[CN] AXR claim February Monthly Finals, Dethrone Toxic Lotus

Image provided by BSEN member Acesulfame-K (@BS_Acesulfame_K on X)

On March 7, 2026, the BSC China February Monthly Finals kicked off, delivering one of the biggest upsets the region has seen in years. After dominating the Chinese scene for three consecutive years, Toxic Lotus (TL) were finally brought down, as Ace Xero (AXR) completed an incredible run to claim the championship. The event proved that the Chinese region is entering a new and unpredictable era.

Quarterfinals:

The top eight stage opened with Toxic Lotus facing “遥想公瑾当年.” The matchup itself already had an unusual story behind it. Originally, the Monthly Finals slot belonged to “素菜击,” but the team was later disqualified after one of their members failed the fair-play check. As a result, “遥想公瑾当年,” the team they had defeated in the Round of 16, was reinstated and took their place in the bracket. Unfortunately for the replacement squad, TL showed no signs of slowing down. The reigning champions quickly took control of the series and closed it out with a clean 3-0 sweep, comfortably advancing to the semifinals.

The remaining quarterfinals were far more competitive, with several series going the full distance. Reverso Hive vs IrisOut turned into a tense back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded sets throughout the match, pushing the series all the way to the deciding fifth game. In the end, Reverso Hive managed to edge out a 3-2 victory after a series of clutch plays in the final moments.

Another nail-biter followed between TIG Revival and Ace Xero. After four fiercely contested sets the score stood 2-2, sending the match into a decisive Heist. The final game reached double match point, with both safes only seconds away from destruction. In a razor-thin finish, Ace Xero secured the final push and claimed the win, narrowly advancing to the semifinals.

The final quarterfinal featured Nihilum vs TOC, bringing together both veteran experience and rising talent. Nihilum’s lineup included Story, a veteran from last year’s LCQ, alongside “冷饮” (ColdDrink), a well-known content creator widely regarded by fans as a prodigy. Having just turned 18 recently, the minimum age for BSC competition in China, this was ColdDrink’s first appearance in the official circuit. On the other side stood TOC, a roster led by DiuQiang, a student of TL player TOC, accompanied by veteran Dynamike and “橡皮人的友谊.” Despite Nihilum’s promising lineup, experience ultimately prevailed. TOC controlled the pace of the series and closed it out 3-1, earning their spot in the semifinals.

Semifinals:

The first semifinal featured Toxic Lotus vs Reverso Hive. Reverso Hive’s roster, Sodaa, Fengou, and Lightstar, previously competed as NHG, China’s second seed at the 2025 LCQ. The two teams had met multiple times throughout last season, and this match followed a familiar pattern. TL displayed the same efficiency that defined their dynasty, sweeping the series 3-0 and securing yet another grand final appearance.

The second semifinal between Ace Xero and TOC delivered one of the most dramatic series of the day. TOC started strong, quickly building a 2-0 lead and pushing AXR to the brink of elimination. But Ace Xero refused to collapse under pressure. Set by set, they fought their way back into the series. In one critical moment, DiuQiang landed a perfectly timed Gene pull, instantly shifting the momentum of a round and keeping TOC’s hopes alive. At that point, TOC held the blue star lead, appearing to be only seconds away from victory. However, Dynamike overextended during a key attack, opening the door for AXR to counter. Ace Xero seized the opportunity and completed a spectacular reverse sweep, winning 3-2 and advancing to the grand final against TL.

Grand Final:

The grand final brought attention to the rising roster of Ace Xero, composed of Galaxy, Tide, and XXP, with analyst TK8 supporting the team.

For most international fans, Chinese Brawl Stars has long been synonymous with Toxic Lotus. TL had dominated the BSC circuit in the region for three straight years, creating what many considered an untouchable dynasty. The only recent sign of vulnerability came during the third-party tournament “猫小判杯,” where TL narrowly lost 2-3 to a lineup featuring ColdDrink, Galaxy, and XXP, two of the players who were now standing across the stage in the grand final.

The series began on Heist, where TL secured the opening set with confident play. For a moment, it looked like the familiar script would repeat itself: another TL victory, another title added to their collection.

However, Ace Xero had other plans. Unwilling to back down from the region’s most dominant team, AXR responded immediately. They captured Gem Grab, then followed it up with a decisive Knockout victory, turning the momentum completely in their favor.

Heading into the fourth set, Ace Xero gained a clear drafting advantage in Hot Zone, allowing them to dictate the pace of the match. With coordinated team fights and confident execution, they closed the series 3-1, delivering one of the most significant upsets in Chinese BSC history. With this victory, Ace Xero officially ended Toxic Lotus’ three-year championship streak and delivering the roster's first regional loss since its inception.

After the match, TL coach Stardragon and player OU mentioned that the special Chinese BSC drafting interface had caused issues during the selection phase, as its UI made brawler selection difficult, resulting in two accidental random picks.

Even so, the result cannot be attributed to technical factors alone. AXR’s superior drafting and outstanding gameplay were undeniable throughout the series.

More importantly, the victory may signal something larger for the region: the emergence of a new generation of Chinese Brawl Stars competitors, ready to challenge the long-standing order.

Will TL reclaim their throne, or is this the moment where a new force like AXR begins to rise? Only time will tell. In the meantime, all eyes will also be on how Chinese teams perform on the international stage at the upcoming Brawl Cup.