The countdown to Worlds 2026 has begun. To start the hype for the international event, we are looking at every team in the tournament. Movistar KOI looked down and out. They missed their road trip in Madrid. They scraped into the playoffs. Many expected them to falter early. But they did not. They fought through the Lower Bracket, even defeating Karmine Corp 3-0. They are the second LEC seed, but can they hold their own?
Movistar KOI’s Roster
- Alex “Myrwn” Pastor Villarejo – Spanish Top Laner
- Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla – Spanish Jungler
- Joseph “Jojopyun” Joon Pyun – American Mid Laner
- David “Supa” Martinez Garcia – Spanish Bot Laner
- Álvaro “Alvaro” Fernández del Amo – Spanish Support
MKOI kept the same roster for 2026. Jojopyun resigned a contract for 2027. The rest of the roster has been together since 2024.
Rising From The Ashes
MKOI needed a miracle to qualify for the playoffs. They needed results to go their way on the final day of the season. Fortunately, GiantX defeated Fnatic. A sixth-place finish put them in the Lower Bracket. They missed their roadshow in Madrid. Only the Upper Bracket matches were featured in Madrid. They stormed through the Lower Bracket. After surviving a scare against Team Vitality, they dispatched Natus Vincere to qualify for Worlds. They did not stop there. They silenced the home crowd in Nice. They defeated the favorites, Karmine Corp, 3-0. Their momentum stalled when G2 Esports slammed them 3-0 in the final.
MKOI returned to the Worlds stage, a place where they have historically struggled. 2025 was a better year for the Spanish roster. Wins against Fnatic and Team Secret pushed them to 2-2. However, they faced T1. Faker stepped up to carry T1 over the line. MKOI’s regular season struggles are concerning. They steadied the ship for the playoffs, but that will not be enough on the international stage.
Key Player – Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla
The General
Elyoya is the team’s engine. He is the most successful player in the LEC who has not played with Caps. He has won four LEC titles. One of those titles was with the current roster. He leads from the front. When Elyoya is in form, MKOI performs better. He can easily stand up to the Eastern junglers. It is no easy task. The jungle pool is stacked for the international event. Even looking at the LCS, Elyoya must defeat Josedeodo, Inspired, and Blaber.
Elyoya led the charge in their 3-0 dominant win over Karmine Corp. He kept Yike quiet and set his team up for success. Most notably, he landed pivotal Dragon’s Rages on Caliste’s Zeri. In that same game, Elyoya threw a fight for his team. His Rift Herald trip went too far. That left his team exposed. Elyoya is not perfect, but he is vital.
Movistar KOI’s Expectations
The bracket stage may be a step too far for them. Worlds is stacked this year. No game is a free win. They could easily go 0-3. There is no favorable draw. They would prefer to face teams from CBLOL or LCP, but they are a force to be reckoned with. The hope is that they deliver strong performances. A victory over an LPL or LCK team will give their fans hope. Falling to 0-3 is a disappointment. That happened to them two years ago.
Swiss Stage Beginnings
MKOI starts in the Swiss Stage. They will feature in Pool 3 for Round 1. They will play against a Pool 2 team.
Potential Opponents
They can face any team in Pool 2. They can play Team Secret Whales, the CBLOL First seed, Hanwha Life Esports, or Bilibili Gaming.
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