Movistar KOI kept their tournament hopes alive at the 2025 League of Legends World Championship after defeating Team Secret Whales in a close 2–1 series during the Swiss Stage. The victory allowed the European squad to stay in contention for a spot in the Knockout Stage, while Team Secret Whales exited the competition following the loss.
Each game tested Movistar KOI’s coordination and resilience. After dropping the opening match, they adjusted their strategy, securing crucial objectives and turning late-game fights in their favor. Their ability to recover under pressure highlighted the team’s composure as they advanced to a decisive final round in the Swiss Stage.
Three Games to Stay Alive at Worlds 2025
Movistar KOI’s best-of-three against Team Secret Whales tested every part of their gameplay. The opening match began with Elyoya claiming an early double kill and a successful 2v2 skirmish in the bottom lane. That advantage faded quickly as the Whales capitalized on overextensions, punished Supa’s risky recalls, and gained control through repeated small fights. Their consistent map pressure translated into a gold and objective lead that KOI could not recover from. Even a well-timed Jojopyun Orianna ultimate could not stop the LCP team from pushing to a 34-minute victory after securing both Cloud Soul and Baron.
The second game followed a similar early pattern but ended differently. Movistar KOI opened with proactive plays while Team Secret Whales again targeted immobile opponents and traded map pressure for side lane towers and Herald control. Despite being behind in tempo, KOI’s coordination improved around mid-game objectives. A critical fight around Atakhan turned the map in their favor, and the team used that momentum to claim two towers and gradually dismantle the Whales’ base. Although the LCP side stalled with defensive holds, a second Baron empowered KOI to finish the match and even the series at 1–1.
The deciding game featured the most balanced start of the series. Both teams traded early dragons and towers, keeping gold nearly even through 20 minutes. The turning point came from a mid-lane team fight where KOI executed a clean engage that broke the stalemate. Elyoya’s timely Atakhan steal then shifted full control to the LEC squad. From that moment, KOI dictated the pace, secured key objectives, and closed out the third game to win the series 2–1.
| Game | Winner | Key Moment | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team Secret Whales | Cloud Soul + Baron push | ~34 min |
| 2 | Movistar KOI | Atakhan fight + second Baron | ~37 min |
| 3 | Movistar KOI | Mid-lane fight + Atakhan steal | ~35 min |
The win kept Movistar KOI’s Worlds 2025 campaign alive and set up their next elimination challenge in the Swiss Stage.
What’s Next for MKOI?
Movistar KOI sits at a 2–2 record in the Worlds 2025 Swiss Stage, leaving one decisive best-of-three between them and a Knockout Stage berth. A victory would place the European lineup among the final eight, joining G2 Esports, which has already advanced.
The next opponent remains uncertain, as several teams—such as CTBC Flying Oyster (LCP) and FlyQuest—stand as possible challengers. Their pairing will depend on the outcomes of the remaining Swiss Stage matches. Regardless of who they face, MKOI must maintain consistent coordination and composure to close out the stage.
| MKOI’s Current Status | Record | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Stage Standing | 2–2 | Must win final Bo3 to qualify |
| Possible Opponents | CTBC Flying Oyster, FlyQuest, others |
Meanwhile, Team Secret Whales has exited the tournament after three straight losses, ending its Worlds 2025 campaign. MKOI now carries Europe’s hopes into a crucial final series.
