The "Blue Wall" has officially reclaimed its throne. In a performance that will be remembered as one of the most drastic mid-season turnarounds in VCT history, Karmine Corp has been crowned the EMEA Stage 2 champion. After a disastrous 0-5 start in Stage 1, the French organization’s path to the trophy in Badalona was nothing short of cinematic.
The grand final saw Karmine Corp dismantle Team Liquid with a commanding 3-1 victory. While Liquid fought to stay alive, KC’s momentum proved insurmountable. The series kicked off on Sunset, where KC’s defensive prowess—anchored by Dastan "dos9" Zhumagali’s clinical Omen play—secured a 13-7 win. On Ascent, KC maintained their stranglehold, breaking Liquid’s composure with a decisive 13-6 performance.
Although Liquid managed to claw back a map on Lotus (13-7), the final map, Summit, showcased the resilience that defined KC’s entire playoff run. Despite falling into an early 0-7 deficit, the team rallied, erasing the gap and closing out the series to lift the trophy.
This victory is more than just a title; it is the ultimate validation of a roster that spent months fighting through doubt. After failing to make an impact earlier in the year, the addition of key talent and a shift in the team's tactical identity have paid off in the best way possible. With this win, KC has not only secured the regional crown but also punched their ticket to VALORANT Champions in Shanghai, marking their first major international appearance since 2024.
For those looking to see if this form carries over to the global stage, keep an eye on our MyEsports predictions for upcoming international brackets. The path to the world championship is officially open, and for the first time in a long time, the momentum is firmly on the side of the Blue Wall.