Is Riot Ruining LoL Esports? | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-14 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun open Shut Up and Scale by debating whether Riot Games polices League of Legends pro play, like mage bot lanes, too aggressively.This week on Shut Up and Scale, Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun open with a deep dive into how aggressively Riot Games should police League of Legends pro play, from the ongoing mage bot lane debate to the roll quests that have limited lane-swap creativity this season. The trio then breaks down Movistar KOI's must-win matchup against NAVI, weighing whether Alvaro can rediscover his 2024 form in time to save their playoff push. From there, the conversation turns to LoL's most successful franchise players. The hosts also lay out their picks for LEC Summer Split MVP before a fan-submitted question sparks a full debate over whether Rookie deserves career blame for staying loyal to IG instead of chasing more Worlds titles.Topics covered:⦁ Should Riot police pro play imbalances like mage bot lanes as aggressively as it does?⦁ Are role quests killing League of Legends' most creative pro play strategies?⦁ Can Alvaro save Movistar KOI's playoff push against NAVI?⦁ Who are League of Legends' most successful franchise players, for both player and org?⦁ Who wins LEC Summer Split MVP: Caps, BrokenBlade, or a surprise pick?⦁ Does Rookie deserve blame for staying loyal to IG over more Worlds titles?Hims: Skip the guesswork on weight loss with an affordable range of FDA-approved GLP-1 options, handled entirely online, with support to lose up to 20% of your body weight combined with diet and exercise. Get a personalized plan at hims.com/scale (weight loss by Hims is not available in all 50 states)LFN Premium: Submit your own take and questions to Shut Up and Scale through private Discord channels, unlock bonus content across the network, and help keep the show independent. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id1896007948• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 15 was filmed on August 13, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Is Riot's policing of certain strategies bad for the esport?25:14 MKOI vs NAVI predictions32:51 Who are the most successful franchise players?53:12 Who will be the LEC Summer 2026 MVP?1:00:44 Players prioritized loyalty/the bag over in-game success?#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
T1s World Championships Are NOT As Impressive As GenGs Wins | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-18 | Wolf and guest host MonteCristo break down Gen.G's 3-1 LCK Grand Final win over Hanwha Life Esports and Ruler's historic back-to-back Finals MVP run.With dGon away on his honeymoon, MonteCristo steps in alongside Wolf to unpack a loaded stretch of LCK playoffs. The two debate whether Gen.G's run of domestic titles is actually a tougher feat than winning Worlds, break down how Hanwha Life Esports reverse swept T1 in the lower bracket final, and dissect the drafts and plays that carried Gen.G to a 3-1 Grand Final win over HLE. Ruler capped it off with a historic second straight Finals MVP, and Wolf and MonteCristo also grade the LCK's K-pop-heavy opening ceremony and walkout production before previewing Korea's chances heading into Worlds.Topics covered:⦁ Is winning the LCK actually harder than winning Worlds?⦁ Does the "clutch" narrative undersell Gen.G's consistency?⦁ How Hanwha Life Esports reverse swept T1 in the lower bracket final⦁ Breaking down Gen.G's 3-1 Grand Final win over Hanwha Life Esports⦁ Ruler's back-to-back LCK Finals MVP run⦁ Grading the LCK Grand Finals production and K-pop opening ceremony⦁ Is Gen.G the favorite to finally break through at Worlds?PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LCK and use code LCK and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit hims.com/lck to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.Raycon: Premium wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and a 30-day happiness guarantee, all at half the price of the big brands. Get 20% off with code LCK at buyraycon.com/lckopenLet's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:- Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLh- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647- Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2- Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357- iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Let's Cover Korea was filmed on September 16, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Producer David💬 Join the conversation:- Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:- YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation- Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every Friday.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Is Gen.G's LCK dominance more impressive than winning Worlds?16:30 Could a rotating support mid laner ease Faker's workload?20:52 Why this LCK season has been one of the most unpredictable in years24:07 Ranking Korea's Worlds contenders: Gen.G, HLE, T1, and Dplus KIA34:18 Grand Finals production, walkout ceremony, and the K-pop opening breakdown44:15 Breaking down the symbolism in Gen.G and HLE's finals intro video52:40 Hanwha Life Esports' reverse sweep of T1 in the lower bracket final59:19 Ruler's MVP run and the drafts that decided the Grand Final1:11:02 Is Gen.G still the favorite heading into Worlds?1:15:40 MonteCristo previews Romania, Scotland, and upcoming LFN gaming content#LCK #LeagueOfLegends #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
These Are The Biggest CHOKERS in LoL History | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-17 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun sort out who in League of Legends actually deserves to be called a choker, starting with a case against Ruler at Worlds despite the 2017 title.Nymaera opens by asking the crew to clean up the most overused insult in competitive LoL. The answer starts with Ruler, a short list candidate for best AD carry ever who has repeatedly gone into Worlds as the man who should be the best in the world and come up short. From there the show builds a real framework: choking is not tilting, reputations can be earned late as well as early, and playing beside a strong leader can wipe the label off entirely. Tarzan gets the longest hearing, with Peter Dun arguing his finals performance against BLG is a top five individual series ever and still not enough to clear a career of lost finals. Khan is named the most extreme international choker in the game's history, unbeatable in LCK finals and cursed everywhere else, and Uzi gets flipped around as a player who choked domestically while carrying internationally.The back half moves to the LEC lower bracket and a fan topic on patch changes that broke great teams. The crew work through the 2015 Juggernaut patch that killed LGD, the 2018 solo lane meta that turned RNG's golden road into a quarterfinal exit and turbocharged IG, the Worlds 2023 double range bot lane discovery that T1 weaponized, and the ADC mid to AP jungle whiplash that ruined Zeka and Creme in 2024. It closes on guilty pleasure rosters: the 2024 KT Rolster team that was dog shit all year and still beat undefeated Gen.G, Jin Air and the longest game ever played, and GAM's specialty of ending other people's Worlds runs.Topics covered:⦁ Who actually deserves the choker label and who is just meta dependent⦁ Is Ruler a Worlds choker despite winning in 2017?⦁ Does one legendary finals performance clear Tarzan's record in finals?⦁ Khan was unbeatable domestically and cursed at every international event⦁ Bwipo, Odoamne and players who only perform beside a strong leader⦁ Uzi choked at home while carrying at Worlds⦁ MKOI vs NAVI and whether LYON reaches Worlds for a sixth straight year⦁ Patch changes that ruined LGD 2015, RNG 2018 and Zeka in 2024⦁ Guilty pleasure rosters: KT Rolster 2024, Jin Air and GAMHims: Affordable FDA approved GLP-1 weight loss options including the Wegovy pill and pen, delivered to your door with 24/7 care team messaging, nutrition plans and fitness content. Get a personalized plan at hims.com/scalePrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LEAGUESHOW and use code LEAGUESHOW and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!LFN Premium: Submit your own topics through the Discord, go ad-free across the network, and support the show. Just $9/month or $90/year at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 20 was filmed on September 14, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=shutupandscale🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Who actually deserves the choker label2:45 Is Ruler a Worlds choker?14:54 Tarzan, Khan and the biggest chokers in history28:47 Bwipo, Odoamne and performing beside a leader36:16 Uzi choked domestically for years47:57 Who wins MKOI vs NAVI?57:50 Patch changes that ruined great teams1:19:24 Who wins the LEC split?1:26:31 Guilty pleasure rosters nobody remembers#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
BLGs Finals Collapse Is the Biggest LPL Upset Ever?! | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-16 | Thorin and YamatoCannon on BLG collapsing in the LPL final, Tarzan finally lifting a trophy with Anyone's Legend, T1's worst year ending in another lower bracket exit, and Gen.G looking untouchable heading into Worlds.The show opens on the biggest upset in recent LPL memory, with BLG losing the grand final to Anyone's Legend after a dominant split. Thorin and YamatoCannon dig into Xun's drop off, the smite error that set the tone, Breathe finally beating Bin, and why BLG's power roster keeps losing the draft even when they win games. That leads into Tarzan, the jungler who spent a career losing finals, and whether a move back to Korea alongside Chovy would produce the best team ever assembled. IG's regional qualifier chances and the Team WE versus JDG matchup round out the LPL talk.The LCK half covers HLE beating T1 behind Kanavi and Gumayusi, why T1 never peaked once all year, and Faker's champion pool becoming a drafting liability. Gen.G's finals win gets treated as the clearest Worlds favorite in years, with Ruler back to form and Kiin drafting Zeus out of the game. A premium subscriber topic then asks whether G2 have solved Western team management, with Perkz replacing Dylan Falco as the final ten percent. The show closes on the LCS bracket, LYON against Cloud9, and Team Liquid against FlyQuest.Topics covered:⦁ How BLG threw away the LPL final to Anyone's Legend⦁ Has Xun fallen off, and did the smite error break him?⦁ Breathe finally beats Bin after years in his shadow⦁ Tarzan wins at last, but is he still a choker?⦁ Should Tarzan return to the LCK and pair up with Chovy?⦁ IG's regional run and the game five draft that cost them⦁ T1 never peaked once this year, and Faker's pool is the problem⦁ Gen.G are the clearest Worlds favourite in years⦁ Has G2 cracked how to manage Western players?⦁ Why the West will never copy the LCK grind⦁ LYON vs Cloud9 and whether side laning saves C9⦁ Griffin's pocket picks against josedeodo's real early gameHims: For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for Hair Loss, ED, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/lfnPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SUMMONING and use code SUMMONING and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!LFN Premium: Exclusive Q&A every episode, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 37 was filmed on September 15, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:- Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004- Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg- Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530- iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:- Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:- YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation- Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 BLG lose the LPL final8:53 Xun's drop off and BLG's drafting17:32 Tarzan finally wins a title28:46 Should Tarzan return to the LCK?32:51 IG's regional qualifier hopes45:49 Who wins Team WE vs JDG?51:07 T1 fall to HLE in the LCK56:46 Faker's champion pool problem1:07:11 Gen.G dominate the LCK final1:18:00 Which region wins Worlds?1:22:55 Has G2 cracked Western team management?1:35:36 Why the West cannot copy the LCK grind1:46:07 LYON vs Cloud9 in the LCS1:51:56 Team Liquid vs FlyQuest and Griffin's limits#LeagueOfLegends #LPL #LCK #SummoningInsight #LFN
The Worst T1 Has Looked Going Into Worlds | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-15 | YamatoCannon, Jamada and Nymaera open on T1's fraud rating heading into Worlds, then work through the LCK final, the LEC third seed and Anyone's Legend defeating BLG in the LPL final.T1 lost the LCK lower bracket final to Hanwha Life and the crew agree the reason is structural: Oner and Keria have not run the map together all year, so Faker no longer has the scaffolding his big plays are built on. From there it is Gen.G, where Ruler's return to form and Kiin diffing Zeus across two series make them the best team going into Worlds, helped by an enchanter meta that no longer demands perfect jungle support synergy. YamatoCannon then assesses his own Cloud9 side after their 3-0 over Shopify Rebellion and what it will take to trouble Inspired and LYON in round two. The LEC keep or kick splits over MKOI versus NAVI for the last European Worlds spot, before the LPL regionals bracket and a post mortem on the finals, where Xun's ruined first clear and On's laning errors handed Tarzan and Anyone's Legend the biggest domestic upset in years.Topics covered:⦁ Is this the weakest T1 we have seen going into Worlds since 2023?⦁ Oner and Keria have not been in form together all year⦁ Kiin diffed Zeus twice and is now the best top laner in the world⦁ Ruler's finals MVP run and why the enchanter meta saved Gen.G⦁ Cloud9 keep clicking mid, and LYON will punish it⦁ Nobody asks questions of Inspired's early game⦁ MKOI or NAVI for Europe's last Worlds spot⦁ IG, Top Esports, JDG and WE in the LPL regionals bracket⦁ How Xun's first clear cost BLG the LPL final⦁ Tarzan finally wins a regional title, and can AL be top five at Worlds?PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/POWERSPIKE and use code POWERSPIKE and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!Hims: FDA approved weight loss treatments and hair loss solutions, all handled online with a licensed provider. Get a personalized affordable plan at hims.com/powerspikeManta Sleep: True blackout sleep mask with adjustable eye cups and breathable, sweat resistant fabric. Use code LFN for 10% off at mantasleep.comLFN Premium: Get access to the Discord, ask the crew your questions, go ad-free, and support the show. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 32 was filmed on September 14, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Fraud alert: T1 heading to Worlds10:37 Hanwha Life vs Gen.G22:58 Scoring T1 on the fraud scale28:26 The Sack tap: LCS playoffs round one38:26 Cloud9 prepare for LYON44:23 Keep or kick: the LEC Worlds third seed53:17 MKOI vs NAVI predictions1:04:01 Hi key Low key No key: LPL regionals1:22:11 Galaxy Brain Club: Best team in the LPL#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LPL #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
