The countdown to Worlds 2026 has begun. To start the hype for the international event, we are looking at every team in the tournament. LOS should not even be here. They joined CBLOL only because Isurus pulled out. But now they stand as CBLOL champions in their first international appearance. How far can the unlikely participants go on the international stage?
LOS’s Roster
- Kim “Zest” Dong-min – Korean Top Laner
- Rai “Curse” Yamada – Brazilian Jungler
- Jeong “Feisty” Seong-hoon – Korean Mid Laner
- Wallyson “Duduhh” Silva – Brazilian Bot Laner
- Gabriel “Ackerman” Aparicio – Argentinian Support
LOS made wholesale changes to the Circuito Desafiante roster. The Circuito Desafiante is the Tier 2 league hosted in Brazil. Luciano “Drakehero” Junior was their jungler for the CBLOL Cup. Curse replaced him for Split 1 and beyond.
An Unexpected Worlds 2026 Appearance
LOS was not meant to be in the CBLOL this year. Isurus won the spot after winning the LTA South Promotion tournament. However, the organisation decided not to participate. As a result, Riot Games and the CBLOL invited LOS to take their spot. They stormed through the CBLOL Cup Regular Season. After finishing 1st in the Regular Season, they unceremoniously lost in the playoffs. They played two series. They lost to LOUD and FURIA, finishing fourth.
LOS struggled in the Split 1 Regular Season, but turned their fortunes around in the playoffs. After losing 3-2 to Fluxo W7M in the Upper Bracket, they stormed through the Lower Bracket. They reached the Grand Finals. FURIA bested them on the day. Split 2 Regular Season was better, finishing second place. The Playoffs were even better. They went undefeated on course to win Split 2.
LOS has already appeared on the international stage. They played in the Esports World Cup. They shocked everyone by defeating LYON 2-0 in the Group Stage. They did not get past JD Gaming, but they left their mark.
They only secured their spot for the 2027 CBLOL yesterday. They had to secure their spot through the 2027 Promotion Tournament.
Key Player – Gabriel “Ackerman” Aparicio
Ackerman is not the carry player, nor is he the flashiest on the roster. However, he has the most experience. He started his career in 2020. He has appeared at MSI twice and Worlds once. In reality, that is not significant experience, but it is enough. Of course, the roster appeared at EWC together. Any experience will always help on the international stage. In a roster full of inexperienced talent, you need to lean on the experienced player.
For many years, Ackerman has been the best support in the LLA. He plays alongside Duduhh. Many herald Duduhh as the region’s best prospect. Ackerman may need to rein him in at times. Playing against the best AD Carries is no easy feat. He should not change his playstyle. His aggressive style has helped them become a force in Brazil.
LOS’s Expectations
The team has already shown they can beat top teams. The win over LYON has its caveats; LYON was overworked after MSI, but they still won the series. In best-of-ones, they can catch teams off guard. They rely on individual prowess. They look to Zest and Duduhh to win their lanes. That could be a blocker. The best teams can win lane and translate that into teamfight victories. One team that could favor them is T1. Zest might have a chance to take the fight to Doran. Of course, Doran is still a competent player, even if his laning is weaker. A Bracket Stage qualification is unlikely, but them finishing 2-3 is highly possible.
Swiss Stage Beginnings
Despite winning CBLOL, LOS will start the Swiss Stage in Pool 2. They join Team Secret Whales, Hanwha Life Esports, and Bilibili Gaming. They will face a Pool 3 team in Round 1.
Potential Opponents
The four Pool 3 teams are: LYON, Movistar KOI, T1, and Top Esports.
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