Movistar KOI stuns Bilibili Gaming in Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage opener

Movistar KOI scored a major upset on the opening day of the 2026 League of Legends World Championship Swiss Stage by defeating LPL powerhouse Bilibili Gaming.

The European squad came into the tournament with plenty to prove after missing both First Stand and the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational, and after their Esports World Cup 2026 campaign ended without a deep run.

They eventually found their footing towards the end of the domestic season, defeating Karmine Corp to reach the LEC Season Finals grand final.

Taking on BLG was a different challenge, as the Chinese powerhouse had won First Stand and come close to sweeping domestic titles before falling in the LPL Split 3 grand final.

BLG had established themselves as one of the favourites heading into Worlds 2026.

Movistar KOI came out swinging, taking control of the early game and building a lead through objectives across the map.

The European squad secured the first two turrets, claimed the first three drakes, and established a kill advantage, putting BLG on the back foot.

BLG continued to look for opportunities to turn the game around, keeping the gold difference within reach and refusing to let their opponents run away with the lead.

Movistar KOI secured two Barons to strengthen their push, but BLG claimed an Elder Dragon of their own to stay in contention.

The contest became increasingly tense as Movistar KOI broke into BLG's base.

Just when it looked like the European squad might finally secure the win, BLG found a crucial shutdown onto MKOI's bot laner David Martinez "Supa" Garcia, forcing a retreat.

With another Elder Dragon about to spawn, Movistar KOI played patiently, maintaining their positioning and preventing BLG from finding an easy opening.

"When the opportunity presented itself, MKOI committed to the fight, with Supa and mid laner Joseph 'jojopyun' Pyun leading the charge," the report said.

The European squad took down all five BLG players in a clean ace, leaving their opponents with no way to contest the Elder Dragon.

With the powerful buff secured and BLG's entire roster wiped out, Movistar KOI marched straight into the Chinese squad's base to finish the job after 38 minutes.

The victory marks MKOI's first successful Swiss Stage opening match in their Worlds history.

Interestingly, it was BLG who defeated MAD Lions KOI in their opening Swiss Stage match at Worlds 2024.

Movistar KOI now have a 1-0 record and need just two more match wins to advance to the Knockout Stage.

BLG find themselves at 0-1, leaving the LPL representatives with less room for error as three losses will send any team home.