MSI 2026 Team Preview: Karmine Corp Must Defeat a Terrifying Giant

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By:Devin Morris
The MSI 2026 Logo

Karmine Corp has qualified for the second international event. It is their first MSI appearance after entering the LEC in 2024. They started strong in 2025, winning the Winter Split and finishing second at First Stand. They lost their way for the rest of the year, but returned in 2026 with a new vigor. However, they face a tall order in the Play-Ins, needing to get past T1 to reach the Bracket Stage.

Karmine Corp’s Roster

Karmine Corp qualifying for MSI
Image of Karmine Corp qualifying for MSI, courtesy of LoL Esports
  • Korean Top Laner – Kim “Canna” Chang-dong
  • Swedish Jungler – Martin “Yike” Sundelin
  • Korean Mid Laner – Kang “Kyeahoo” Yea-hoo
  • French Bot Laner – Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert
  • American Support – Alan “Busio” Cwalina

After a disappointing ending to 2025, Karmine Corp made two roster changes. They dropped Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtidis and Raphaël “Targamas Crabbé in favor of Kyeahoo from the LCK and Busio from the LCS. Kyeahoo took time to adjust but has not hit his stride in the LEC, while Busio has yet to hit his FlyQuest heights.

A Daunting Start

As the LEC second seed, Karmine Corp must fight their way through the Play-Ins stage. With only one spot in the Bracket Stage up for grabs, they must be at their best. One of the tournament favorites, T1, is in the Play-Ins with them. Karmine Corp will likely need to beat the LCK second seed in two separate best-of-five series to reach the Bracket Stage. They should be T1’s strongest competitor, but beating them is difficult. T1 ended the LCK Regular Season in one of the best forms they have reached recently.

T1 defeated their arch-rivals Gen.G Esports to reach this stage. While Karmine Corp could make a dent in the Bracket Stage against the non-Eastern teams, they will likely not reach that stage. If they can get past T1, their MSI run will already be a success. However, the Blue Wall will have more hope for the Bracket Stage if they can beat the LCK second seed.

Key Player – Alan “Busio” Cwalina

Champions Played in Spring 2026

  • Nami (12)
  • Seraphine (10)
  • Lulu (7)
  • Bard (6)
  • Nautilus (4)
  • Neeko (3)
  • Rakan 3)
  • Milio (2)
  • Leona
  • Karma
  • Rell
  • Vel’Koz
  • Janna
  • Poppy

Reaching His Heights

Busio’s performance at the end of 2024 and most of 2025 announced him as the strongest Western support. He has shown glimpses of that form in 2026, but has yet to reach those heights consistently. His improvement was a big contributor to FlyQuest’s success both domestically and internationally. Karmine Corp will need him to ascend beyond his peak to get past T1 and other tournament favorites. But first, he will have to face Keria, who at his peak is untouchable. Busio must do everything to keep up with the three-time World Championship winner. He has a dominant bot laner next time. Together, Caliste and Busio could make the MSI stage their own.

Karmine Corp’s Expectations

Karmine Corp Versus Deep Cross Gaming in the MSI Play-Ins
Image of KC Versus DSG, courtesy of LoL Esports

Unfortunately, not many, besides the die-hard Karmine Corp fans, expect them to qualify for the Bracket Stage. If they had one series against T1, their chances are higher. T1 historically struggles to get going at the start of tournaments. However, T1 will already play a series before Karmine Corp face them. After that, they will still need to win against T1 again. The best result for Karmine Corp is that T1 loses to Team Liquid off the bat. If Karmine Crop can get past T1, there is a chance they can finish in the top four. They were competitive with G2 Esports in the Regular Season, and Top Esports is not that big of a step up from them.

A Good Warmup

Thanks to G2 Esports’ First Stand performance, Karmine Corp starts the MSI Play-Ins stage as the highest seed. They will face Deep Cross Gaming in the first round. Of the four Play-Ins teams, Deep Cross Gaming should be the easiest opponent. That will give Karmine Corp time to get used to the stage. They will need the warmup for a likely match against T1 in the Upper Bracket Play-Ins final.

More LoL Esports Content

Below is all the previous MSI content on the Total Apex. You can expect more MSI articles in the following weeks.

Devin Morris is a Gaming Writer and Esports Editor for Total Apex Media. Devin is a gaming fanatic from little old South Africa. Devin has had a passion for gaming and writing from a young age. Devin's early favorites were Age of Empires, FIFA and Need for Speed games. As Devin grew older he moved into more competitive gaming, focusing on Overwatch, League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. Devin also sinks way too many hours into Destiny 2!

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