How Riot Can SAVE The LEC | Hot Take Point Made Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-12 | Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire argue Riot should seize control of the franchise leagues and run them like WWE, with forced roster breakups, salary caps, and top seeds picking their own playoff opponents.Keire opens with the case that competitive League of Legends is now just the LCK, that G2 can coast in the LEC without ever threatening Worlds, and that Riot should therefore stop pretending and start engineering storylines: one year contracts, MVPs banned from stacking on the same roster, franchise player tags, and playoff seeding decided on the microphone. Zaboutine counters that Riot only implemented the profitable ten percent of the franchise model and skipped the draft and salary cap that make American sports watchable, while Thorin traces the idea back to Brood War, the MSL's reseeding gimmick, and OGN Masters crossover squads. A subscriber take then argues that supporting T1 is a moral failing because the org has never had a real rival fan base, which opens into why every challenger to Faker failed and why League lost the fan diversity of seasons 2 and 3. Thorin closes his own take on Dylan Falco beating G2 from a rival LEC bench, and Zaboutine finishes by arguing Riot should delete the Dragon entirely to bring back split pushing and real strategic choice.Topics covered:⦁ Should Riot run the LEC and LCK as a scripted, WWE style product?⦁ Salary caps, one year contracts and banning super teams in franchise leagues⦁ Why the LEC copies the Premier League instead of the NBA⦁ Is being a T1 fan a moral failing and glory hunting?⦁ Why every anointed Faker rival, from Smeb to Chovy, failed⦁ Can Dylan Falco win multiple LEC titles on a team that is not G2?⦁ Coach records with and without Caps, and who really built G2⦁ Would deleting the Dragon fix League's repetitive macro?Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/HOTTAKELOL and use code HOTTAKELOL and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!LFN Premium: Submit your own take to Hot Take Point Made, unlock bonus content across the network, and help keep the show independent. Go to lastfreenation.comPremium Q&A for this episode: lastfreenation.com/member-video/hot-take-point-made-lol-qa-september-10-2026Hot Take Point Made (LoL) is a debate-focused podcast where Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire defend bold positions about competitive League of Legends. Fast-paced arguments cover meta shifts, roster moves, and regional storylines from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Hot Take Point Made LoL Episode 27 was filmed on September 10, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Hot Take Point Made (LoL):• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3VUd1p8rszzYPHuFR9K5yK• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-take-point-made-lol/id1766576914• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/x7uchk1w• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-hot-take-point-made-lol-212522137Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=htpm_lol🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Riot should run the LEC like WWE24:37 Fan take: being a T1 fan is a moral failing42:12 Dylan Falco wins LEC titles again58:25 Riot should delete the Dragon#LeagueOfLegends #LoLEsports #LCK #HTPM #LFN
The Rekkles G2 Team Was DOOMED | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-11 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun dig into the most anti-synergistic League of Legends rosters ever built, starting with the G2 team that signed Rekkles and somehow got worse.Nymaera opens with a question inspired by an LFN Premium fan topic: which real pro rosters failed not because the players were bad, but because the pieces actively worked against each other. G2 with Rekkles is the case study, and the crew go deep on why Caps needed a roaming support to limit test, why pairing Rekkles with Mikyx was nothing like his Hylissang partnership, and how forcing Wunder to play five solo queue games a day drained the game out of one of Europe's best top laners. From there they cover the 2020 Immortals roster that left Eika with no way to win, Uzi joining OMG in 2015 and colliding with GoGoing's culture, and the $7 million Team Liquid team where Bwipo kept creating space that Bjergsen refused to use.The second half turns forward. Thorin asks where Dylan Falco should coach next now that G2 have released him, and the crew build cases for Karmine Corp with Yike, NAVI with Rolok, LYON with Inspired, and a Vitality rebuild with money behind it. They also break down the LPL lower bracket final between Anyone's Legend and IG, TheShy's improbable resurgence, and a CBLOL playoff picture warped by Tatu's ban and LOUD's rookie core. It closes on a fan topic: build a prime LCS super team around Kobbe and see how far it gets at Worlds 2023.Topics covered:⦁ Which real pro rosters failed on synergy rather than individual level⦁ Why G2 with Rekkles is the ultimate anti-synergy team⦁ How forcing Wunder into solo queue killed his love for the game⦁ Immortals 2020 and a roster with nobody to carry⦁ Uzi joining OMG in 2015 and the culture clash nobody survived⦁ Team Liquid 2022, Bwipo's space and Bjergsen's refusal to use it⦁ Which Western team should hire Dylan Falco next⦁ Anyone's Legend vs IG and whether TheShy can be trusted⦁ Building a prime LCS super team for Worlds 2023Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!LFN Premium: Submit your own topics through the Discord, go ad-free across the network, and support the show. Just $9/month or $90/year at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 19 was filmed on September 9, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The most anti-synergistic rosters ever built2:13 G2 with Rekkles, the perfect case study18:20 Immortals 2020 and Uzi joining OMG39:11 Team Liquid 2022, Bwipo and Bjergsen47:41 Anyone's Legend vs IG and TheShy's run1:00:28 Where should Dylan Falco coach next?1:29:52 CBLOL playoffs, Tatu's ban and LOUD's rookies1:39:54 Fan topic: building a prime LCS super team#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
The Fight for the Last LCK Finals Spot: Hanwha Life vs T1 | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-09 | Wolf and dGon preview the LCK's final three as Hanwha Life and T1 fight for the last spot in the finals against Gen.G.This week on Let's Cover Korea, Wolf and dGon dig into a wild LCK playoffs weekend that saw Dplus survive back-to-back reverse sweep scares, first escaping BNK FearX in a five-game classic, then eliminating KT 3-1 to punch their ticket into the semifinals. The crew also unpacks the LCK's newly revised 2027 salary cap rules, breaking down what the new star player discount changes mean for pending free agents like Bdd and Zeka. From there, Wolf and dGon set their sights on the biggest matchup left on the board: Hanwha Life against T1, with the winner earning the right to face an already-locked-in Gen.G for the LCK title. Plus, a quick look at the newly announced USA vs Korea exhibition series.Topics covered:⦁ Can Dplus carry their playoff momentum after two reverse sweep escapes?⦁ Why KT's postseason collapse raises hard questions about BDD's future⦁ Breaking down the LCK's new 2027 salary cap and star player discount rules⦁ Is Gen.G's Canyon back to peak form heading into the finals?⦁ Hanwha Life vs T1: who takes the last spot in the LCK Finals?⦁ Score predictions and MVP picks for a possible Gen.G finals run⦁ USA vs Korea: what to expect from the upcoming exhibition seriesPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LCK and use code LCK and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Raycon: Premium wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and a 30-day happiness guarantee at half the price of the big brands. Get 20% off with code LCK at buyraycon.com/lckLet's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.Let's Cover Korea was filmed on September 9, 2026.🎬 Credits Editing: Producer David🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationTwitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week. 📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck 🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Dplus vs BNK FEARX16:09 Dplus vs KT Rolster32:00 HLE vs T148:00 Dplus vs T1 and Gen.G form1:16:00 Playoff predictions1:32:00 Team USA vs Korea exhibition#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
How Rookie & TheShy Are Shocking EVERYONE | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-08 | Thorin and YamatoCannon on Invictus Gaming's late-career revival with Rookie and TheShy, JDG finishing dead last in the LPL playoffs, and G2 dismantling Karmine Corp in the LEC upper bracket.The show opens on the LPL, where IG have beaten TES and Team WE in the lower bracket and suddenly look like a genuine top-three side, with Rookie's Orianna and TheShy's Camille back to world champion form. Thorin and YamatoCannon weigh how much of that is real and how much comes from an easier group. That leads into JDG bombing out in last place, the confidence collapse in their jungle and mid, and the pattern of a coach who keeps building contenders and then leaving. BLG then get their flowers as the one team nobody in China can touch, with Bin back in the lineup, Viper in the best form of his year, and Knight quietly collecting another MVP.The second half moves to Europe, where G2 out-drafted Karmine Corp and PerkZ's arrival as coach is judged on whether a players' coach can supply the last ten percent Dylan Falco could not. Then the LCK, with Gen.G looking like the best team in the world, HLE against T1, Faker's roughest year, and DPlus KIA's Worlds outlook. The show closes on the LCS playoff bracket, Thanatos's outplay against Sentinels, and a subscriber topic ranking the greatest LPL junglers who are not imports.Topics covered:⦁ Are IG genuinely top three in the LPL, or does the regional end it again?⦁ Why Rookie and TheShy still look like world champions eight years later⦁ How JDG went from title contenders to last place in the playoffs⦁ BLG with Bin back are untouchable, and Viper has returned to form⦁ Is Knight the most underrated great mid laner in history?⦁ G2 out-drafted Karmine Corp on the way to the upper bracket win⦁ Can PerkZ as a coach give G2 the thing Dylan Falco could not?⦁ Gen.G look like the best team in the world heading into Worlds⦁ HLE vs T1, Faker's worst year, and why Zeka is the game five monster⦁ Thanatos's outplay on Cloud9 and the LCS playoff bracket⦁ Ranking the greatest LPL junglers who are not importsHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!The Perfect Jean: F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code SUMMONING15 at theperfectjean.nyc/SUMMONING15Raycon: The Essential Open earbuds sit outside your ear so you still hear the world around you, with a 30 day guarantee. Get 20% off at buyraycon.com/lfnopenLFN Premium: Exclusive Q&A every episode, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 36 was filmed on September 7, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 IG, Rookie and TheShy back in form25:17 JDG's collapse and Tabe's coaching cycle41:22 BLG smurfing and Bin's return49:38 Knight, Chovy and the best mid laner debate55:07 Vitality vs MKOI in the LEC lower bracket1:02:40 How G2 dismantled Karmine Corp1:11:43 Caps, PerkZ and the players' coach effect1:35:52 Who wins the LEC?1:43:40 Gen.G are the best team in the world1:51:15 HLE vs T1 and Faker's worst year2:02:41 DPlus KIA's chances at Worlds2:07:12 Thanatos and the LCS playoff bracket2:22:14 Ranking the top LPL junglers of all time#LeagueOfLegends #LPL #LCK #SummoningInsight #LFN
LEC Summer Playoffs Heating Up! Are G2 Unstoppable?! | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-07 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada break down G2 dismantling Karmine Corp at the LEC roadshow, the LCK semi-final picks, and an LPL playoff bracket where every favorite has fallen.The LEC roadshow delivered the rematch everyone wanted and G2 turned it into a beatdown, with BrokenBlade manhandling Canna and Labrov trolling the map while Skewmond's Cho'Gath game showed the cracks that could still undo them. The crew debate whether Karmine Corp simply did not show up, whether MKOI still take the third Worlds spot, and who got snubbed on the LEC All-Pro team. In the LCK, KT and BNK FearX are out, Bdd's free agency becomes a plea to leave Korea, and the crew split on T1 versus Hanwha Life with Gen.G looming. YamatoCannon also assesses his own Cloud9 side after they took apart Sentinels, before the LPL where IG and LGD play a straight elimination match for Worlds and Top Esports and JDG have already collapsed.Topics covered:⦁ G2 beat Karmine Corp so badly the LEC final already looks decided⦁ BrokenBlade bullying Canna and Labrov cosplaying Hylissang⦁ Is MKOI still the third best team in Europe?⦁ Who got snubbed on the LEC All-Pro team, and the case for Melzhet⦁ KT and BNK FearX exit, and why Bdd needs to leave Korea⦁ T1 versus Hanwha Life: prep work against playoff magic⦁ Cloud9's win over Sentinels and whether the mechanics hold up against LYON⦁ IG versus LGD is a straight elimination match for Worlds⦁ Why Top Esports and JDG completely lost confidenceHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/POWERSPIKE and use code POWERSPIKE and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Raycon: Comfortable, great-sounding earbuds for everyday listening, 20% off right now. Get yours at buyraycon.com/powerspikeLFN Premium: Get access to the Discord, ask the crew your questions, go ad-free, and support the show. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 31 was filmed on September 7, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 G2 vs Karmine Corp at the LEC roadshow12:13 GiantX, NAVI, Vitality and MKOI14:51 LEC All-Pro team and the snubs24:28 Yamato on what qualifying for Worlds means27:36 KT and BNK FearX eliminated in the LCK36:15 The looming LCK free agency wave42:31 Gen.G, HLE and T1 predictions59:18 Cloud9 dismantle Sentinels1:08:58 LCS playoff first round picks1:15:27 LPL chaos: IG, LGD and BLG1:23:53 Why Top Esports and JDG collapsed#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LPL #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
