May 1, 2025
The LEC Madrid Event Was a Huge Success
The recent LEC Madrid Roadtrip event was a monumental triumph, showcasing the league at its absolute best and satiating the arena itch that had been building for so long. The electric atmosphere that filled the Madrid Arena was a testament to the power of Spanish-based teams and their passionate fanbases. As the league prepares to make its way to Paris for the next Roadtrip event, it’s clear that this momentum will continue to build, making the eventual Spring finals in Riot’s Berlin studio seem somewhat anticlimactic in comparison.
The crowd at the Madrid Arena was, without a doubt, the most impressive I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand. The home favorites, Movistar KOI, received a rapturous reception, with ‘Ultra’ groups forming drum-led parades that thundered through the stadium, creating an intimidating and exhilarating atmosphere. But what may have surprised followers of the LEC outside of Spain was the incredible support shown to GIANTX, a team that, despite not being a powerhouse org, boasts a dedicated and loud fanbase. Their section of fans was a kaleidoscope of sound and color, with trumpet and tuba players, as well as their drummer, elevating fan chants to dizzying heights.
G2, despite having visibly fewer fans in attendance, were still welcomed with open arms by the Spanish crowd, who likely have a soft spot for the team due to their prominent Spanish figures, ocelote and Mithy. Fnatic, too, appeared to have a more dedicated fan presence, with Oscarinin and Razork currently on the roster. However, Fnatic’s Upset was the sole attendee whose walkout received any negativity, a mild confrontation with MKOI’s Supa earlier this year boiling over into some boos and whistles from areas of the arena.
The decision to run the event as MKOI-hosted was a masterstroke, allowing the LEC to tap into the passionate home crowd and football ultra vibe that the organization had already created through its own events. The league has finally figured out the formula to harness the massive following of the organization and its owner, Ibai, to genuinely improve the product. With Karmine Corp set to host the Paris LEC Roadtrip later this month, it’s all but guaranteed that the league will see another successful event.
However, the Roadtrip events are still only covering regular season games, leaving some to question the competitive integrity of having ‘home’ games for teams at the events and not for others. When the final takes place in the Berlin studio on June 8th, the event will likely feel considerably less important for all involved.
The icing on the cake for the Spanish crowd was the news that the LEC will return to Madrid again this year, with the Caja Mágica, home to tennis’ Madrid Open, set to host the LEC Summer Finals. The 12,000 capacity venue will see three days of competition, while the Plaza de España will host the LEC XPO. But as the Spanish crowd basks in the glory of their recent success, they may be wondering if the passion on display during the Roadtrip will be repeated for the Summer Finals. If none of the teams with large Spanish followings reach that weekend, particularly the final, then there’s a good chance that the atmosphere does not reach the levels seen during the Roadtrip.
