Day two of First Stand 2025 is in the record books with Karmine Corp staring down the barrel of elimination after a humiliating 2-0 defeat at the hands of CTBC Flying Oyster. It was another rough series for KC jungler Yike, who has struggled to get going so far at the first international tournament of the year. 

What is now concerning for Karmine Corp is the fact they have already played their two easiest opponents first in Team Liquid and Flying Oyster. And now that they are 2-0, it means KC must pick up wins against the LPL's Top Esports, and the LCK juggernauts Hanwha Life Esports. Following their 2-0 defeat to Flying Oyster, Karmine Corp's Yike and Targamas spoke briefly to the media for a post-match press conference. 

Yike and Targamas post-match press conference

What was the difference between the LEC version of KC and this version?

Yike: It's hard for me to figure out as well it goes very fast. It's been two days and I'm for sure disappointed with how I played. I'm not really sure about the reasons but I don't want to make excuses. It’s just how it is right now.

We’re seeing a different side of KC, what difficulties are you facing?

Yike: I think the synergy is not there as it was in the LEC, I think we can be more in sync. I can be more in sync with my laners and we can make better plans. I think we are making plans worse. Everything we are kinda doing is worse than before. I can't really tell the reasoning behind it. So yeah.

How are you going to turn things around with two series to go and against LCK and LPL?

Yike: It's always believable to qualify. No one is going to give up. Everyone still believes. The most important thing is to keep our confidence and focus on what we're good at. Always try to have fun and also stay confident.

Do you think Fearless Drafft is the reason for KC's struggles?

Targamas: I don't think it's about the Fearless Draft. In Europe, we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to do in the late game and I feel like in the team we all like the format. I think it's more about the fact that we didn't have much time coming here.

We didn't really practice, just a few games right. So for sure, we are out of shape. Like individually and as a team. I think in this tournament with the schedule it's hard to reset and find new ideas because we are just playing every day and we don't have much time to think and to improve on what we are doing wrong.

Karmine Corp will now have to pick themselves up as they must now go against the LPL champions Top Esports in the third day of First Stand 2025. In the other series, CFO will have the chance to cause a major upset as they go up against Korean powerhouse Hanwha Life Esports.