We FINALLY Ranked EVERY Modern T1 Player | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-04 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun build an all-time League of Legends player tier list with Faker alone at the very top, and debate whether laning has never mattered less.Kicking off with a subscriber fan topic, the crew rank the greatest players ever and quickly agree on one thing: Faker sits in his own tier above everyone, with the real arguments happening underneath him. Along the way they make the case that Faker is the rare star who reinvented himself from a mechanical carry into a cerebral leader without losing relevance, weigh whether junglers and supports can ever truly be the GOAT of the game, and slot a still-rising Zeus into the all-time top three top laners. That leads into a meaty strategy debate on whether this is the least important era for laning in League history, before Peter Dun closes with a deep historical hypothetical on the strongest international field ever assembled. Topics covered:⦁ Building the all-time player tier list, with Faker alone at the top⦁ Why Faker is the rare star who reinvented his whole playstyle and stayed elite⦁ Can a jungler or support ever really be the GOAT of League?⦁ Zeus cracking the all-time top three top laners while still rising⦁ Is this the least important era for laning in competitive League history?⦁ A historical debate on the strongest international field ever assembled⦁ Players to watchPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LEAGUESHOW and use code LEAGUESHOW and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! LFN Premium: Submit your own topics through the Discord, go ad-free across the network, and support the show. Just $9/month or $90/year at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 16 was filmed on September 2, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Ranking the current T1 players15:08 Faker alone at the top, and who reinvented themselves45:41 Can junglers and supports ever be the GOAT?58:19 Zeus in the all-time top three top laners1:10:53 Is this the least important era for laning?1:34:29 What would be the impact of having a Demacia Cup running in earlier years?1:49:29 The best regional teams and the historical what-ifs2:04:37 Down years, sleepers, and the deep-cut rosters#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
The Whole LEC Collapsed And Fnatic STILL Missed Playoffs | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-03 | Thorin and YamatoCannon on the LEC imploding, a hopeless Fnatic somehow still missing playoffs despite every rival collapsing, and the upcoming Gen.G vs HLE LCK Playoff match.The crew open on the LEC, where the story is not one team rising but nearly everyone collapsing: G2 wobbled, MKOI fell off and missed top four at their own homestand, GiantX turned into a high-variance mess, Vitality still cannot prove they perform in playoffs, and SK flattered to deceive. The door was wide open for a Fnatic side everyone had written off, and they still could not walk through it, missing playoffs in a way the crew argue was a long time coming for a structurally stale org, with talk of a sale now in the air. That widens into roster philosophy across the region, the panic signings, and which orgs actually have a vision. The back half moves to the LCK and a title race the show has been waiting for, with BDD controlling games against DPlus, Faker's rocky laning phases, and the Gen.G versus HLE best-of-five that will finally deliverTopics covered:⦁ The LEC collapsed and handed Fnatic a lifeline, and Fnatic still missed playoffs⦁ Why Fnatic's failure was a long time coming, and the talk of the org needing to start over⦁ Panic signings, roster philosophy, and which LEC orgs actually have a vision⦁ Why Vitality still cannot prove they can perform when it matters⦁ The LCK title race: BDD's control, Faker's rocky laning, and ShowMaker⦁ Gen.G vs HLE: the best-of-five the show had been waiting for⦁ Which of the LCK top three is mentally weakest heading to Worlds⦁ The MVP raceHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Shopify: Shopify: You put in the work. Time to get paid like it. Free trial at shopify.com/summoningLFN Premium: Exclusive Q&A every episode, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 35 was filmed on September 2, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The LEC collapsed and Fnatic still missed playoffs8:19 Panic signings, the Fnatic sale, and orgs with no vision44:47 Vitality's playoff problem and the LEC middle1:08:36 Will caps go bald?1:15:58 The LCK title race: Faker, BDD, and ShowMaker1:21:10 Which LCK top-three team is mentally weakest1:30:45 Kanavi, KT, and the LCK contenders1:39:33 DPlus KIA vs HLE: the best-of-five we waited for2:01:34 Roster moves, the Gen.G project, and FlyQuest2:14:04 The LPL jungle problem and the LCS#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #SummoningInsight #LFN
FNATIC As We Know It Has CRASHED and BURNED | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-09-02 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada on Fnatic missing Worlds for the first time in a decade, the LCK qualification race, and the LPL and LCS playoff pictures.A shortened but stacked week means the crew have LPL playoffs, the LCS roadshow, and LCK Worlds qualification to sort through, and it starts with a gut punch: Fnatic miss Worlds for the first time in ten years, a run ended by Jojopyun and company. From there it is the LCK, where DPlus KIA look on fire, KT keep attacking the same weakness and setting up a possible Worlds grudge match, and the gauntlet to qualify looks brutal. The middle covers the LCS, with Inspired's LYON making a triumphant roadshow return, a Cloud9 comeback, and why the crew do not rate Shopify Rebellions despite the result. The back half runs the LEC picture of GiantX, NAVI, and Vitality, and a full LPL playoff bracket where Top Esports, LGD, and BLG headline.Topics covered:⦁ Fnatic miss Worlds for the first time in ten years: the end of an era⦁ DPlus KIA on fire out of MSI and the brutal LCK qualification gauntlet⦁ KT's game plan, attacking the same weakness, and a possible Worlds grudge match⦁ The LCS roadshow: Inspired's LYON return and Cloud9's comeback over Shopify Rebellions⦁ Why the crew do not rate Shopify Rebellions despite making it⦁ The LEC race: GiantX, NAVI, and Vitality for the remaining spots⦁ LPL playoff bracket: Top Esports, LGD, BLG, and why LPL junglers decide seriesRaycon: Comfortable, great-sounding earbuds for everyday listening, 20% off right now. Get yours at buyraycon.com/powerspikeManta Sleep: Adjustable, breathable sleep masks with cooling materials you can take anywhere. Get 10% off with code LFN at mantasleep.comLFN Premium: Get access to the Discord, ask the crew your questions, go ad-free, and support the show. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 30 was filmed on September 1, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Fnatic miss Worlds after ten years1:03 DPlus KIA on fire and the LCK qualification gauntlet7:59 KT's game plan and a possible Worlds grudge match31:00 LCS roadshow: Inspired's LYON return and Cloud945:18 Why the crew don't rate Shopify Rebellions57:07 The LEC race: GiantX, NAVI, and Vitality1:15:03 LPL playoff bracket: Top Esports, LGD, and BLG#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LPL #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
Fakers Mid Lane Is The Problem... Heres Why | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-31 | dGon and Wolf break down T1's rocky five-game escape past BNK FEARX in LCK playoffs, plus a Nongshim RedForce and BRION season review.This week on Let's Cover Korea, dGon and Wolf dig into T1's ugly best-of-five win over BNK FEARX, where Faker's mid lane struggled and BNK FEARX pushed the reigning world champions to the brink. The duo also looks back at the seasons for Nongshim RedForce and BRION, previews the Demacia Cup Global Invitational, and breaks down the upcoming Gen.G vs KT and remaining playoff matchups with Worlds qualification on the line.Topics covered:⦁ Why did T1 need all five games to beat BNK FEARX?⦁ Was Faker's mid lane the reason for T1's playoff scare?⦁ Nongshim RedForce and BRION: how do their seasons look in review?⦁ What is the Demacia Cup Global Invitational, and who do they want to see compete?⦁ Gen.G vs KT: LCK Worlds qualifying preview⦁ Final LCK playoff predictions: who's punching their ticket to Worlds?Raycon: Premium wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and a 30-day happiness guarantee at half the price of the big brands. Get 20% off with code LCK at buyraycon.com/lckLet's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Let's Cover Korea was filmed on August 30, 2026.Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU🎬 CreditsEditing: Producer David📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:- YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation- Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 T1 vs BNK FEARX29:07 Worlds qualifiers preview35:38 Nongshim RedForce55:08 BRO1:03:12 Demacia Cup Global Invitational preview1:13:10 LCK playoff predictions#LCK #LeagueOfLegends #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
These Miracle Runs Are NOT Like You Remember | Shut Up And Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-30 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun rank the greatest domestic miracle runs to Worlds in League of Legends history, and debate whether true miracle runs even exist.With playoffs starting and every mid-table fanbase daring to dream, Peter Dun opens with a topic the crew are skeptical can even be filled: the greatest miracle runs to Worlds, teams that massively over-performed in a single split to leap from seventh or eighth in their region into a Worlds spot. The catch, as the group quickly finds, is that genuine miracle runs are vanishingly rare once you strip out the teams that were secretly former champions with a bad roster patch, which turns the segment into a tour through LEC and LPL history. Nymaera then makes the case that League leaves money and stories on the table by ignoring things like announcer packs, player skins, and collector cards, and by leaning on very recent history when the deeper past is far richer. Predictions on Faker and the season ahead.Topics covered:⦁ The greatest domestic miracle runs to Worlds, and why real ones almost never happen⦁ How context ruins most miracle-run candidates, from former champs to scuffed lineups⦁ A tour through LEC and LPL history and the teams that actually over-performed⦁ Why League leaves money on the table: announcer packs, player skins, and collector cards⦁ Why the game keeps selling recent history when the deeper past is richer⦁ Faker, MVP odds, and the season ahead⦁ The early LCK and LPL era, jungler archetypes, and how minor regions got left behindLFN Premium: Submit your own topics through the Discord, go ad-free across the network, and unlock paywalled extras. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 17 was filmed on August 29, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Peter's topic: the greatest miracle runs to Worlds21:13 The LEC and LPL miracle-run candidates, ranked45:51 Season Predictions50:00 Nymaera's topic: the money League leaves on the table1:00:00 Announcer packs, player skins, and selling history1:12:05 Faker's international title predictions1:20:39 The early LCK and LPL era and the last Worlds spot1:35:00 Jungler archetypes and how minor regions got left behind#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LPL #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
They FINALLY Got The LCK All-Pro Right?! | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-28 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada debate the LCK All-Pro teams, why ShowMaker's numbers do not match his reputation, and the LPL and LCS playoff races heading into Worlds season.The crew open on BRION getting knocked out by BNK FEARX for the final LCK playoff spot, and whether another disappointing season is on the players or the org. That leads into the All-Pro debate, where ShowMaker had a strong year on paper but posted some of the worst efficiency numbers in the league, and the second and third team picks come down to Peyz, Zeus, Smash, Guma, and Ruler. From there it is a hard look at a team whose leadership problems boiled over, with a CEO stepping in publicly before the season was mathematically over. The back half runs through the LPL, whether IG are for real and how brutal the WE, JDG, Top Esports, BLG, and AL gauntlet is, plus the LCS playoff bracket of Shopify Rebellion, Cloud9, LYON, and Team Liquid.Topics covered:⦁ BRION out to BNK FEARX: another disappointing LCK season, and who is to blame⦁ LCK All-Pro teams and why ShowMaker's efficiency numbers undercut a great year⦁ Peyz, Zeus, Smash, Guma, and Ruler: the second and third team All-Pro debate⦁ An org's leadership crisis and a CEO stepping in before the season was over⦁ Is IG for real, and which LPL contenders are peaking for Worlds?⦁ Knight's form and the brutal WE, JDG, Top Esports, BLG, and AL gauntlet⦁ LCS playoff bracketThe Perfect Jean: F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code POWERSPIKE15 at theperfectjean.com/powerspike15LFN Premium: Ask the crew your questions in a private Discord, go ad-free, and get closer to the show. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 29 was filmed on August 28, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 BRION eliminated by BNK FEARX: the bros' disappointing exit3:28 LCK All-Pro Review21:11 Everything is FIRE with MKOI46:00 LPL Playoffs1:00:41 LCS playoff bracket: Shopify, C9, LYON, TL1:15:44 The best honeymoon phase team#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LPL #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
