Team Liquid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against European rivals Karmine Corp in the opening match of the 2025 First Strike tournament. The match unfolded on March 10, 2025, at the LCK Arena within the LoL Park, located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, marking the much-anticipated debut of the tournament.
Entering the match, Team Liquid, which represented North America, Latin America, and Brazil, was eager to showcase its strength against Karmine Corp, well-known for its elite presence in the League of Legends championship scene. The team's initial hopes were met with vigor as they triumphed over Karmine Corp, securing key set wins throughout the match.
The first set began with Team Liquid confidently seizing control of the game. The combination of champions selected—including Maokai and Nautilus—afforded them solid initiation abilities, setting the stage for effective team fights. Showcasing strategic prowess, Team Liquid initiated skirmishes early, rapidly building momentum. The team registered their first significant triumph by defeating the Baron at the 28th minute mark, which allowed them to maximize their advantage with the ensuing buff, decisively closing out the first set.
Conversely, Karmine Corp, led by 'Canna' Kim Chang-dong, struggled initially to find their footing against Team Liquid's aggressive play. Despite this, they managed to bounce back spectacularly during the second set. At the 8-minute mark, Karmine’s ability to execute effective team fights saw them pull off three kills against Team Liquid, tying the match score 1-1 after relentless attacks, including 20 kills within just 23 minutes.
With the stakes raised for the deciding third set, the intensity of the match heightened significantly. Karmine Corp's bottom duo displayed remarkable synergy by securing the first kill against Team Liquid's bottom lane. The combination of Lucian and Nami proved powerful for Team Liquid, countering Karmine's aggressive start by utilizing well-timed ultimate abilities. At the key moment, when it seemed Karmine Corp regained the upper hand, Team Liquid's decisive counterattack turned the tide.
By the 12-minute mark, Team Liquid demonstrated exceptional teamwork, overcoming Karmine's champions near the dragon camp and earning four kills. This led them to regain momentum and eventually push toward the final objective. The teamwork culminated at the 24-minute mark when Team Liquid achieved an impressive 'Ace' by eliminating all five Karmine Corp champions during the dragon fight.
The victory was sealed decisively at 34 minutes when Team Liquid destroyed Karmine Corp’s Nexus after capturing the Baron. Team Liquid's strong performance showcased their readiness and strategic planning as they continue the tournament.
Post-match interviews revealed the confidence within Team Liquid, especially from player 'Alpha' Iain Steens, who boldly stated, "Europe is nothing without G2," reflecting their determined mindset. He humorously added, "The support from Karmine Corp fans is very useful compared to the Brazilian team fans," highlighting both his confidence and the banter typical of rivalries stirred within esports.
'Impact' Jeong Eon-young expressed pride over teammate 'UmTi's' performance throughout the match, stating, "UmTi played really well," showcasing the collaborative spirit of the team. He also noted their strategic focus on the bottom lane, happy to capitalize on Karmine Corp’s relative weaknesses across each match.
This victory not only places Team Liquid firmly within the competition but also presents them as serious contenders as they work toward advancing through the Round Robin Stage, where only four teams will continue. Team Liquid's win against Karmine Corp reinforces their aspirations for the rest of the tournament, demonstrating resilience and strategy against long-established rivals.
With their next matches on the horizon, fans are excitedly anticipating how this sharpened Team Liquid will fare against more challenging opponents, aware now more than ever of their potential to dominate the scene.