The League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) witnessed a historic moment as the rivalry between MAD Lions KOI and Karmine Corp drew record-breaking viewership. Their first direct clash in the top-tier European competition became the most-watched match of the Winter Season, surpassing any game from 2022 or 2023.
The High-Stakes Match
This clash had all the makings of a ‘hot match’ in the LEC. Beyond the rivalry representing Spain and France, the sports situation of each team added an extra layer of excitement. Karmine Corp, desperately needing a win, faced MAD Lions KOI, who had a mixed start with a victory and a loss against SK Gaming.
A Spectacle Inside and Outside the Rift
The intensity was palpable both in the Summoner’s Rift and among the fans. Ibai Llanos of MAD Lions KOI and Jakob “YamatoCannon” Mebdi of Karmine Corp exchanged words, adding fuel to the fiery encounter.
The match peaked at an astonishing 741,450 viewers, according to Esports Charts, exceeding the 600,000 viewer peaks of the first two days and any match from the previous two years.
Historical Context
To find a LEC match with higher viewership than MAD Lions KOI vs. Karmine Corp, one must look back to the Summer Split of 2021. The clash surpassed the season’s final between MAD Lions and Fnatic in viewership.
The most-watched game of that season was G2 Esports vs. Fnatic, with a peak of 842,967 viewers, marking G2 Esports’ elimination from title contention and Worlds qualification.
MAD Lions KOI’s Promising Start
MAD Lions KOI’s debut in the LEC has been positively received, especially considering Javier “Elyoya” Prades’s sole experience in the competition. Despite a loss to SK Gaming, the team began strongly with a win against Team Heretics and triumphed over Karmine Corp.
Me encanta nuestra rivalidad con @KarmineCorp.
Hacen más grande esta liga y eso es una realidad. 741.000 viewers entre todos los canales. Unos de los partidos más vistos en la historia de Europa. El más visto desde verano de 2021.
Ggs a todos los que lo vivís con pasión. ❤️
— Ibai (@IbaiLlanos) January 15, 2024
Looking Ahead
In the upcoming competition week, MAD Lions KOI faces varied challenges. Their toughest match will be against G2 Esports, followed by encounters with Rogue and Team BDS. Meanwhile, GIANTX, the only other Spanish club in the league, currently holds a record of one win and two losses.
Historic Viewership in LEC
As the LEC continues, the spotlight remains on MAD Lions KOI, with their blend of experience and new talent. Their upcoming matches, especially against G2 Esports, will be critical in shaping their standing in the league. This season of the LEC is not just a test of skill but also a showcase of growing international interest and viewership in esports.