The EMEA Masters Winter 2025 finals featuring Los Ratones vs Ici Japon Corp Esports broke standing viewership records for all Tier 2 League of Legends esports events.
Los Ratones is undoubtedly one of the hottest teams in the esports scene right now. The team was formed in 2024 under the leadership of former pro League player and commentator Marc Robert “Caedrel” Lamont, with a team composed of popular LoL streamers and other former pros. With names such as Simon “thebausffs” Hofverberg and Carl “Rekkles” Larsson, fans expected the team to draw in crowds.
LOS RATONES IN EMEA GRAND FINALS | LR vs IJC
But more than the names, each of these streamers has proven their merit in the secondary pro scene. Combined with its members’ charisma, Los Ratones has cultivated a loyal fanbase. The team shattered viewership records for the NLC with a peak of over 365,000 viewers in its match against NORD Esports. More recently, Los Ratones made history again at the EMEA Masters Winter 2025 finals.
The EMEA Masters Winter 2025 finals between Los Ratones and Ici Japon Corp. Esports peaked at over 472,000 concurrent viewers. Before Los Ratones, the previous EMEA viewership record came in Spring 2021, with over 377,000 viewers. As recently as 2024, the EMEA typically hovered around 150,000 concurrent fans watching.
Los Ratones dominated against Ici Japon Corp Esport with a 3-0 result in the Winter 2025 final. LR jungler Veljko “Velja” Camdzic was dubbed the MVP for his impressive performance, even more impressive given his relative youth.
Rekkles also became the first player to ever win EMEA Masters in two different roles, as support for Los Ratones after previously winning as an ADC. It’s worth noting this was Los Ratones’ first shot at the EMEA finals, and their dominance undoubtedly turned heads. Los Ratones has proven its power to draw in viewers, as the EMEA Masters Winter 2025 outperformed Tier 1 events such as the LTA Winter Playoffs in terms of viewership. Despite Caedrel’s admitted lack of experience in a coaching role, his coaching undoubtedly paid off for the upstart team.
Some fans hope that other esports teams follow Los Ratones’ example in better connecting with fans through streaming while still performing at the top of their game.
Los Ratones may have what it takes to compete in Tier 1 LoL tournaments, the highest level of pro League of Legends. The EMEA is one of the most prestigious Tier 2 tournaments in the world. With Los Ratones’ victory, they have proven themselves among the best of Tier 2.
While merit is one thing, getting a spot at Tier 1 is another matter. Critics of the LEC’s franchise system claim that the bottom tier of the LEC is fielding noncompetitive rosters, especially when compared to the peak of Tier 2.
LOS RATONES CLIPS TO WATCH WHILE YOU EAT
Fans hope that the LEC will reconsider its stance after Los Ratones’ star-making performance. Some fans did express concerns about an LEC move, however. Should LR be promoted to the LEC, they will most likely not be able to stream comms or scrims as much as they used to. Unless the LEC adapts, one of the cornerstones of Los Ratones’ viewership may be hampered.
While Los Ratones hasn’t revealed its next move, the community is certainly ready to watch it.
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