One victory, many stories. Los Ratones’ Winter EMEA Masters title marked the culmination of several storylines that had emerged at the start of the tournament. Firstly, Marc "Caedrel" Lamont’s organization continues to follow in the footsteps of Karmine Corp, founded by Kamel "Kameto" Kebir. Just like KC four years ago, Los Ratones won its domestic league—LFL for Karmine, NLC for LR—before claiming the EMEA Masters title in its very first appearance on the European Tier 2 stage.

The parallels between LR and KC don’t end there. Another common denominator is Martin "Rekkles" Larsson. A continental legend, four-time EU LCS champion, and Worlds 2018 finalist, the Swedish veteran has now competed in two editions of the EMEA Masters during the latter part of his career. The first was in Spring 2022 with Karmine Corp, and the second this winter with Los Ratones. He has won both, and even more impressively, he became the first player in history to claim two EMEA Masters titles in different roles. While he made his name as an AD Carry, the "King of the North" role-swapped to support in 2024—a transition that appears to be paying off.

Oldest roster of the EM

Rekkles isn’t the only member of Los Ratones to have now lifted the EMEA Masters trophy twice. Midlaner Tim "Nemesis" Lipovšek and AD Carry Juš "Crownie" Marušič had already won the tournament together under the MAD Lions banner in Summer 2018, during the competition’s inaugural year. The two carries had spent half a decade apart before their paths converged once more, first in November under the mix named BAD Lions and then at Los Ratones. Their reunion has also coincided with a return to glory, as neither had secured a major title since their split.

Like his team, renowned streamer Simon "Thebausffs" Hofverberg made his competitive debut this winter—at the age of 25. The toplaner therefore remains undefeated in official competition, all while staying true to his signature unorthodox playstyle. He may have been the tournament’s most eye-catching player. Alongside their distinctive toplaner, Los Ratones fielded the oldest roster of the EMEA Masters, with an average age of 25.9 years. While most organizations are constantly scouting for the next rising stars, sometimes, the old ways are the best...