Madrid, Spain witnessed a spectacle of competitive League of Legends as G2 Esports decisively claimed their 17th LEC title at the 2025 Summer Finals. This victory was not merely another trophy for their already crowded cabinet; it marked their first championship of the year, a season notably defined by an unusual spread of power. More significantly, it secured their position as EMEA’s top seed for the upcoming World Championship in China, a goal that perpetually looms large for every ambitious roster.
Dominance Undisputed: The Madrid Showcase
The Caja Mágica arena buzzed with an electric atmosphere, hosting 17,000 fervent fans who bore witness to the culmination of a hard-fought season. While local favorites Movistar KOI certainly commanded the majority of the fervent blue-jersey-clad crowd, it was G2 Esports that ultimately lifted the coveted trophy, amidst a mixed chorus of cheers and respectful applause.
G2`s performance in the Grand Finals against MKOI was nothing short of a masterclass. A commanding 3-0 sweep saw them dispatch their opponents with fast, decisive gameplay that left little room for doubt. The spotlight, deservedly, shone brightest on G2’s jungler, Rudy ‘SkewMond’ Semaan, who earned the Finals MVP award. Despite narrowly missing the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title earlier in the season, SkewMond`s consistent presence and exceptional synergy with support player Labrov proved pivotal. His statistics, including an impressive 84% kill participation and a KDA of 16/2/28, paint a vivid picture of his impactful contribution – a quiet storm in the jungle, perhaps, but one that certainly brought down the house.
Caps Reflects: The Paradox of a «Competitive Year»
For veteran mid-laner Rasmus ‘Caps’ Winther, this marked his 15th LEC title with G2 Esports, adding another layer to his legendary status. G2 and dominance are often synonymous, yet 2025 presented a unique challenge: for the first time in LEC history, each split saw a different champion. A curious situation for a team often considered the benchmark of European League of Legends.
Caps, ever the pragmatist, attributed G2`s earlier losses in the Winter and Spring Finals to a temporary «lack of connection» within the team. However, he also highlighted a broader, more significant trend: the undeniable growth of their competitors. «I think with us underperforming a bit and doing a bit worse, I guess I just left space for everyone else to step up,» he remarked, a sentiment delivered with a hint of understatement that only a player of his caliber could genuinely articulate. Indeed, when a titan takes a slight pause, the landscape often changes dramatically.
He continued, «We had three different winners, but even Fnatic was also doing very well this whole year… And I mean even GIANTX, I think on stage they sometimes did a bit worse, but especially in scrims, they were taking a lot of games from us and their other top team. So it was definitely a very competitive year.» This newfound parity, while perhaps frustrating for G2 in earlier splits, ultimately strengthens the LEC`s narrative and prepares its top teams for the unforgiving international stage.
The Fan Experience and the Road Ahead
The burgeoning competitiveness of the LEC translates directly to engaged, passionate fan bases. Even when G2 was not the home team, their visit to a local net café earlier in the week showcased a welcoming and supportive community, despite the overarching favoritism for MKOI. Such interactions underscore the shared enthusiasm that binds the esports community.
When questioned about the perennial challenge of maintaining a top-tier position, Caps credited strong teammates and a mutual, unyielding drive for success. «I’ve always had very strong teammates who push me, and we push each other,» he stated. This internal synergy is critical, particularly with the ultimate prize in sight. «I really want to win Worlds, and for that, we need to be a lot better than even the LEC teams.» It`s a sobering but realistic assessment: Europe’s best must elevate even further to contend globally.
A New Horizon
G2 Esports` triumph in Madrid is more than just another title; it’s a statement. It signifies their resilience, their ability to adapt, and their enduring ambition. After a year where the LEC`s crown was passed around, G2 has firmly reclaimed its spot at the pinnacle, entering Worlds 2025 not just as a participant, but as EMEA’s undisputed champion, ready to test their mettle against the globe’s elite. The journey to the World Championship is fraught with challenges, but G2, with their renewed cohesion and strategic prowess, appears more than ready for the global stage.
Elton Marrow