KC and HLE Sweep Day 3 at First Stand, Reigniting EMEA Hope

HLE vs. CFO: The Fearless Draft That Finally Delivered

Coming into the series, HLE had already established themselves as tournament favorites, showcasing clean execution and a deep champion pool in previous matches. In contrast, CFO—fresh off an unexpected win against KC—needed a statement victory to prove they could contend with the best. However, they encountered an unstoppable opponent with superior teamfighting. This matchup highlighted the differing approaches of the two teams – HLE’s controlled, creative gameplay versus CFO’s aggressive playstyle.

HLE opened the match strong, setting the tone early thanks to Peanut’s aggressive Vi, which enabled Zeka’s Yone to dominate the midlane while Viper’s Ashe and Delight’s Rakan completely neutralized CFO’s bot lane. Although CFO hoped that Doggo’s scaling Ezreal could turn the tides, HongQ’s struggles on Azir meant they never found the footing they needed. With constant pressure from Peanut on Vi, CFO was left bereft of breathing room, and HLE closed out the game in just 23 minutes with an impressive 19-4 kill lead. This performance showcased HLE’s strategic drafting and flawless execution of a complex plan.

In the post-match press conference, Zeus addressed HLE’s unconventional champion choices. He explained that while some picks—like CFO’s Karma top—were pre-discussed with the coaching staff, others were based solely on recent scrim results. If game one focused purely on meticulous execution, game two plunged into chaos with the debut of three new champions, testing both teams’ adaptability.

HLE support Delight later stressed the importance of staying focused, noting that no result is ever set in stone in esports. Despite their dominance, HLE remains aware that a single misstep could cost them dearly. With a massive champion pool, clean execution, and brilliant matchups, they currently stand as the team to beat.

KC vs. TES: A Long-Awaited First International Win

After two disappointing losses, Karmine Corp (KC) pulled off a stunning 2-0 upset against one of the tournament’s strongest sides, Top Esports (TES), marking their first international victory. This result not only reignited hopes for the EMEA region but also reminded fans of KC’s championship pedigree in the LEC.

KC found their rhythm right from the start. Yike’s aggressive Skarner and Targamas’ commanding Karma dominated the early game, setting up Vladi’s Taliyah to roam and create early advantages. By 16 minutes, KC had established a solid gold lead. Their effective resource management and teamwork meant that TES was never given a real comeback chance. A decisive baron call by Kanavi proved to be the turning point as KC pushed for a clean final assault, ending game one in 31 minutes with a commanding 33-16 kill lead.

Game two followed a similar pattern. Although TES managed to claw back some gold early on—by 15 minutes the gap was reduced to just 3K—KC’s momentum was quickly re-established. Strategic plays by Vladi’s Yone and the vital utility from Yike’s Ivern allowed KC to secure the critical fight that sealed their victory. For many, the win was long overdue. Even TES’ top laner, 369, predicted that a KC win was only a matter of time, foreseeing a resurgent Western performance this tournament. Following the victory, Caliste remarked confidently that KC had shown the same fighting spirit that once led them to LEC glory.

Day 3 Overview: Sweeps and Shocking Results

Day three of League of Legends’ First Stand delivered a whirlwind of results. Both HLE and KC executed flawless sweeps, while TES was left reeling from back-to-back defeats. As the tournament heats up, overnight shifts in standings are entirely possible.

Looking ahead, CFO will aim to bounce back in their match against Team Liquid, while KC faces perhaps their toughest challenge yet—going up against the seemingly unstoppable HLE. As the series progresses, every match will have crucial implications on tournament standings.

Article by Bullish Coder