The MKOI Situation Just Got WORSE | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-26 | Thorin and YamatoCannon break down an LEC that looks like it is falling apart, the most fragile team in the league, and why a team everyone underrated keeps proving the doubters wrong.Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi open on the state of the LEC, from an economic model that is not working and a team openly petitioning Riot, to games thrown, players caught slacking, and a collapse of in-game leadership once matches pass the fifteen-minute mark. They dig into a roster that ran itself back after already peaking, now the most fragile team in the region and weighed down by a coaching staff and front office few want to blame. From there it is a full look ahead: how Kanavi cracked a series open by diving the bot lane, the ways teams can nullify a carry bot laner, and a run through the Worlds picture where HLE, a team the crew rated near the bottom, keep quietly making the case that the doubters were wrong.Topics covered:⦁ The LEC's broken economics: petitioning Riot, thrown games, and a leadership vacuum⦁ The most fragile team in the league and why the org and coaching staff carry the blame⦁ How Kanavi cracked a series by diving the bot lane, and how to nullify a carry ADC⦁ Roster moves and rehires: who is actually upgrading and who is standing still⦁ HLE as the underrated Worlds dark horse the crew keep coming back to⦁ DPlus KIA's best-of-five worries and the LPL and LCK Worlds picture⦁ The GOAT tangent: how a leveled-up game changes who deserves the crownAG1: One scoop of AG1 keeps your nutritional floor high with a multivitamin, pre and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants to support energy, gut health, and immunity. Save 20% on your first subscription of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at drinkag1.com/summoningHims: Simple online access to personalized, affordable care for hair loss, ED, weight loss, and more, with ingredients that work. Start your free online visit at hims.com/LFNPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SUMMONING and use code SUMMONING and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! LFN Premium: Exclusive Q&A every episode, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 34 was filmed on August 26, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenation• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The LEC's broken economics and a league in a mess10:29 Thrown games, caught players, and no leadership20:44 The most fragile team in the LEC and where the blame lands52:00 The rest of the LEC: Oscarinin, Flakked, and the mess1:00:00 Roster moves, rehires, and who actually upgraded1:20:11 In limbo: waiting on the matches that decide the LCK1:44:45 How Kanavi cracked the bot lane, and how to nullify an ADC2:09:37 Worlds picture: HLE underrated, DPlus KIA's BO5 worries#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #SummoningInsight #LFN
Why Faker Didnt Make Our LCK All-Pro Mid Team | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-24 | Wolf and dGon break down LCK 2026 All-Pro voting and explain why Faker missed the cut at mid lane despite a legendary season.The regular season is officially in the books, and Wolf and dGon spend the finale walking through their full All-Pro ballot, from Rookie of the Year all the way to MVP. Gen.G's dominant campaign shapes almost every category, with Canyon, Peyz, and Chovy all in the mix for the league's top individual honor. Dplus KIA's breakout AD carry Smash takes home Rookie of the Year, and the hosts get into a genuinely tense debate over whether Faker's legendary status should have been enough to save him a mid lane All-Pro spot. It's a spirited, opinionated wrap-up of the League of Legends Champions Korea regular season before the playoff bracket kicks off next week.Topics covered:⦁ Why did Smash win LCK Rookie of the Year over the rest of this year's field?⦁ Which coach gets credit for turning Dplus KIA's season around?⦁ Zeus, Kiin, and the fight for the final top lane All-Pro spot⦁ Is Canyon a unanimous number one for jungle All-Pro?⦁ Why did Faker miss the cut for mid lane All-Pro this year?⦁ Peyz, Ruler, Smash, and Gumayusi: sorting out bot lane All-Pro⦁ Keria, Delight, and the support All-Pro conversation⦁ Peyz, or Chovy: who takes home LCK MVP?PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LCK and use code LCK and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Let's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.Let's Cover Korea S1 E23 was filmed on August 23, 2026.🎬 Credits Editing: Producer David🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlolTwitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new League of Legends episodes. 📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck 🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 LCK 2026 regular season wrap-up2:21 Explaining LCK All-Pro and awards voting 5:33 Rookie of the Year: Smash takes it 15:01 Coach of the Year debate 23:46 Top lane All-Pro: Zeus, Kiin, and the fight for third 33:31 Jungle All-Pro: the case for Canyon 52:55 Mid lane All-Pro: Faker misses the cut 1:10:38 Bot lane All-Pro: Peyz, Ruler, Smash, Gumayusi 1:30:25 Support All-Pro: Keria and Delight 1:36:26 MVP debate: Peyz, Canyon, and Chovy #LCK #LeagueOfLegends #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
The Greatest Worlds Finals MVPs. Ranked | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-20 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun rank the greatest individual tournament performances in League of Legends history, and debate whether Faker's best run still tops them all.Opening with a subscriber fun topic, the crew build a ranked list of the greatest individual runs a player has ever put together at a single tournament, from the Ryze one-shot that defined a grand final to the variety and dominance that make Faker's peak so hard to beat, with a few honorable mentions the group argues over. Peter Dun then brings the coaching lens to a run of modern bad habits, why players keep stacking damage and skipping the defensive item that would save them, how Kalista and side-lane play expose teams, and why a genuine shot caller is invaluable. The back half is Peter's own topic on the economy of esports: why players quit younger than they should, how academy money and career length really work, and the unglamorous way GMs actually decide who to sign.Topics covered:⦁ Ranking the greatest individual tournament performances in League history⦁ The Ryze one-shot grand final and why Faker's peak is so hard to top⦁ The honorable mentions and where the all-time list actually settles⦁ Modern bad habits: damage stacking, skipping defensive items, and Kalista⦁ Why teams have forgotten how to play side lanes, and what shot callers are worth⦁ The economy of esports: why players quit young and how careers really work⦁ How GMs actually pick players, and the coachability problemPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LEAGUESHOW and use code LEAGUESHOW and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! LFN Premium: Submit your own fun topics through the Discord, go ad-free across the network, and unlock paywalled extras. Just $9/month at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 14 was filmed on August 20, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Ranking the greatest individual tournament performances6:52 The Ryze one-shot grand final and Faker's case34:35 Is 2021 the peak, and the honorable mentions53:00 Bad habits: itemization, Kalista, and shot callers1:11:17 Why teams have forgotten how to play side lanes1:20:44 SK vs MKOI1:24:56 The economy of esports and why players quit young1:36:23 How GMs really pick players and the coachability problem#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
How Fnatic Pulled Off The IMPOSSIBLE | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-19 | Thorin and YamatoCannon on Fnatic finally sweeping G2 for the first time in eight years, SK Gaming's failed vision, and T1's ongoing struggles.The crew open on the moment Fnatic fans waited nearly a decade for: a clean sweep of G2, and whether the Humanoid and Poby reshaped roster is actually good or just riding a hot week. From there it is a full LEC tour, from GiantX's roster questions, to the hard verdict on SK Gaming, where the season was built entirely around one leader's vision and, in the show's telling, everyone who doubted it turned out right. The middle catches up on an LPL the show has deliberately left alone, including the Weibo saga, Bin's ceiling, and a down year for HongQ and JunJia. The back half turns to the LCK and a T1 side struggling so badly the hosts joke there are barely any fans left to defend them.Topics covered:⦁ Fnatic sweep G2 for the first time in eight years: real progress or a hot week?⦁ The Humanoid and Poby roster reshape and where Fnatic actually stand⦁ GiantX's roster questions⦁ SK Gaming's failed season and the vision the whole roster was built around⦁ The LPL catch-up: the Weibo saga, Bin's ceiling, and a down year for HongQ and JunJia⦁ T1's ongoing struggles and a fanbase running out of patienceFactor: Chef-crafted, dietitian-designed, ready-to-eat meals in two minutes, with over 175 banned ingredients, so convenience never costs you your health. Get 50% off plus one free breakfast item per box for a year with code LFN50OFF at factormeals.comPrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SUMMONING and use code SUMMONING and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! LFN Premium: Suggest emergency fan topics for the show, go ad-free across the network, and unlock paywalled extras. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 33 was filmed on August 18, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Fnatic finally sweep G2 after eight years30:00 GiantX and the LEC middle pack52:57 SK Gaming's failed vision and where the blame lands1:00:00 Fnatic sneaking into sixth and the playoff race1:19:50 The LPL catch-up: the Weibo saga and Bin1:30:06 A down year for HongQ and JunJia2:04:05 T1's struggles and a fanbase out of patience#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #SummoningInsight #LFN
Can NOTHING Save T1 From Their Downfall?! | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-18 | dGon and Jamada are joined by Nymaera to break down T1's alarming losing streak and whether a benching is on the table, plus G2's worst loss of the split and a wild LPL race.Fresh off another roadshow at T1's home ground, the crew open on the crisis: an 0-3 stretch with problems that look baked into the roster, from Oner and the carry positions being out of sync to Faker's coordination, and the real question of whether the org considers a substitution. From there they weigh the rest of the LCK, with DPlus KIA's genuinely impressive run and Hanwha Life's Kanavi-and-Delight style setting the pace. The middle turns to the LEC, where G2 take their worst loss of the split against Fnatic, and the crew dig into G2's poor fallback patterns when they are not winning. The back half is a full LPL check-in on Weibo's championship-points lead, BLG's rough stretch, injuries, and Top Esports trying to squeeze into the top two.Topics covered:⦁ T1's 0-3 streak: are the problems baked in, and is a benching actually on the table?⦁ Oner, the carries, and Faker: where T1's coordination keeps breaking down⦁ DPlus KIA's impressive run and Hanwha Life's Kanavi-Delight style⦁ G2's worst loss of the split and their fallback patterns when behind⦁ LYON and Inspired⦁ LPL race: Weibo's points lead, BLG's rough stretch, and injuries⦁ Can Top Esports squeeze into the LPL top two?Factor: Chef-crafted, dietitian-designed, ready-to-eat meals in two minutes with no prep and no cleanup, built around what supports a healthier lifestyle. Get 15% off plus one free breakfast item with code POWERSPIKE50OFF at factormeals.comPrizePicks: prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/POWERSPIKE and use code POWERSPIKE and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Power Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 28 was filmed on August 17, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 T1 in crisis14:56 DPlus KIA's run and Hanwha Life's style31:34 LEC: G2's worst loss of the split vs Fnatic41:49 G2's fallback patterns and the Inspired factor58:11 LPL check-in: Weibo's points lead and BLG's stretch1:09:39 Injuries, Doublelift, and the strange LPL season1:16:29 Can Top Esports squeeze into the top two?#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
T1s Home Ground Nightmare: Two Losses, Zero Answers | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-17 | dGon and Wolf break down T1's shocking 0-2 Home Ground collapse and why Gen.G and Dplus KIA look like LCK Summer's only true playoff locks.This week on Let's Cover Korea, dGon and Wolf dig into T1's stunning 0-2 collapse at their own Home Ground event, where head coach Tom's decision to bench jungler Oner in favor of substitute Painter still hasn't paid off. The crew also breaks down why Gen.G and Dplus KIA look like the only two locks for the LCK Summer playoffs, while KT Rolster's trade for Aiming has done little to fix a roster still searching for its identity. Plus: DN SOOPers' stunning turnaround behind rookie jungler Sharvel, BRION and Hanwha Life Esports clinching their own paths to the postseason, and a full slate of predictions for the final week of the regular season.Topics covered:⦁ Why did T1 lose both series at their own Home Ground event?⦁ Are Gen.G and Dplus KIA the only two guaranteed LCK Summer playoff teams?⦁ KT Rolster traded for Aiming. So why isn't it working?⦁ How did rookie jungler Sharvel turn around DN SOOPers' season?⦁ Head coach Tom opens up on T1's jungler substitution and playoff plans⦁ BRION and Hanwha Life Esports clinch their spots, but who's next?⦁ Predicting every match of the final week of LCK Summer⦁ The ultimate LCK player swap: which two stars should trade teams?PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LCK and use code LCK and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! LFN Premium: Q&A access, community input on the show, and bonus content from across the LFN network. Sign up at https://www.lastfreenation.com.Let's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Let's Cover Korea Season 1 Episode 22 was filmed on August 16, 2026.🎬 Credits Editing: Producer DavidCome join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlolTwitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every Monday. 📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck 🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 T1's Home Ground meltdown: 0-2 in front of their own fans 13:06 Coach Tom's jungler gamble: Painter in for Oner 19:31 KT Rolster's Aiming trade and ongoing identity crisis28:53 Coach Tom's quote on T1's playoff roster plans 34:40 BRION and DN SOOPers clinch their LCK Summer playoff spots38:41 Previewing the KeSPA Cup and T1's Challengers roster plans44:46 Predictions for the final week of LCK Summer 1:09:06 Community mailbag: the ultimate LCK player swap#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
