“We will be the kings of Badalona”: MKOI Myrwn aims for LEC Versus glory

Movistar KOI (MKOI) arrives at LEC Versus with a single objective: to win. After their painful Summer Split defeat to G2 Esports on home soil, the team was left with a bittersweet feeling that still fuels their motivation.

Now, with Riot Games confirming that the Grand Finals will be held in Badalona, Spain, MKOI are more determined than ever to reclaim their pride and conquer LEC Versus in front of their home crowd. That motivation is felt even more strongly by MKOI’s top laner, Alex “Myrwn” Pastor Villarejo, who lives in the city himself. “We will be the kings of Badalona,” he said, determined to let no one stand in their way.

But before dreaming of glory, MKOI must first prove its worth on the LEC Versus stage. On Jan. 19, their match against Shifters did not unfold as the Spanish squad had hoped. Shifters secured an early advantage, leaving MKOI unable to turn the game around. The result was a one-sided defeat or a “stomp,” as Myrwn himself described it.

"We didn't play at our level. We have made many mistakes, and they abuse them. In the moment we actually started to play the teamfightrs, we were already far behind," Myrwn explained. "They stomped us. It was just a bad day for us."

For the top laner, the new role quests have shaken up the meta, giving more power to the top side of the map. Still, in his view, the ADC remains the true ruler of the game. “They rule the world. There’s not much you can do,” Myrwn said. “If the enemy Yunara has 300 items, you’re powerless, even if you’re two levels ahead. They will always be the kings of the game, and that’s just how it is.”

As for broken champions, Rumble is one of the strongest picks, even if blind picked, since he works in many compositions. K'Sante is still one of the best top laners, but that is nothing new since he has been strong since his release. "You just pick K'Sante, chill, and enjoy the game," he laughed.

“The Unkillable Demon King” may be Faker’s iconic nickname, but for two matches, Myrwn briefly made it his own. Until the fateful game against Shifters, the MKOI top laner was the only player in the tournament who had yet to die. That streak, however, did not survive the series, as Shifters made sure he wouldn’t take the title home.

Still, the record is more of a running joke than a real obsession. Myrwn doesn’t care about KDA. He only cares about winning. Within MKOI, there is already a true “king of death”: Álvaro “Alvaro” Fernández del Amo. And, of course, Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla is never far behind, always happy to share the crown.

The memes are just part of a much bigger family. One that has chosen to keep its roster together for the 2026 season. And there is a clear reason for that. “We have the right pieces,” MKOI Myrwn explained. “I’m really happy with all of them.”

This season, the team signed Barney "Alphari" Morris as their new assistant coach. While Myrwn didn't have much time to work with him, he believes he will do a great job and only has positive things to say about him. "We can achieve a lot of things both regionally and internationally with him as the assistant coach. I'm looking forward to keep working with Aphari," he added.

There is nothing more rewarding than playing in your home country. For the MKOI family, having the chance to compete in Spain not once, but three times in 2026 is truly special. However, 2025 was dark, as they ended up losing the Summer Finals to G2 Esports in Madrid.

Four months later, that was not forgotten, and MKOI wants its revenge. The LEC Versus is traveling to Badalona for their Grand Finals. For Myrwn, the tournament carries even greater meaning, as he has lived in the city his entire life. “I just have to defend my city from everyone who comes here,” he said. “I’m really sorry, but no one is taking that throne from me. We will be the kings of Badalona.”

Alongside Badalona, Madrid will also host the LEC Spring and Summer Split roadshows in 2026. Meanwhile, France will welcome two LEC events of its own, taking place during the Spring and Summer splits as well.

One of MKOI Myrwn’s greatest sources of support has always been his family, especially his brother and his mother, who is very vocal on social media in showing her pride. She will also be in Badalona to cheer for her son, as Myrwn confirmed.

“It means a lot to have this kind of support. Even my grandmother is a huge fan, even though she doesn’t really understand English,” he laughed. “Having such a great family means everything to me. If I ever have a problem, I can always talk to them.”

There’s still plenty of League of Legends action to come at LEC Versus, so make sure you don’t miss a moment of the excitement in the weeks ahead.