The countdown to Worlds 2026 has begun. To start the hype for the international event, we are looking at every team in the tournament. Karmine Corp had a perfect regular season. That did not translate into playoff success. They lost to G2 Esports in the Upper Bracket Final, and Movistar KOI in the Lower Bracket Final. They must start their journey in the Play-Ins.
Karmine Corp’s Roster
- Kim “Canna” Chang-dong – Korean Top Laner
- Martin “Yike” Sundelin – Swedish Jungler
- Kang “Kyeahoo” Yea-hoo – Korean Mid Laner
- Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert – French Bot Laner
- Alan “Busio” Cwalina – American Support
Karmine Corp made two significant changes for 2026. They brought Kyeahoo and Busio in for Vladimir’s “Vladi Kourtidis and Raphaël “Targamas” Crabbé. The team came close to domestic success, but fell at the final hurdle twice.
Another International Disappointment
KC will start Worlds in the Play-Ins. It is the second international event where they must advance through the play-ins stage. They failed in their MSI attempt. Granted, they had to beat T1 to reach the Bracket Stage. Even then, they lost 3-0 to Team Liquid in the Lower Bracket. It was a disappointing exit for a promising team. They then reached the EWC Grand Finals, where they lost to Dplus KIA.
It appeared KC had turned the corner. They went 9-0 in the regular season. After beating GiantX 3-1, the ship started to sink. G2 Esports dismantled them 3-1 in the Upper Bracket Final. It went from bad to worse for the French outfit. Their 3-0 loss to Movistar KOI was embarrassing. The loss came in front of their home fans in Nice. Most of the trust KC built in the regular season evaporated instantly.
Everyone on their roster was in the 1st LEC All-Pro team. They had everything on their side in the hunt for their second LEC title. They did not even get the chance to fight G2 Esports for it. That raises concerns about how they will perform in the Play-Ins.
Key Player – Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert – French Bot Laner
The French Spear
Caliste won the Summer Regular Season. At his peak, Caliste is one of the best AD carries. He had a breakout performance at First Stand last year. He helped KC reach the Grand Final. His return to the international stage was less impressive. He struggled to find his footing against T1 and Team Liquid. He and Busio lost out to Yeon and CoreJJ. Granted, Yeon and CoreJJ are strong. However, Caliste should be better than Yeon.
For a player expected to beat LCK and LPL AD Carries, he has to outperform Yeon. He can stamp his mark on the Play-Ins. He might face Tactical, Harky, or one of the two CBLOL AD Carries. If Caliste wants to be the best, it is a good starting point.
Karmine Corp’s Expectations
KC should qualify for the Swiss Stage. They have stern opposition, but at their peak, none of their opponents should stop them. They have beaten T1 this year. They are good enough to beat most teams in the world. However, when the lights have shone, KC has fallen. Starting in the Play-Ins stage will give them time to get going. A dominant Play-Ins stage could give them confidence to reach the Bracket Stage.
Play-Ins Qualification
KC is one of four teams in the Play-Ins. Cloud9 and MVK Esports join them. The final team is either FURIA or LOS. The loser of the CBLOL playoffs will be in the Play-Ins. All four teams will play in a double-elimination best-of-five bracket. If Riot uses MSI results, KC should face MVK Esports in the first round.
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