MSI 2026 Match Preview – Karmine Corp Versus Relove Deep Cross Gaming: Exciting MSI Debuts For Both Teams

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By:Devin Morris
The MSI 2026 Logo

Karmine Corp and Relove Deep Cross Gaming are making their first appearance at MSI. Karmine Corp has played at international events, qualifying for First Stand in 2025. It is the first international series for Deep Cross Gaming. Karmine Corp caused damage at the previous tournament and should be the favorites to win this series. Can Relove Deep Cross Gaming surprise the LEC second seed and win their first international series?

Road to MSI

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

Karmine Corp finished second in the LEC Regular Season and in the Playoffs. Only G2 Esports could stop Karmine Corp in the Playoffs. They beat them on two separate occasions. Relove Deep Cross Gaming was also second in the Regular. Season and Playoffs, only losing to Team Secret Whales in the Playoffs.

Featured Matchup

Canna Versus Flauren

The top lane matchup features a seasoned veteran against a rookie. Canna has become a dominant top laner in the LEC over the past two years. Flauren, on the other hand, has needed some time to adjust to the tier one scene. The Spring Split was where he found his groove and became one of, if not the best, top laner in the LCP. He will have his hands full against Canna, someone who plays at a much higher level than the LCP. If Deep Cross Gaming wants an upset victory, it will start in the top lane.

Can Relove Deep Cross Gaming Impose Themselves?

Relove Deep Cross Gaming’s style is aggressive and fighting for every spot on the map. Macro is nearly non-existent for this team, as they prefer to outperform teams mechanically. They will need to find a way to bully their way through the laning phase against Karmine Corp. The French outfits bolster some of the best teamfighting amongst Western teams.

If Relove Deep Cross Gaming goes into the mid-to-late game without a lead, they will struggle to win. They need to have the lead to set the pace and be in stronger positions for fights. Pop9 might need to set his focus on the top side of the map. Getting Flauren a lead will give Deep Cross Gaming the chance to accelerate the game in their favor.

Not Drowning in the Chaos

As the favorites in the series, Karmine Corp does not need to be ambitious. They need to dictate the flow of the game. If they allow Relove Deep Cross Gaming to play their style and drown in the chaos, they might lose the series. Individually, and as a team, Karmine Crop should have the advantage. Their biggest key is to prevent Relove Deep Cross Gaming from getting a significant gold lead early into the game. Even if they are slightly behind in gold, they should be in a position to win.

Prediction

Karmine Corp 3-0 Deep Cross Gaming

As the weakest team in the tournament, Relove Deep Cross Gaming is at a significant disadvantage. They do not have the international experience or the playstyle to contend with other teams. Most of the Karmine Corp roster has international experience. The only player that has yet to play at an event is Kyeahoo. Canna, Yike, and Caliste made the Grand Final of First Stand last year. If Karmine Corp fails to perform, Relove Deep Cross Gaming may be able to sneak their way through to the next round. However, the series being a best-of-five gives Karmine Corp more room to work with.

Three Wins Needed

T1 Versus Team Liquid at MSI
Image of T1 Versus Team Liquid at MSI, courtesy of LoL Esports

At a minimum, both teams will need three wins to qualify for the MSI Bracket Stage. There is only one spot available, meaning every match counts. The other two teams in the Play-Ins are T1 and Team Liquid. They will be Karmine Corp’s and Relove Deep Cross Gaming’s next opponents, depending on the series results.

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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