Thorin Almost Appeared on Worlds!? | The Four Horsemen (Crazy Esports Stories) Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-16 | Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo unpack Dota 2's biggest scandal in years as LGD's TaiLung gets banned from TI 2026 over match-fixing, and then share stories from their long careers in esports!This week on The Four Horsemen, the trio dig into the fallout from 17-year-old Peruvian midlaner TaiLung's lifetime PGL ban and what it means for LGD Gaming heading into The International 2026 in Shanghai, plus why Dota 2's regional economics make the game especially vulnerable to match-fixing and spot-fixing compared to Counter-Strike. They also weigh in on the wide-open LCK 2026 title race, where Gen.G, T1, Hanwha Life Esports, and Dplus KIA are trading blows with no clear favorite. Richard Lewis and MonteCristo trade decades-old stories about Riot Games' early arrogance, from a disastrous World Championship cinematic to getting blacklisted from Riot broadcasts entirely, while Thorin explains why Dota commentator Purge's exclusion from TI's in-game voice packs says something bigger about how esports talent gets evaluated and hired. The episode closes out with a deep dive into Esports Awards politics and the real story of how Marc Merrill received a Lifetime Achievement Award.Topics covered:⦁ Is TaiLung's lifetime ban the biggest scandal in Dota 2 history?⦁ How LGD Gaming and TI 2026 are handling the fallout in Shanghai⦁ TI vs Worlds: which tournament format actually works better?⦁ Gen.G, T1, Hanwha Life Esports, and the wide-open LCK 2026 title race⦁ Purge, TI's voice line packs, and how esports talent gets evaluated⦁ Old Riot Games stories: the Twist of Fate cinematic and getting blacklisted from broadcasts⦁ Inside the Esports Awards controversies and Marc Merrill's Lifetime Achievement AwardLast Free Nation Dota channel: @LastFreeNationDotA LFN Premium: Q&A access, community input on the show, and bonus content from across the LFN network. Sign up at https://www.lastfreenation.com.PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/HORSEMEN and use code HORSEMEN and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Raycon: The Everyday Earbuds Classics are the perfect back-to-school companion! Go to buyraycon.com/horsemen to get 20% off.Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit hims.com/fourhorsemen to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxThe Four Horsemen is LFN's flagship cross-vertical esports show, bringing together MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis for unfiltered conversation on the biggest stories across competitive gaming, industry controversies, talent debates, and the history that shaped the scene.The Four Horsemen 68 was filmed on August 9, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditor: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to The Four Horsemen:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/2NBATCQs2dq50PJRjND7j9Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-horsemen/id1555303495Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/ucw0inmoPandora: pandora.com/podcast/the-four-horsemen/PC:1001030353iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246987Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald — weekly highlights from across the entire Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Intro + TaiLung ban36:26 TI vs Worlds42:49 Reddit influencing talent selections1:31:45 Worlds 2013 animation story1:42:52 Riot afterparty story1:48:39 LCK Summer1:59:17 Thorin almost hosted an LPL Finals and appeared on Worlds?!2:18:01 Why Marc Merrill won a Lifetime Achievement Award2:38:06 Why Richard isn't a professor anymore2:42:39 More Esports Awards stories + LFN Premium#TI2026 #Dota2 #TheFourHorsemen #LFN #Esports
Caps Is One Of The Most Overrated Players In League History?! | Hot Take Point Made Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-15 | Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire make the case that Caps is one of the most overrated players in League of Legends, plus why the LCK has never looked this weak.The crew go straight to the spice, with the argument that Caps, a fan-anointed Western great, does not actually belong in the all-time top 10 once you account for how short his true solo-carry windows are, how high-variance his peaks run, and how the story around him outruns the results. From there they debate the state of the regions: the LEC losing the plot just eight weeks in, an LCK that the crew argue has never been weaker, and whether the LPL's contenders are only dangerous in aggregate. The back half is a deeper tactical take on why the star ADC dream keeps failing, from the Uzi model to how the slowest tempo role in the game quietly warps team construction.Topics covered:⦁ Is Caps one of the most overrated players in League, and does he belong in the all-time top 10?⦁ Why short solo-carry windows and high variance change how we should rate players⦁ The LEC losing the league eight weeks in, and where the West really stands⦁ Why the crew argue the LCK has never looked this weak⦁ The LPL's contenders: dangerous individually or only in aggregate?⦁ Why the star ADC dream keeps failing, from the Uzi model to team construction⦁ How the slowest-tempo role in the game warps the way teams are builtHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!PrizePicks: Visit prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/HOTTAKELOL and use code HOTTAKELOL and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!LFN Premium: Submit your own take to Hot Take Point Made, unlock bonus content across the network, and help keep the show independent. Go to lastfreenation.comHot Take Point Made (LoL) is a debate-focused podcast where Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire defend bold positions about competitive League of Legends. Fast-paced arguments cover meta shifts, roster moves, and regional storylines from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Hot Take Point Made LoL Episode 26 was filmed on August 15, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Hot Take Point Made (LoL):• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3VUd1p8rszzYPHuFR9K5yK• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-take-point-made-lol/id1766576914• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/x7uchk1w• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-hot-take-point-made-lol-212522137Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=htpm_lol🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Caps is one of the most overrated players ever17:04 EU will win Worlds this year33:26 Gen.G has a better chance of winning Worlds this year than in previous years44:10 If Uzi was Korean, he wouldn't have had a legendary career#LeagueOfLegends #LoLEsports #LCK #HTPM #LFN
The Hall Of Legends Is Already Getting The Third Pick WRONG | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-13 | Thorin and YamatoCannon debate who deserves League of Legends' third Hall of Legends induction, whether Caps is the most ironclad regional GOAT outside Faker, and Faker's real chances at Worlds 2026.Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi open on the third Hall of Legends inductee and the tension baked into the whole exercise: how much should induction reward legendary impact and foundational status versus raw popularity? Caps sits at the center as arguably the most ironclad GOAT of his region outside of Faker, but the crew push through the harder cases across Europe, North America, and China, from the pioneers who built the scene to the stars fans latch onto first. From there it is the state of the LCK, with Gen.G and T1 facing off, Knight hard-carrying a struggling super team, and the four LCK Worlds spots that Hanwha Life's MSI win unlocked. The episode closes on the big one: does Faker actually have a real shot at winning Worlds in 2026?Topics covered:⦁ Who deserves the third Hall of Legends induction, and should popularity even count?⦁ Is Caps the most ironclad regional GOAT in League outside of Faker?⦁ The pioneers vs the fan favorites: Europe, NA, and China's toughest cases⦁ LCK title race: Gen.G and T1 split almost 50/50⦁ Knight hard-carrying a struggling super team, and the LCK's four Worlds spots⦁ The recruit-Koreans vs back-European-talent debate⦁ Does Faker have a genuine shot at winning Worlds 2026?Shopify: The commerce platform behind millions of businesses, from first sale to full scale. Start your free trial at shopify.com/summoningExpressVPN: Protect your online privacy and change where your connection appears to come from, on any device. Get up to four extra months at expressvpn.com/summoningLFN Premium: Get your topic and name read out on the show, exclusive Q&A every episode, and bonus content across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 32 was filmed on August 13, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Caps is the next HoL inductee17:46 Europe, NA, and China: the hardest induction cases38:14 LCK check-in: Knight carries a struggling super team48:24 Gen.G at their best and the state of the title race1:09:05 Canyon, Oner, and the EU vs Korea talent debate1:20:12 T1 vs GenG1:57:14 Does Faker win Worlds in 2026?#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #SummoningInsight #LFN
How Long Will Oner Be Benched? | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-11 | We break down T1's shocking call to bench Oner for rookie Jungler Painter in an LCK showdown against Hanwha Life Esports.This week on Power Spike, dGon, YamatoCannon, and Jamada dig into T1's stunning decision to sub reigning world champion Oner for rookie Painter against HLE, and what it means with only two weeks left in the LCK regular season. The crew also breaks down BLG's official signing of Flandre to take over the top side from Bin as the LPL leaders gear up for a title run, and weighs in on Dardoch's long-awaited return to Dignitas' LCS roster. Plus: Fnatic's win-less spiral continues in the LEC, and the guys share their all-time favorite League of Legends moments.Topics covered:⦁ Why did T1 bench Oner for Painter against HLE?⦁ Is Doran the real problem on T1's roster? ⦁ BLG officially signs Flandre: what does it mean for Bin and Knight?⦁ Gen.G's Ruler bounces back: are they the LCK favorites again?⦁ Cloud9 escape DSG⦁ Dardoch's redemption: what his Dignitas return means for the LCS⦁ Fnatic falls to 2-6 in the LEC: is this the end of an era?⦁ The crew's all-time favorite League of Legends momentsLFN Premium: Submit topics through private Discord channels, go ad-free across all 16 LFN shows on every podcast platform, and help keep LFN free. Sign up at lastfreenation.comHims: Weight Loss by Hims offers access to FDA-approved GLP-1 options like the Wegovy pill and pen to help you lose weight and keep it off, no insurance necessary. Visit hims.com/powerspikeDripDrop: Doctor-developed, science-based fast hydration with three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks, trusted by pro teams and perfect for staying ahead all summer long. Use code LFN at dripdrop.com for 20% off your first orderPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 27 was filmed on August 10, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Producer DavidArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6yApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayoPandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899 💬 Join the conversation:Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Power Spike:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 T1 sub out Oner vs HLE22:29 Gen.G and Ruler are back32:27 BLG sign Flandre49:36 Cloud91:01:13 Dardoch joins Dignitas1:10:25 Fnatic1:24:14 Most iconic moment in LoL esports#LCK #LeagueOfLegends #PowerSpike #LFN #lolesports
Who is T1s New Jungler? | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-10 | Wolf and dGon break down T1's shocking call to bench three-time World Champion Oner for 18-year-old academy jungler Painter against Hanwha Life Esports.This week on Let's Cover Korea, Wolf and dGon unpack the LCK Summer Split's biggest storyline: T1's decision to sit longtime jungler Oner in favor of academy prospect Painter for their marquee matchup against Hanwha Life Esports, and what it means for the team heading into their KSPO Dome Home Ground event. The pair also cover Gen.G's bounce-back week behind a resurgent Ruler, DN SOOPers' surprise KeSPA Cup run through Gen.G and Kiwoom DRX, and a rough round three for both KT Rolster and Dplus KIA. Plus, Week 12 predictions across the LCK as the regular season winds down.Topics covered:⦁ Why did T1 bench three-time World Champion Oner for rookie jungler Painter?⦁ Did benching Oner for their biggest match of the season against HLE pay off?⦁ Gen.G's Ruler bounces back with a dominant week after a viral solo queue grind⦁ DN SOOPers pull off a shocking KeSPA Cup run through Gen.G and Kiwoom DRX⦁ KT Rolster and Dplus KIA both stumble in their round three showdown⦁ Week 12 predictions ahead of T1's Home Ground event at KSPO DomeLet's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.Let's Cover Korea was filmed on August 10, 2026.Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit hims.com/LCK to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.🎬 CreditsProducing: Producer David🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097💬 Join the conversation:- Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:- YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol- Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes. 📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 T1 benches Oner, starts Painter vs HLE21:45 Gen.G's Ruler bounces back in 2-0 week30:47 DN SOOPers' shock KeSPA Cup run49:52 KT Rolster vs Dplus KIA round three recap1:02:33 Week 12 LCK predictions#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
