Movistar KOI defeat NAVI to secure top three in LEC Summer Split
Movistar KOI has defeated Natus Vincere (NAVI) in the Lower Bracket Semifinals of the LEC 2026 Summer Playoffs to secure both an invite to Worlds 2026 and a top three for the split, in a match that went into the early evening of Friday, Sep. 18
The org came back from a 0-1 start to the match to secure a 3-1 victory, taking the momentum of their game two victory to sweep the final two games. They now head to face arch rivals Karmine Corp in the Lower Bracket Finals.
Movistar KOI defeats NAVI
In a dramatic series, MKOI kicked off proceedings decidedly slowly, losing game one in decisive fashion to a seemingly more confident NAVI. But after game one, the intricacies of Fearless Draft started to take ahold.
In game two, MKOI’s aggression was far better, securing the second match, and building momentum. From there, NAVI went into free fall. Series MVP Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun deep champion pool came into play picking up Akali and confidently dominating not just his lane, but the game overall.
By game three, things were looking drastic for NAVI, and with match point on the line, Jojopyun’s Yone was just too much for Yoon "Poby" Sung-won’s Anivia. Poby’s performance on mages throughout the series had been solid, but proved no match for Jojopyun’s selection of assassins. MKOI wrapped things up with a decisive series of team fights, sending Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla, Jojopyun and the rest of the squad to the semi-finals and Worlds.
NAVI at the LEC Finals (Image Credit: Riot Games)
For MKOI the victory is affirmation that the team is still one of the best teams in Europe despite their troubles this season. NAVI in just their fourth split in the LEC looked strong, but not strong enough for one of EU’s best organizations.
But with KC on the horizon, the weekend is just beginning for MKOI. KC has been kryptonite for the Spanish org this season, with lots of heated words and a rivalry that has exploded beyond the Rift several times this past year of splits.
Tomorrow (Sep. 19) will see perhaps the most heated rivalry in all of LoL take a grand stage in Nice.
