Fnatic and Movistar KOI (MKOI) have secured their spots in the LEC Winter Split Top 4. The Black and Orange narrowly escaped an upset against Team BDS, while the Spaniards confidently defeated GIANTX (GX). Both teams will now face off in a best-of-five fearless draft match on Friday at 18:00 CET, fighting to stay alive in the lower bracket.

Fnatic had a close call, MKOI gained confidence

Through blood and sweat, Fnatic secures the win but fails to reassure. In a puzzling shift, they looked like a different team in this BO3 against BDS compared to before, as if last week’s crushing defeat by G2 Esports had left its mark. Fragility was evident across all three games, with both teams showing loads of strengths and weaknesses. BDS, however, can hold their heads high—nearly toppling Fnatic in Game 3, stopped only by a miraculous Iván "Razork" Martín and Elias "Upset" Lipp defense in front of their nexus. While still lacking precision, they are improving. Looking back at their first week of this split, their synergy has clearly improved, and if this trend continues, they could become a serious threat in the league. Meanwhile, Fnatic locks in a top-four finish but must step up if they aim for the Winter Split title.

Movistar KOI once again worked their magic, dominantly sweeping GIANTX. Alex "Myrwn" Villarejo surprised everyone by locking in the world's first-ever competitive Vex top in Game 1, while Javier "Elyoya" Prades delivered a masterclass on Nidalee in Game 2. GX struggled both in draft and execution, with Adam "Jackies" Jeřábek's mid Lee Sin failing to provide impact and a disastrous Baron call in Game 1 sealing their fate just a minute later after Elyoya's clutch smite steal. The Spanish team has been way more convincing overall. When MKOI’s jungle-support duo, Elyoya, and Álvaro "Alvaro" Fernández del Amo are in such great shape, they simply look like one of the league’s best duos. Their upcoming BO5 against Fnatic promises to be a must-watch, especially for Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun who still lacks a signature performance.

As the winner's bracket final takes place this Monday, Fnatic and MKOI will face off next week in a BO5 elimination match. By the end of this weekend, we will already know the first LEC champion of the year and the league’s representative for the First Stand.