G2 Esports have accomplished what once seemed impossible, defeating the LCK’s first seed 
Gen.G in a 3-0 upset in the semi-finals of the League of Legends First Stand 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil.
Both teams entered the competition as their region’s top seed, but their paths through the tournament could not have been more different. Gen.G breezed through Group B in the Group Stage, securing 3-0 sweeps against the LPL’s 
JD Gaming and the LCS’s 
LYON to qualify for the Knockout Stage.
Meanwhile, over in Group A, G2 opened with a 3-0 sweep against the LCP’s 
Team Secret Whales, before dropping to the lower bracket following a 3-0 defeat to the LPL’s 
Bilibili Gaming. In the lower bracket final, they bounced back emphatically, dismantling the LCK’s second seed 
BNK FearX 3-0 to book their place in the semi-finals.
How G2 Esports dismantled Gen.G
The first game was a statement from G2, completely taking over Summoner’s Rift, controlling every neutral objective and denying Gen.G any breathing room. After a 32-minute encounter and a commanding 16-4 kill lead, G2 closed out Game 1 with authority.
The second game followed a similar script, with G2 once again dictating the pace across the map. Gen.G managed to secure a handful of Dragons but failed to translate them into meaningful teamfight victories. After another 32-minute game, G2 secured Game 2 with a 15-6 kill lead.
With momentum firmly on their side, G2 delivered more of the same in the third game. It was a rinse-and-repeat performance, as they dismantled Gen.G across the map, denying them access to key objectives. In just 30 minutes, G2 sealed the series with a 16-3 kill lead, eliminating Gen.G from the competition.
With their win, G2 will be facing the winners of the semifinals match between Bilibili Gaming and JD Gaming at the Grand Finals on Sunday (23 March). This is also G2 and the LEC’s first time in an international grand final in seven years.
Meanwhile, Gen.G bow out of the competition in 3rd to 4th place, taking home US$125,000 in consolation.
