The Karmine Corp Triumphs Over CTBC Flying Oyster to Reach Grand Final
Young European Team Faces Tough Challenge as They Aim for First International Title
Despite Early Struggles, Karmine Corp’s Resilience Shines in Epic 3-2 Victory
The Karmine Corp, the rising League of Legends team based in France, secured their place in the finals of the First Stand 2025 tournament with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Taiwan's CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) on March 15, 2025. This marks the first time the European region has reached this level of competition since 2019. Founded by Kamel "Kameto" Kebir, the team has dramatically surged since its inception, gaining notoriety within the international esports community.
Facing off against the formidable CFO—who previously had the Karmine Corp’s number with their 2-0 victory during the group stages—this match brought high stakes and intense rivalries alive on the Summoner's Rift. Led by the young prodigy Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert, the Karmine Corp showcased their growth and potential.
Initially faltering at the start of the tournament, the Karmine Corp faced two early defeats, but the team rallied together, analyzing their missteps and reframing their strategies. "After realizing our early compositions weren't fitting our playstyle, we took a step back and refined our drafts," commented team member Canna. This self-assessment contributed significantly to their successful run leading up to the semifinals.
During the high-octane matchup against CFO, the Karmine Corp capitalized on early momentum by winning the first two games decisively. They notched their first win with strategic dominance, executing key plays and effectively securing objectives. By the 30-minute mark of Game 1, they had established a commanding 10k gold lead, thanks to their successful teamfight strategies and Nashor control. Game 2 followed with another dominant performance where they achieved significant early leads and maintained control throughout.
Yet, CFO was not willing to back down easily. Rebounding, they took the third game when they shifted their approach to aggressive early-game plays, eventually gaining the upper hand after minimizing mistakes from the Karmine Corp. Their comeback underscored the competitive nature of the matchup, forcing the series to its culmination.
Game 4 saw CFO capitalize on the momentum they built, thrusting the series to the brink of elimination for the Karmine Corp. This tested the mettle of the young European squad, pushing them to rediscover their rhythm as they pushed for the decisive fifth match.
With the stakes higher than ever and pressure mounting, the Karmine Corp took control early during the deciding Game 5. Their initial success included securing the first dragon at seven minutes, followed by several objective takes spearheaded by team coordination and execution. The pivotal teamfight at the 22-minute mark showcased the team's refined strategies, turning tables as they executed their plans flawlessly, leading to another successful Nashor attempt.
All the battles heralded by each team heightened tensions until the final clash at the Soul Dragon fight solidified Karmine Corp’s comeback, allowing them to push through to the Nexus of CFO and claim their hard-fought victory. "We corrected our earlier mistakes and focused on winning the key teamfights at our objectives," Canna added, reflecting on the transition from their earlier games. This performance not only secured their spot in the finals but also sparked hope for the European scene, which has observed its teams struggle on the international stage for years.
Looking forward to their final match, set for March 16, 2025, the Karmine Corp prepares to face either Hanwha Life Esports or Top Esports. Expectations run high as the European contingent hopes Karmine Corp’s success can catalyze more exceptional performances from their regional teams. Canna and Yike see the upcoming launch as more than just titles; it's also about elevation and revitalization of the European League of Legends identity.
"Achieving the finals here is just the beginning. We want to open up new chapters for Europe on the international scale," Yike noted. "It’s not just about our wins; we aim to inspire others to rise along with us."