MVK Esports are out of the Worlds 2026 Play-In after losing 0-3 to Karmine Corp in the Play-In final on the morning of October 19, Vietnam time, the second time they lost to the same opponent by the same score.
Which series did MVK play in the Play-In?
The Play-In is the opening stage of Worlds, where four teams play best-of-five series (up to five games, first to win three takes the series) for a single Swiss Stage spot. MVK Esports, the LCP's number three seed, took this route and played four series:
| Series | Opponent | Result | Date (Vietnam time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winners bracket, round 1 | FURIA | Won 3-0 | Morning of October 16 |
| Winners bracket, round 2 | Karmine Corp | Lost 0-3 | Early October 17 |
| Losers bracket | FURIA | Won 3-1 | Morning of October 18 |
| Play-In final | Karmine Corp | Lost 0-3 | Morning of October 19 |
By games, MVK won 6 and lost 7 across the four series. All six wins came against FURIA, while six of the seven losses came in the two series against Karmine Corp.
Why was losing the final the end of the road?
The Play-In has a single Swiss Stage spot for four teams. The loser of the final is eliminated and the winner advances. In the winners bracket, Karmine Corp beat MVK 3-0 and went straight to the final, while MVK took a longer road: one series loss sent them to the losers bracket, where one more loss ends the run. MVK beat FURIA 3-1 to return to the final, but there Karmine Corp won again and took the spot.
Karmine Corp joins seeding pot 4 of the Swiss Stage with CTBC Flying Oyster, Invictus Gaming and Dplus Kia. According to the tournament schedule, the first Swiss series starts at 12 a.m. on October 24, Vietnam time. Series details and stat tables are in our piece Karmine Corp Beat MVK 3-0 in the Play-In Final and Reach the Swiss Stage.
How does this run compare with last time?
In 2024, the team played Worlds as Vikings Esports and lost both Play-In series 0-2. This year MVK won two series, both against Brazil's FURIA, and reached the Play-In final, even though they did not win a Swiss Stage spot. The lineup in the broadcast graphic on the cover is Kratos, Gury, Chika, Harky and SiuLoong.
What can viewers in Vietnam still follow?
Team Secret Whales, the LCP's number one seed, went straight into the Swiss Stage, so it remains Vietnam's representative at the tournament. The Swiss Stage starts at 12 a.m. on October 24, Vietnam time, and Team Secret Whales' schedule is in our Worlds 2026 schedule in Vietnam time. Riot streams the event live on LoL Esports (lolesports.com).
FAQ
When was MVK eliminated from Worlds 2026?
On the morning of October 19, Vietnam time, after losing 0-3 to Karmine Corp in the Play-In final. The Play-In has only one Swiss Stage spot.
Which teams did MVK beat and lose to in the Play-In?
MVK beat FURIA 3-0 in the opening round and 3-1 in the losers bracket, and lost 0-3 to Karmine Corp in the winners bracket and in the final.
Which Vietnamese team is still in Worlds 2026?
Team Secret Whales, the LCP's number one seed, went straight into the Swiss Stage. According to the tournament schedule, the first Swiss series starts at 12 a.m. on October 24, Vietnam time.
Sources: LoL Esports: Worlds 2026 schedule and results (scores of MVK's four series, Swiss Stage schedule, seeding pots announced by Riot) and OtaHub's Worlds 2026 schedule (LCP seeding, Team Secret Whales going straight into the Swiss Stage). Checked on October 19, 2026. Images: Riot Games / LoL Esports, Worlds 2026 broadcast graphics.
