The recent LEC Madrid Roadtrip was an unmitigated triumph, a resounding success that scratched the arena itch and showed the league at its best. The event was a masterclass in creating an electric atmosphere, one that was palpable throughout the Madrid Arena. The Spanish-based teams, particularly Movistar KOI, were the main beneficiaries of the passionate crowd, with their fans creating an incredible reception that was music to the ears. The ‘Ultra’ groups, comprising drum-led parades and chants, added to the fervor, making it an experience to remember.
But it wasn’t just the home team that received a rapturous welcome; GIANTX, a team that may not be considered a powerhouse in EMEA’s tier one competition, also earned a significant following. Their fans, who have carried over from the Giants/Superliga era, were just as loud, if not louder, than their KOI counterparts. The presence of trumpet and tuba players, as well as their drummer, took the fan chants to new heights, eclipsing the usual “let’s go G2” chants often heard in the LEC studio.
LEC Madrid Roadtrip Recap (Image via Getty)G2, a team with a rich history and prominent Spanish figures like ocelote and Mithy, also received a warm welcome from the Spanish crowd. Although they had visibly fewer fans in attendance, their presence was still felt, and their legacy earned them a measure of respect. Fnatic, too, appeared to have a dedicated fan presence, with Oscarinin and Razork on the roster. However, Fnatic’s Upset was the sole attendee whose walkout received some negativity, a mild confrontation with MKOI’s Supa earlier in the year boiling over into some boos and whistles.
The decision to run the event as MKOI-hosted proved to be a stroke of genius, 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 finally seems to have figured out the formula to harness the massive following of the organization and its owner, Ibai, to genuinely improve the product.
The upcoming Paris LEC Roadtrip, set to be hosted by Karmine Corp later this month, promises to be another successful event. Like MKOI, KC has also demonstrated its proficiency in hosting stadium games and boasts an equally passionate fanbase. However, there is a lingering concern that these roadshows are still only covering regular season games, with no material difference between the Roadtrip fixtures and the usual studio matches.
LEC Madrid Roadtrip 2025 (Image via Getty)The competitive integrity of having ‘home’ games for teams at the events and not for others is also a pressing issue. 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 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. The obvious reaction is to assume that the passion on display during the Roadtrip will be repeated for the Summer Finals. However, the crucial home-team aspect that riled up those spectators isn’t guaranteed for the finals. If none of these sides 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.
The LEC’s foray into hosting events in iconic venues has been a resounding success, and it’s clear that the league is on the right track. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum and create an atmosphere that is not solely dependent on the presence of home teams. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, and it will be fascinating to see how the league builds on this success.
