kills | NAVI kills | MKoi gold | NAVI gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NAVI | 41 min | 14 | 16 | 80.6k | 80.3k |
| 2 | MKOI | 28 min | 20 | 6 | 64.0k | 49.9k |
| 3 | MKOI | 32 min | 19 | 6 | 67.7k | 55.4k |
| 4 | MKOI | 34 min | 17 | 8 | 75.1k | 61.8k |
Jojopyun leads the turnaround
Joseph "Jojopyun" Joon-pyun was named Player of the Series after MKOI's victory. The mid laner was particularly influential in the final three games, including a 7-0-10 Ahri performance in Game 2 and a 7-1-4 Yone performance in Game 4.
Supa also produced a major impact during the comeback. His Ezreal went 10-2-6 in Game 3, while he finished Game 4 with a 7-1-5 Zeri performance. Elyoya provided consistent setup and engage, going 0-0-14 on Maokai in the deciding game.
| Game | MKOI standout | Champion | KDA | NAVI standout | Champion | KDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supa | Ashe | 5/1/6 | SamD | Lucian | 6/2/6 |
| 2 | Jojopyun | Ahri | 7/0/10 | Rhilech | Cho'Gath | 2/6/3 |
| 3 | Supa | Ezreal | 10/2/6 | SamD | Caitlyn | 2/2/2 |
| 4 | Jojopyun | Yone | 7/1/4 | Rhilech | Zaahen | 2/4/5 |
The statistical swing between the opening game and the rest of the series was significant. NAVI won Game 1 despite only a 300-gold advantage, but MKOI followed with a 20-6 kill advantage in Game 2 and another 19-6 advantage in Game 3. In Game 4, MKOI closed the series with a 17-8 kill score and a 13.3k gold advantage.
MKOI have qualified for Worlds for the third straight year
MKOI have now made Worlds three years running.
MKOI secured a Worlds spot in 2024 using the name of MAD Lions KOI. MKOI succeeded in advancing to the Play-In stage but were eventually knocked out at the Swiss round after losses to Bilibili Gaming, PSG Talon, and GAM Esports.
| Worlds | Team name | Result | How far they reached |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | MAD Lions KOI | 15th-16th | Swiss stage |
| 2025 | Movistar KOI | 9th-11th | Swiss stage |
| 2026 | Movistar KOI | Qualified | Tournament yet to begin |
They returned as Movistar KOI in 2025 and went 2-3 in the Swiss stage. Wins over Fnatic and Team Secret Whales were not enough to keep the run going, with KT Rolster, G2 Esports and T1 taking the other three games. MKOI finished 9th-11th.
The 3-1 win over NAVI has booked their place at Worlds again in 2026.
Karmine Corp are waiting tomorrow
There is no time for MKOI to switch off after booking their Worlds place.
They play Karmine Corp on September 19 in the LEC Summer lower-bracket final. KC have already secured their own spot at Worlds, so this one is about the domestic finish.
Karmine Corp dropped into the lower bracket after losing 3-1 to G2 Esports. Now they have MKOI standing between them and another shot at the Summer title.
The winner will play G2 in the grand final. For the loser, the LEC Summer playoff run is over.
That gives MKOI plenty to play for despite already getting the result they needed against NAVI. A win over KC would put them into the LEC Summer final and give them another best-of-five against G2.
The official LoL Esports competition hub has the current LEC Summer playoff schedule and bracket.
Photos by Michał Konkol/Riot Games.
Frequently asked questions about Movistar KOI at Worlds 2026
Did MKOI qualify for Worlds 2026?
Yes. MKOI defeated Natus Vincere 3-1 in the LEC Summer Playoffs on September 18 to claim Europe's final Worlds 2026 qualification spot.
What was the result of MKOI vs NAVI?
MKOI lost the opening game but won the next three, taking the series 3-1.
How many Worlds has MKOI qualified for?
Worlds 2026 will mark MKOI’s third consecutive participation. The organization went by the name of MAD Lions KOI in 2024, while its name changed to Movistar KOI in 2025.
What happened to MKOI at Worlds 2024?
MAD Lions KOI reached the Swiss stage after coming through Play-In. They went 0-3 in the Swiss stage and finished 15th-16th.
What was MKOI's Worlds 2025 result?
Movistar KOI finished 9th-11th after going 2-3 in the Swiss stage.
Who did MKOI beat at Worlds 2025?
They picked up wins against Fnatic and Team Secret Whales during the Swiss stage.
Who does MKOI play next?
MKOI face Karmine Corp on September 19 in the LEC Summer Playoffs. The winner will face G2 Esports in the grand final.
Worlds is booked, but MKOI are not done yet
The NAVI series gave MKOI what they came for: a place at Worlds.
MKOI still have another series to play. Karmine Corp are up next, with the winner moving on to the LEC Summer grand final.
Whatever happens against KC, MKOI already know they will be representing the LEC at Worlds for another year. The next question is whether they can add a Summer final appearance to that qualification.