Azir And Aphelios Quietly DESTROYED League Of Legends Design | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-07 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun argue that champions like Azir and Aphelios quietly broke League of Legends design, and debate who actually reinvented the top lane.The crew open on champion design, making the case that an overloaded champion like Azir turns too many others into worse versions of himself, and that Aphelios marked the exact moment Riot's design philosophy went off the rails. That widens into what real skill expression looks like for an ADC and how much of the blame lives in itemization rather than the champions themselves. Peter Dun then brings the coaching lens, arguing that Korean legends get handed head coach jobs at top teams on reputation alone, when the actual demands of the role, from team-house living to hard roster calls, are something very few of them are built for. The back half is a top-lane history debate running through TheShy, AmazingJ, and the shift from tank top laners to game-breaking carries, plus a read on LEC Summer in the wake of Perkz joining G2.Topics covered:⦁ Does an overloaded champion like Azir make League design worse by turning everyone into a copy?⦁ Why Aphelios marked the turning point in Riot's design philosophy⦁ What real ADC skill expression looks like, and how much is itemization vs the champion⦁ Why Korean legends get head coach jobs on reputation, and why the role is harder than it looks⦁ Spawn vs Tabe: who actually gets more out of a team like Team Liquid?⦁ Top-lane history: TheShy, AmazingJ, and the shift from tanks to carry top laners⦁ Who wins LEC Summer after Perkz joins G2?Hims: Skip the guesswork on weight loss with an affordable range of FDA-approved GLP-1 options, handled entirely online, with support to lose up to 20% of your body weight combined with diet and exercise. Get a personalized plan at hims.com/scale (weight loss by Hims is not available in all 50 states)LFN Premium: Submit your own take and questions to Shut Up and Scale through private Discord channels, unlock bonus content across the network, and help keep the show independent. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id1896007948• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 13 was filmed on August 6, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Azir, overloaded champions, and worse-version design12:33 Aphelios and the turn in Riot's design philosophy31:08 Do Korean legends get handed head coach jobs?55:27 Spawn vs Tabe and coaching Team Liquid1:00:59 LEC Summer after Perkz to G21:07:46 Top-lane history: TheShy and the carry revolution1:24:04 AmazingJ and the tank top laner era#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
This Is The WILDEST LCK Season In Years And Heres Why | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-06 | Thorin and YamatoCannon on the LCK title race between KT Rolster and DPlus KIA, and why this season's wins feel more honest than ever.Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi open on the meta shift that has made this LCK season feel different, arguing wins from teams like KT and DPlus are more honest than they have been in years, with fewer games decided by coin-flip dives around Baron and more by clean, earned execution. They go team by team through the top of the LCK toward a title showdown that could be KT Rolster against DPlus KIA, weigh ShowMaker's form and his habit of shouldering the blame against the toughest mid-lane pool he has faced, and revisit the Bdd versus Chovy debate in the modern game. Then we move onto LEC and LCS.Topics covered:⦁ Why this LCK season's wins feel more honest, and what the meta actually changed⦁ The LCK title race: KT Rolster vs DPlus KIA and who takes the crown⦁ ShowMaker's form, his self-blame, and the toughest mid-lane pool he has faced⦁ The Bdd vs Chovy mid-lane GOAT debate in the modern meta⦁ LEC: can KC psychologically solve G2 in summer, and did they downgrade?⦁ LCS check-in: FlyQuest, Dardoch, and where the region standsAG1: One scoop of AG1 Pro delivers 80 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and whole-food ingredients, now with creatine monohydrate, to simplify your whole supplement stack. Get a free AG1 Pro Yeti shaker in your welcome kit at drinkag1.com/summoningHims: Simple online access to personalized, affordable care for hair loss, ED, weight loss, and more, with ingredients that work. Start your free online visit at hims.com/LFNRaycon: Essential Open Earbuds built for the gym and everyday listening. Get 20% off at buyraycon.com/LFNopenLFN Premium: Exclusive Q&A every episode, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 31 was filmed on August 5, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The meta shift making LCK wins feel honest10:18 Going through the top LCK teams28:09 BDD vs Chovy and the mid-lane GOAT debate44:00 KT's rise and the DPlus KIA title race1:05:24 LCK season winner1:21:26 The Syndra problem and BLG's split identity1:57:17 LEC: KC vs G2 and the summer picture2:12:29 LCS: FlyQuest and Dardoch#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #SummoningInsight #LFN
Gen.G Are On Fire And The Problems Were There All Along | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-04 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada diagnose why Gen.G are falling apart after a rough road to MSI and a third-place EWC finish, and break down the LCK seeding race.The crew open in the emergency room with Gen.G, a team on fire heading into August after a disappointing road to MSI and a third-place run at EWC. Dr. Yamato leads the diagnosis: the argument that these are the same structural problems Gen.G have carried for years, only now they are no longer hidden, from playoff series where they grouped around dragons and never pulled the trigger to comms breakdowns that decided best-of-fives. From there the show turns to the Worlds seeding race, float G2 potentially winning the LEC and still falling to a second seed, the surge of DPlus and a wave of rookies firing on all cylinders, and Inspired's spicy Sylas trash talk. The back half is a meta deep dive on mage volatility and a shifting patch heading into August, plus a closing tangent on life in Korea and the anomaly that is T1.Topics covered:⦁ Gen.G on fire: are these brand new problems or the same cracks finally showing?⦁ The playoff pattern: grouping around dragons, never pulling the trigger, and comms that cost series⦁ Worlds seeding race: could G2 win the region and still drop to the second seed?⦁ The rise of DPlus and a rookie class firing on all cylinders⦁ Inspired's Siyas trash talk and the online-vs-stage subplot⦁ Meta deep dive: mage volatility and what the August patch changes⦁ The T1, Hanwha, Gumayusi, and Faker anomaly that defies the trendsRaycon: Everyday Earbuds Classic with multi-point connectivity and active noise cancellation, built for on-the-go listening. Get 20% off at buyraycon.com/powerspikeLFN Premium: Submit topics through private Discord channels, go ad-free across all 16 LFN shows on every podcast platform, and help keep LFN free. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 25 was filmed on August 3, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Gen.G on fire: same problems, finally exposed?19:52 Gen.G's playoff pattern: dragons, comms, and cold BO5s30:33 Worlds seeding: can G2 win the region but miss the top seed?37:46 Inspired's Sylas trash talk41:39 DPlus and the rookie class rising45:19 Mage volatility and the August patch1:05:08 Life in Korea and the T1 anomaly#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
KTs Sudden Roster Change That Surprised Everyone... | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-08-03 | Wolf and dGon break down KT Rolster's shock trade of Aiming to Kiwoom DRX for Jiwoo, and whether rookie FenRir can hold down the LCK's most surprising bot lane.This week on Let's Cover Korea, Wolf and dGon unpack the fallout from KT Rolster's mid-week trade, which sent Kim "Aiming" Ha-ram to Kiwoom DRX for Jiwoo after an internal roster dispute and opened the door for rookie FenRir to start at AD carry. The hosts also dig into one of the wildest weeks LCK Round 3 has produced: KT knocking off T1, a rebounding T1 beating a struggling Gen.G, and Dplus KIA continuing its climb behind Smash and Lucid at the expense of Hanwha Life Esports. From there, the conversation turns to Gen.G's mounting crisis, with veteran top laner Kiin left off the Korean Asian Games roster and staring down mandatory military service, and to Hanwha Life Esports' tougher-than-expected week against KT and Dplus. Wolf and dGon close out with a feel-good storyline from the LCK Rise Group, where DN SOOPers snapped an 18-game losing streak, plus predictions for every match in Round 3 Week 11.Topics covered:⦁ Why did KT Rolster trade Aiming to Kiwoom DRX for Jiwoo?⦁ Can rookie FenRir hold down KT's bot lane long-term?⦁ How did KT, T1, and Dplus KIA all pull off upsets in LCK Round 3?⦁ Is Gen.G in genuine crisis, and what does Kiin's Asian Games snub mean for his career?⦁ Why did Hanwha Life Esports struggle against KT and Dplus KIA this week?⦁ DN SOOPers finally snap an 18-game LCK losing streak⦁ Full predictions for every LCK Round 3 Week 11 matchLFN Premium: Exclusive Q&As, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comRaycon: Everyday Earbuds Classic are the back-to-school essential for tuning out distractions, with active noise cancellation and up to 32 hours of battery life. Use code LCK at buyraycon.com/lck for 20% off your order.Hims: Weight loss by Hims now offers access to FDA-approved Wegovy, with unlimited dosage changes and 24/7 care team messaging to help you hit your goals. Use code LCK at hims.comLet's Cover Korea is the only English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.Let's Cover Korea was filmed on August 2, 2026.🎬 Credits Editing: Producer David🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlolTwitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 KT Rolster trades Aiming to Kiwoom DRX for Jiwoo 10:50 LCK Round 3's wildest week of upsets recap28:16 Is T1's volatile playstyle sustainable?39:59 Gen.G crisis: Kiin's Asian Games snub explained1:00:44 Hanwha Life Esports' rough week against KT and Dplus1:13:11 DN SOOPers snap 18-game LCK losing streak 1:23:17 LCK Round 3 Week 11 predictions#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
The REAL Reason C9 Got Smoked In Their Season Opener | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-31 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada dig into whether T1 are finally in real trouble, the LCK trade that blew up over a broken locker room, and Perkz calling G2's old environment toxic.A wild half-week in League of Legends gives Power Spike plenty to sort through. The crew open on the LCS, where Cloud9 have effectively half-rebuilt mid-season and Inspired starts the season on the bench with Armao stepping in, before turning to the biggest story: is T1 actually in trouble? With Oner off form, burnout in the picture, and the coaching and drafting under real scrutiny, the hosts argue it is finally fair to question a team that always turns it on for Worlds. From there it is the LCK trade that reportedly broke down because players could no longer share a locker room, Perkz revealing just how toxic G2's old environment had become, and an LEC Roadshow check-in where KC look like a comfortable top-eight team in the world.Topics covered:⦁ Is T1 finally in real trouble, or does their Worlds track record still buy them time?⦁ Oner's form, burnout, and why the coaching and drafting are now fair game⦁ The LCK trade that reportedly collapsed over a locker room that could not coexist⦁ Perkz says G2's old environment was toxic, and what that reframes about the roster⦁ LCS kickoff: Cloud9's mid-season half-rebuild⦁ Inspired benched for Armao⦁ LEC Roadshow: KC as a genuine top-eight team in the world and G2 adding risk⦁ Is the era of the big three over in the LEC?Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Hims: Access an affordable range of FDA-approved GLP-1 weight loss medicines, including the Wegovy pill and pen with no needles, plus support every step of the way. Get started at hims.com/powerspike (weight loss by Hims is not available in all 50 states)LFN Premium: Exclusive Q&As, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 24 was filmed on July 30, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 A wild half-week: LCS, LCK trade, and the LEC Roadshow4:01 Cloud9's mid-season half-rebuild10:00 The LCK trade that broke down over the locker room25:00 Is T1 finally in real trouble?43:17 LEC Roadshow: SK, G2, and the toxic environment revelation59:00 KC as a top-eight team in the worlds1:10:58 Galaxy Brain Club: ShowMaker, Flandre, and rise group chaos1:34:00 Q&A#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
The Dream Matchups That You NEVER Got To See | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-30 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun rebook the dream matchups League fans never got, argue the real best year EU has ever had, and make the case for the deepest region in history.Opening with a Premium fan take, the crew rebook the biggest matchups League of Legends never delivered, from the MSI finals that the bracket robbed us of to the Fnatic vs Cloud9 series that deserved a best-of-five, and the Chovy vs Faker chess match everyone wants. Peter Dun then puts EU on trial, arguing the best year the region ever had is not the one fans default to, and that tournament placings are a poor way to measure how good a team actually was. From there the debate widens to whether the LPL is the deepest region in League history across every role, an all-time jungler discussion running through Jankos and Inspired, and who wins LCK?Topics covered:⦁ Rebooking the dream matchups League never gave us, including the MSI finals the bracket stole⦁ Fnatic vs Cloud9 as a best-of-five and the Chovy vs Faker series everyone wants⦁ The real best year EU has ever had, and why it is not the obvious one⦁ Why tournament placings are a poor measure of how good a team truly was⦁ Is the LPL the deepest region in League history at every role?⦁ All-time jungler debate: Jankos, Inspired, and what actually separates them⦁ Polymarket: the current title picture with T1 at 42%Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!LFN Premium: Submit your own take to Shut Up and Scale, unlock Q&A and bonus content across the network, and help keep the show independent. Just $9/month or $90/year at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 12 was filmed on July 29, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Rebooking the dream matchups League never gave us15:25 Chovy vs Faker and the series fans deserved34:00 The real best year EU has ever had41:44 Why tournament placings lie about how good teams were52:38 Svenskeren, LS, and ideas ahead of their time1:20:35 LCK Winner1:36:51 All-time jungler debate: Jankos and Inspired1:43:32 Is the LPL the deepest region ever?#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
