[NEWS] Legend Ken-G surprises in debut, SK Gaming reclaims EMEA throne at Preseason Icebreaker

BSC26 kicked off this weekend with the Preseason Icebreaker, hosted by ReddySet and Wigglyspoo. Missed the action? We've got you covered with a recap of East Asia and EMEA below.

Semifinal 1: LEGEND KEN-G vs Crazy Raccoon

With well-known East Asian names on both sides of the bracket, the first BSC match of 2026 was already set to be a strong opener. Crazy Raccoon, the defending World Champions, came out swinging in Brawl Hockey, taking an early 1-0 advantage. In Open Business, they dominated the zone with Milkreo on Carl. With just one set left, Crazy Raccoon was looking to close out the series in a quick 3-0 victory. However, I See’s Frank put an end to CR's momentum, scoring two three pointers in BasketBrawl. LEGEND KEN-G kept up their momentum, with help from Achapi’s Max, to victory in Present Plunder. In the final set, Ken-G played Alli, and he stole all of CR’s treasure in Treasure Hunt, completing the reverse sweep against the world champions.

Semifinal 2: ACCEPT vs SKCalalas EA 

Semifinal Two featured two teams hungry to prove themselves as top contenders in East Asia, making it yet another highly anticipated match. Kuru, newly signed to SKC, took Open Business quite comfortably with a Trunk pick that steamrolled Accept’s lower DPS comp. In set 2, Accept went with an unorthodox Bibi pick that almost worked out, but the oppressiveness of Otis and Clancy on SKC’s side was too much for Accept to handle. SKC continued their momentum, and quickly closed out the series lightning fast in Brawl Hockey.

Grand Finals: LEGEND KEN-G vs SKCalalas EA

Set 1 opened on Brawl Hockey and moved at a blistering pace, as Napishus’ Melodie gameplay pushed the tempo and secured a quick game 1 victory. However, LEGEND KEN-G proved they could match the speed with superior teamwork and mechanics, ultimately taking set 1. Set 2 featured a more orthodox style of playing on Parallel Plays, but some aggressive plays from I See on Cordelius paid off as they captured both zones, taking the 2-0 advantage. SKC was not going down without a fight, though, as Napishu’s Mortis acted as their shooting guard, securing the victory in Brawl Ball. LEGEND KEN-G put a brake to SKC’s momentum with excellent Mina gameplay from I See. With the win on Present Plunder, LEGEND KEN-G secured their victory over SKC, and more importantly, they won the very first East Asia Preseason Icebreaker!

EMEA

Semifinal 1: HMBLE vs TH

Opening up the EMEA Preseason Icebreaker was TH and HMBLE, two of the region's most loved teams. The new heretics roster locked in a deadly comp of Frank, Poco, and Amber on Ring of Fire, capitalizing on Frank’s high HP and Poco’s healing. Despite Lukii’s best efforts on Belle, TH took set one. In set two, HMBLE clapped back with a Frank pick of their own, winning Brawl Hockey. We saw Lukii pick up the Max in set three, dribbling the ball to victory for HMBLE in basketbrawl. In Present Plunder, TH utilized both Gray and Frank, showcasing their team play and taking set 4. It all came down to set 5, where the oppressiveness of HMBLE’s comp proved too much for TH as their defense crumbled, giving HMBLE the win. 

Semifinal 2: SK Gaming vs Reply Totem

An el classico of EMEA, Semifinals Two was shaping up to be a good one. Ope picked up his iconic Max in set 1, combining it with Nowy’s Emz to trap Totem in their spawn and take the victory in Brawl Hockey. SK continued their momentum in Hot Zone, with Yoshi on Crow keeping the Totem team from stepping on the zone. However, Totem was not going down without a fight, taking advantage of Stu’s fast charging super and scoring goals to give them set 4. Just as Totem looked like they were gaining some footing, SK shut them down with a smart Cordelius pick in Treasure Hunt, allowing them to steal Totem’s presents and win the match.

Grand Finals: HMBLE vs SK Gaming

Set 1 opened on Treasure Hunt, and both teams decided to go for a more orthodox drafting style. However, HMBLE’s superior mechanics shone through as they took the victory on Ancient Treasure. HMBLE continued their momentum in Brawl Hockey, taking advantage of Rico’s recent buff and taking set 2. SK swung back in set 3, with some great Meeple hypercharges allowing them to steal all of HMBLE’s presents in Present Plunder. Set 4 was close, but SK edged HMBLE out, scoring a few more baskets in Basket Brawl. On the cusp of a reverse sweep, HMBLE picked up the Max that had been working for them all day, but it was futile as Nowy’s Frank ran all over them and their zone, finishing SK’s reverse sweep and winning SK the title of EMEA Preseason Icebreaker Champions!