Karmine Corp Wins The RLCS Kick Off Weekend 2026

Karmine Corp has kicked off the 2026 Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) season in style, claiming victory at the inaugural Kick Off Weekend LAN event with a commanding 4-0 Grand Final sweep over Shopify Rebellion. This victory solidifies their status as Europe’s premier squad heading into a packed year.

How Did They Win?

Fresh off a flawless 4-0 win in the EU Open Qualifier last week, KCorp earned a direct bye to the semifinals. There, they easily swept Spacestation Gaming 4-1, showcasing rotations and elite tactical that left opponents scrambling.

Shopify Rebellion, meanwhile, powered through the North American bracket with their own 4-0 demolition of Spacestation Gaming in the Open final, securing a semifinal slot. But in the decider, KCorp’s relentless pressure proved too much, capping a flawless LAN run.

Axel “Vatira” Touret etched his name deeper into RLCS lore with his fifth LAN title.

New Faces on the Scene

The event also spotlighted Manchester City’s debut RLCS squad, rebranded from the cheeky “2 Danes 1 Bruv.” They put up a valiant fight, pushing KCorp to a 4-3 thriller in the EU Upper Bracket before bowing out 4-3 to NOVO Esports in the LAN Lower Bracket Quarterfinals. A gritty start for the Premier League giants entry into esports.

Man City Esports to launch professional Rocket League team

Road Ahead Boston Major

This win catapults KCorp straight to the RLCS Boston Major, building on their 2025 double the Esports World Cup and Birmingham Major crowns. They’re now the undisputed benchmark for 2026 contenders.

The rest of the field gears up for Round 2 Open Qualifiers across regions, chasing RLCS Points, prize pools, and a shot at the season-capping World Championships.

Daniel Davis
Daniel Davis

Since: October 29, 2025

Hi, I’m Dan, an experienced esports journalist and author passionate about competitive gaming and digital culture. I specialize in titles like Counter Strike, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Valorant. I’ve documented the rise of professional esports from local tournaments to global stages. With a sharp focus on player strategy, team chemistry, and the evolving industry landscape, I deliver in depth insight into the world’s most popular competitive games.

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