The Telecom War Was A Mismatch and NOT How You Expected | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-30 | Thorin and YamatoCannon discuss the LCK Telecom War, T1 vs KT, and dig into the T1 front office drama threatening to overshadow it.The LCK is back and it opens with the Telecom War. Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi debate whether T1 versus KT is really the mismatch everyone assumes, weighing T1's fresh MSI and EWC international experience against KT's quieter build, and how the current meta can neutralize the very stars you would expect to decide it. From there the show tackles the T1 front office story making the rounds: a wave of brand-management staff departures and a report raising questions about agency fees and where the money is flowing. The back half runs through the LEC race and BDS's upgrades, the endless EU import merry-go-round from Fiesta to SK Gaming, an LCS Summer preview, and why Top Esports could be one move away from a miracle run to Worlds.Topics covered:⦁ The LCK Telecom War: is T1 vs KT as one-sided as everyone says?⦁ How international experience and the current meta reshape the T1 vs KT matchup⦁ The T1 front office drama: staff departures and the agency report⦁ EU imports and roster construction: Fiesta, SK Gaming, and the mid-season merry-go-round⦁ LCS Summer preview and who is actually chasing the top⦁ Top Esports and whether they can make a miracle run to WorldsHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!ZenAI: Turn any conversation into shareable content without the production setup. Join the invite-only beta waitlist at bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_siRocket Money: A personal finance app that finds and cancels unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings. Get started at rocketmoney.com/LFNLFN Premium: Exclusive Q&As, bonus content, and community input from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 30 was filmed on July 29, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The LCK Telecom War: T1 vs KT28:03 T1's front office drama and the agency report59:11 LEC race and BDS's upgrades1:26:47 SK Gaming, Fiesta, and the EU imports1:39:28 LCS Summer preview1:52:10 Top Esports and a possible miracle run to Worlds2:17:39 MVP debates and closing takes#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #SummoningInsight #LFN
Did The Saudis Fail At Sportswashing? | The Four Horsemen Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-29 | Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo dismantle the Esports World Cup's Saudi sportswashing playbook and Riot's quiet complicity in it.This week on The Four Horsemen, Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo dig into the 2026 Esports World Cup's move to Paris, unpacking why Team Falcons' dominance of the Club Championship exposes a points system built entirely around Saudi money. The crew rips apart Amazon's Esports World Cup: Level Up Season 2, Riot Games' quiet expansion into EWC despite its own pay equity controversy, and the "Game Changers" program's contradictions with Saudi law. They close the show reacting to a rare piece of mainstream media clarity: The Observer's on the ground report on the tournament.Topics covered:⦁ Why did Team Falcons win only one event in 2025 out of the 20-plus they entered?⦁ Is Riot Games quietly expanding its role inside the Esports World Cup?⦁ What does Esports World Cup: Level Up Season 2 get wrong again?⦁ Does the shrinking KeSPA Cup calendar show who really controls League of Legends esports?⦁ Why is Faker's EWC ambassadorship harder to defend than Carlos's Andrew Tate photo?⦁ Can EWC's Game Changers branding survive contact with Saudi law?⦁ Does The Observer's Xavier Greenwood expose the tournament better than two years of ESL and Riot press releases?The Observer article on EWC: observer.co.uk/news/sport/article/at-the-esports-world-cup-its-clear-the-saudis-arent-playing-gamesLFN Premium: Q&A access, community input on the show, and bonus content from across the LFN network. Sign up at https://www.lastfreenation.com.Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Manta Sleep: Head to mantasleep.com and use code LFN at checkout to unlock 10% off your purchase.Factor: Head to https://Factormeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only.Hims: Ready to reach your goals? Visit hims.com/fourhorsemen to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.ExpressVPN: Stop paying full-price for streaming services and only getting access to a fraction of their content. Go to expressvpn.com/horsemen to get up to four extra months of ExpressVPN!Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxThe Four Horsemen is LFN's flagship cross-vertical esports show, bringing together MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis for unfiltered conversation on the biggest stories across competitive gaming, industry controversies, talent debates, and the history that shaped the scene.The Four Horsemen 67 was filmed on July 26, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditor: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to The Four Horsemen:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/2NBATCQs2dq50PJRjND7j9Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-horsemen/id1555303495Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/ucw0inmoPandora: pandora.com/podcast/the-four-horsemen/PC:1001030353iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246987Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald — weekly highlights from across the entire Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Intro10:39 Team Falcons and other Saudi purchases23:50 All out of pride35:48 EWC sponsor turnover + justifying taking the Saudi bag53:13 The 2026 LoL event1:05:37 Level Up Season 2 + the Saudi government1:39:07 Riot Games's involvement in EWC2:03:54 Game Changers2:20:17 The press on EWC#EsportsWorldCup #Esports #TheFourHorsemen #LFN #Gaming
LCKs Wins Were Shakier Than the Trophies Suggest | Lets Cover Korea Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-28 | dGon and Wolf break down Dplus KIA's Esports World Cup title, a shocking pay crisis, and a rocky MSI for the LCK.This week on Let's Cover Korea, dGon and Wolf revisit Dplus KIA's championship run at the Esports World Cup, where the League of Legends organization beat Karmine Corp in the final even as reports surfaced about delayed player salaries and an ongoing sale of the team. The hosts break down ShowMaker and Smash's standout moments from the final, the "Homeplus Kia" nickname that spread amid the financial turmoil, and how the crowd's jeers for Karmine Corp gave way to cheers for the eventual champions.From there, dGon and Wolf look back at a rocky MSI for the LCK. T1, Gen.G, Hanwha Life, and Dplus KIA all made the trip to the Mid-Season Invitational, but shaky drafting and uneven macro play left both hosts calling it a sobering tournament for Korean League of Legends, even with two international trophies now in hand. They close the show with early predictions for LCK's four Worlds seeds and a full slate of picks for LCK Summer Week 10, including Gen.G versus T1.Topics covered:⦁ Did Dplus KIA deserve the Esports World Cup title over Karmine Corp?⦁ Inside Dplus KIA's salary delays and looming team sale⦁ Why MSI was a sobering tournament for the LCK despite four teams attending⦁ ShowMaker and Smash's MVP moments from the Esports World Cup final⦁ Early predictions for LCK's four Worlds seeds⦁ LCK Summer Week 10 picks: Gen.G vs. T1 and moreLet's Cover Korea is an English-language LCK-focused podcast, bringing insider perspective on professional League of Legends in Korea. Hosted by Wolf and dGon, the show combines deep tactical analysis with Korean esports culture and player narratives.ZenAI: Turn any conversation into shareable content without the production setup. Join the invite-only beta waitlist at bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_siLFN Premium: Q&A access, community input on the show, and bonus content from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.com🎧 Watch/Listen to Let's Cover Korea:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/6vn6gYwtYtLwvUswAMPgLhApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-cover-korea/id1639432647Pocket Casts: pocketcasts.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/ddfa5140-ffa1-013a-da99-0acc26574db2Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/lets-cover-korea/PC:1001030357iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-lets-cover-korea-104247097Let's Cover Korea was filmed on June 26, 2026.Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlolTwitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new LCK episodes.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lck🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Celebrating Korea's Esports World Cup sweep3:47 Why MSI was a sobering tournament for the LCK33:19 Dplus KIA's Esports World Cup title breakdown51:05 Dplus KIA's salary crisis and looming sale1:03:08 Early predictions for LCK's four Worlds seeds1:16:18 LCK Summer Week 10 predictions#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LetsCoverKorea #LFN #Esports
One Of The Greatest ADCs Ever Has NEVER Been A Real Carry | Hot Take Point Made Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-25 | Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire make the case that Ruler, one of the most decorated ADCs in League of Legends, has never actually been a true top-tier hard carry.The crew opens with a challenge: pick apart your favorite players. That lands on Ruler, and the argument that despite a decade of trophies he has never posted a genuine top-15 hard carry season, leaning instead on elite teams, enchanter support, and perfect snowballs rather than taking over games himself. That spirals into a full ADC GOAT debate, from Uzi's MSI 2018 peak to Deft to why Ruler is rarely mentioned in the Faker-level greatness conversation. In the back half, a French guest preview convinces the show to reconsider the LEC Summer Split: with G2 and KC at full power, the crew debates whether Fnatic are actually favored to make Worlds or whether the hype is running ahead of the roster.Topics covered:⦁ Hot take: is Ruler overrated as a hard carry despite his resume?⦁ Where Ruler really sits in the all-time ADC GOAT conversation next to Uzi and Deft⦁ Why an ADC's carry ceiling depends on meta, enchanters, and team context⦁ LEC Summer Split preview: are Fnatic actually favored to reach Worlds?⦁ G2 and KC at full power and who grabs the remaining spotsHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Hot Take Point Made (LoL) is a debate-focused podcast where Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire defend bold positions about competitive League of Legends. Fast-paced arguments cover meta shifts, roster moves, and regional storylines from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Hot Take Point Made LoL Episode 25 was filmed on July 24, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Hot Take Point Made (LoL):• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3VUd1p8rszzYPHuFR9K5yK• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-take-point-made-lol/id1766576914• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/x7uchk1w• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-hot-take-point-made-lol-212522137Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=htpm_lol🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Hot take: is Ruler overrated as a hard carry?7:37 The all-time ADC GOAT debate: Uzi, Deft, and more17:05 LEC Summer preview: are Fnatic really favored?#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LoLEsports #HTPM #LFN
How Will The BEST Teams Perform In Summer? | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-24 | We preview League of Legends esports Summer across the LCS, LEC, LCK, and LPL, break down DPlus KIA winning the Esports World Cup, and Yamato's own run coaching Cloud9.Back from a busy Esports World Cup, the Power Spike crew open with a rare inside look at Yamato's experience coaching Cloud9 on the ground, from setting the tone with a new roster to earning APA's respect. From there they get to the headline: DPlus KIA lifting the Esports World Cup and completing a redemption years in the making, and why, even with the trophy, the organization's decision-making still frustrates. The LPL gets put on blast after sending three teams to the quarterfinals and none to the semis, BLG's golden road dream dies, and Bin announces a break, forcing a scramble for a replacement with Flandre, HOYA, and a promotion from within all on the table. Plus: whether T1 qualifying for Worlds regardless of results cheapens the moment, and the Fearless draft experiments reshaping the meta.Topics covered:⦁ Yamato's inside view of coaching Cloud9 at the Esports World Cup and earning APA's respect⦁ DPlus KIA win the Esports World Cup: redemption after years of failure⦁ Why DPlus's organizational decisions still frustrate despite the trophy⦁ The LPL's disaster: three teams in the quarterfinals, none reach the semis⦁ BLG's golden road ends and Bin announces a break after the EWC exit⦁ BLG's replacement search: Flandre, HOYA, or promote from within?⦁ Does T1 walking into Worlds regardless of results cheapen anything?⦁ Fearless draft experiments and the bot lane picks pushing the metaHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Factor: Fresh, never frozen meals built around your goals, from weight loss to protein to GLP-1 support, shopped, prepped, and delivered to your door. Get 50% off plus free daily greens per box with code POWERSPIKE50OFF at factormeals.com/powerspike50off (new subscriptions only, while supplies last, through September 27, 2026)Into The AM: The brand new LFN collaboration tee: a design featuring a real Korean palace to celebrate MSI in Korea. Grab it at intotheam.com/LFN-TEE3LFN Premium: Q&A access, community input on the show, and bonus content from across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 24 was filmed on July 24, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Yamato on coaching Cloud9 at EWC16:12 Reflecting on MSI and the meta29:22 EWC recap and the T1 Worlds question44:18 Fearless drafts and bot lane experiments52:21 DPlus KIA EWC Win & Drama1:14:06 The LPL's collapse and BLG's Bin problem1:24:10 BLG's roster search: HOYA and surprise subs#LeagueOfLegends #EsportsWorldCup #LPL #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
