Karmine Corp (KC) upset Top Esports (TES) with a decisive 2-0 victory on Day 3 of the First Stand 2025, keeping their playoffs hopes alive. Their fate now depends on defeating Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) or a TES loss to CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO). Meanwhile, Top Esports are on the brink of elimination and must secure a win to stay in the tournament.

A surprising outcome

Few predicted Karmine Corp’s victory over LPL champions Top Esports, especially after their two defeats against Team Liquid and CFO, which were considered the most winnable matchups for the Blue Wall. However, the victory was decisive. In both games, Karmine Corp dominated team fights and proved superior in engagements. They completely transformed their playstyle today, with standout performances from their two youngest players, Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert and Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis, who both delivered exceptional performances.

It’s hard to say if TES also underperformed, but one thing is certain: this isn’t the first time the organization has been decisively beaten by an EU team, with the last instance occurring less than a year ago at MSI 2024 when they were swept 3-0 by G2. The common factor in these two defeats: a stellar Martin "Yike" Sundelin, who today claims the MVP title of the series. This is well-deserved after a tough start to the competition for him. He has truly embraced his leadership role within the team. Now, it's up to him to lead his teammates toward a miracle in their next match against HLE tomorrow, in the second best-of series of the day.