How Do You Get Into The Esports Industry? | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-23 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun talk about getting into the esports industry, and then discuss League of Legends' first (unofficial) Hall of Fame class, debating where players like Faker, Diamondprox, and MadLife land.This week on Shut Up and Scale, Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun open with hard-won, practical advice on breaking into the esports industry today, covering casting, coaching, and analyst paths and why chasing a single dream role can pigeonhole a career. From there the crew dives into Peter Dun's centerpiece topic: ranking League of Legends' pre-2015 legends using a Hall of Fame, Icon, and Fan Favorite tier system, debating whether Diamondprox, Toyz, and MadLife were truly the best of their era, and unpacking why Faker's 2013 run and the Korean Exodus reshaped the LPL for good. A fan question then pushes the trio to argue the biggest individual underperformance in Worlds history. The show closes with a look at Invictus Gaming's roster shakeup against Weibo Gaming in the LPL, plus predictions on the LEC Summer Split, where G2 and Karmine Corp headline the race for the title.Topics covered:⦁ How do you actually break into the esports industry in 2026?⦁ Ranking League of Legends' pre-2015 legendary players⦁ Was Faker's 2013 season the greatest individual run in League history?⦁ The Korean Exodus and how it reshaped the LPL⦁ What is the biggest individual underperformance in Worlds history?⦁ Invictus Gaming vs Weibo Gaming: breaking down two flawed LPL rosters⦁ LEC Summer Split predictions: G2 vs Karmine CorpHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!LFN Premium - Sign up for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and much more at lastfreenation.comPolymarket: Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 12 was filmed on July 22, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Breaking into the esports industry in 202629:14 Ranking League's pre-2015 legendary players 1:29:48 iG vs Weibo preview1:34:48 Biggest individual underperformance at Worlds1:45:56 LEC Summer Split predictions#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
Karmine Corp SHOCKED T1 And Nobody Saw It Coming | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-21 | Thorin and YamatoCannon break down Caliste and Karmine Corp's stunning run past T1, Dplus KIA winning the League of Legends Esports World Cup, and the news that Dplus are up for sale.Dplus KIA lift the Esports World Cup, but the story of the tournament is Karmine Corp. Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi go through how a team written off after a disastrous MSI came back rested, sharper, and good enough to run past T1, and whether Caliste has finally earned a place among the world's best ADCs. The show then turns on EWC itself, arguing the format actively undermines the competition with best-of-ones, no ramp-up time, and teams flying from Korea to Saudi Arabia with no recovery. The back half covers Gen.G's ceiling in the fearless meta, what is really holding Knight back, a growing crisis in the LPL as the LDL shrinks, G2's mounting question marks, and the news that Dplus KIA are trying to sell the organization.Topics covered:⦁ Dplus KIA win the Esports World Cup: how ShowMaker's team closed it out⦁ Karmine Corp's shock run and beating T1 after a disastrous MSI⦁ Is Caliste genuinely a top-10 ADC in the world now?⦁ Why the EWC format undermines the tournament: best-of-ones, no ramp-up, brutal travel⦁ Gen.G's ceiling and whether they can be number one again in the fearless meta⦁ What is actually holding Knight back at the biggest moments⦁ The LPL's quiet crisis: the LDL is shrinking and the talent pipeline with it⦁ Dplus KIA are up for sale, and what an org sale means for the LCKHuel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Factor: Chilled, never frozen ready-made meals with menus built around goals, including the Muscle Pro Collection. Get 50% off plus free daily greens per box with code LFN50OFF at factormeals.com/LFN50OFF (new subscriptions only, while supplies last, through September 27, 2026)LFN Premium: Q&A's, Discord access included, and paywalled bonus content from across the Last Free Nation network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxIntro music: Central City by Damma Beatz. Music courtesy of Epidemic SoundSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 29 was filmed on July 20, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 EWC 2026 recap and Karmine Corp's run32:33 Two internationals with no ramp-up time37:21 LCK winner predictions41:12 EWC team-by-team breakdown58:09 Caliste and whether KC's run was one player1:04:59 Ruler, the fearless meta, and Gen.G's ceiling1:15:07 EWC's format problem: best-of-ones and travel1:28:36 Player burnout and the cost of the circuit1:33:46 The coolest pro player names1:38:53 Knight and what is holding him back1:44:06 The LPL's real crisis: the LDL is shrinking1:52:00 LEC Summer1:54:32 G2's question marks after the two-year project2:04:49 DPlus KIA up for sale and what it means#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #SummoningInsight #LFN
Kanavi is NOT an All-Time Top 10 Jungler! | Hot Take Point Made (LoL) Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-19 | We debate whether Perkz can fix G2 as Head Coach, plus a hot take that Kanavi doesn't crack the League of Legends Jungler all-time top 10.On this episode of Hot Take Point LoL, Thorin, Zaboutine, and Keire pick apart G2 Esports' decision to install Perkz as head coach and whether the move can rebuild the "super team" chemistry that once made Caps and company legendary. Zaboutine makes the case that Kanavi's inconsistency keeps him out of the all-time top 10 jungler conversation, while Keire argues Bin has quietly fallen out of the "elite" tier of League of Legends Top laners. The crew also breaks down Cloud9's offseason shakeup with Loki, Tactical, and YamatoCannon, debates whether the Fearless draft format is holding the best players in the world back from true greatness, and answers fan questions on Dhokla, Inspired, and the best current players who've never played at an international event.Topics covered:⦁ Is Kanavi actually a top 10 Jungler of all time?⦁ Is Bin still an elite League of Legends top laner?⦁ Can Perkz actually succeed as G2's new head coach?⦁ Is the Fearless draft format holding the best players back?⦁ Cloud9's roster shakeup: Loki, Tactical, and YamatoCannon join the fold⦁ How good is Dhokla, really?⦁ What does Inspired need around him?Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!LFN Premium - Sign up for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and much more at lastfreenation.comHot Take Point Made (LoL) is a debate-focused podcast where Zaboutine, Thorin, and Keire defend bold positions about competitive League of Legends. Fast-paced arguments cover meta shifts, roster moves, and regional storylines from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Hot Take Point Made LoL Episode 24 was filmed on July 18, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Hot Take Point Made (LoL):• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3VUd1p8rszzYPHuFR9K5yK• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-take-point-made-lol/id1766576914• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/x7uchk1w• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/269-hot-take-point-made-lol-212522137Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=htpm_lol🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Kanavi is not an all-time Top 10 Jungler20:01 Bin is no longer elite38:45 Perkz becoming the Head Coach of G2 is the best scenario for their future success58:31 Fearless will prevent a Golden Road from ever happening + Knight is the one player who benefits from Fearless1:17:57 Q&A#LeagueOfLegends #LoLEsports #HTPM #LFN #Esports
Double Elimination Is Quietly RUINING The Biggest Tournaments | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-18 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun debate whether double elimination is quietly ruining the biggest League of Legends tournaments, and whether the game itself is being solved.Recording after MSI 2026, Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun open on the format wars: whether double elimination and lower-bracket resets protect the best teams or cheapen the biggest moments at Worlds and MSI. From there the crew argues over whether League of Legends is being solved as pro styles homogenize, drafts an all-time team built purely on the best player names by role, and reads the LEC playoff betting market where they think G2 are serious value. Peter Dun brings the LEC coaching lens throughout, from why coaches keep botching drafts to what actually separates a generational rookie like Knight.Topics covered:⦁ Does double elimination protect the best teams or cheapen Worlds and MSI?⦁ Blue side vs red side and how format shapes the biggest series⦁ HLE, T1, and Gen.G: reading the post-MSI meta and who was really best⦁ Is League of Legends being solved as pro styles homogenize?⦁ Building the ultimate roster on player names alone, one per role⦁ LEC playoff predictions: why the show sees G2 as strong betting value⦁ Knight and what makes a truly generational rookie⦁ Why so many coaches, T1 included, keep failing at the draftInto The AM: The third LFN collaboration tee, a soft, durable design with an abstract nod to Korean esports heritage that holds its shape and color wash after wash. Grab it at intotheam.com/LFN-TEE3LFN Premium - Sign up for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and much more at lastfreenation.comPolymarket: Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066Shut Up and Scale Episode 11 was filmed on July 18, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Does double elimination ruin the biggest tournaments?46:56 HLE, T1, and Gen.G: reading the post-MSI meta58:15 Is League being solved? Homogenized styles1:13:53 The best team of pro player names, by role1:35:33 Polymarket: LEC playoffs and G2's value1:46:41 Knight: one of the craziest rookies ever1:54:09 Why coaches keep failing at the draft1:59:55 You cannot love a player without knowing why2:10:56 Charisma vs game knowledge in esports2:14:41 Meeting fans, aloof stars, and life on the road#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
Why Kanavi Being TERRIBLE in the MSI Finals Didnt Matter | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-15 | Thorin and YamatoCannon break down HLE's MSI win, Faker's broken international streak, and G2's blockbuster move: Dylan Falco out, Perkz in as head coach.Hanwha Life clinch the 2026 MSI Final 3-2 over BLG in one of the closest tournament conclusions in recent memory. Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi dissect it from every angle: whether Kanavi was the villain or the hero of the five-game series, Zeus first-timing matchups against the world's best top laners, and why BLG deserve their own segment of credit despite leaving without the title. BLG controlled 87% of the map in Game 5 with seven minutes left and still lost, which Thorin frames as one of the greatest near-misses the game has seen. The show moves through T1's 5th-6th finish at MSI breaking Faker's unbroken top-4 international streak, Inspired's G2 feud backstory and whether he is the greatest LEC jungler of all time, an EWC bracket preview covering the G2/FURIA/DPlus/Anyone's Legend group of death, and closes on the biggest G2 coaching news in years: Dylan Falco, widely considered the greatest Western coach the scene has produced, is out. Perkz becomes head coach.Topics covered:⦁ BLG had 87% map control in Game 5 of the MSI Final with seven minutes left and still lost. Greatest near-miss in recent tournament history?⦁ Kanavi at MSI 2026: criminal early-game play in the opening series, hero/villain razor margin, and the Game 5 smite⦁ Zeus's development arc from DRX Worlds to HLE MSI champion: first-timing matchups, year-on-year improvement, best player at the tournament?⦁ Inspired at MSI 2026: the backstory on the G2 feud, LYON as a team of rejects, and is he the greatest LEC jungler of all time?⦁ T1 go 5th-6th at MSI: Faker's top-4 international streak ends, and what the roster change actually looks like⦁ EWC preview: Anyone's Legend's coaching needs, the G2/FURIA/DPlus group of death, and who wins EWC?⦁ G2 fire Dylan Falco as head coach. Is he the greatest Western coach ever? Can Perkz replace him before Worlds?⦁ Q&A: Jankos vs Inspired for LEC jungler GOAT, Knight as the best international mid from 2023 to 2026, the Golden Road, and whether Perkz's promotion was decided before MSIExpressVPN: Full online privacy on public WiFi with plans from $3.49/month. Get up to four extra months free at expressvpn.com/summoningZenAI: Turn any conversation into shareable content without the production setup. Join the invite-only beta waitlist at bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_siHims: Free online visit for hair loss, ED, and weight loss treatments. Start at hims.com/LFNLFN Premium: Q&A access every episode, community input on show direction, and more across the LFN network. Sign up at lastfreenation.comLivetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxSummoning Insight is the longest-running, most viewed League of Legends esports podcast in the world. Each week, host Duncan "Thorin" Shields and co-host Jakob "YamatoCannon" Mebdi break down the most exciting matches from LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 28 was filmed on July 15, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 MSI 2026 Final: HLE vs BLG full breakdown0:32:54 HLE coaching and draft mastery0:41:46 Kanavi: hero or villain of the final?0:58:31 BLG deserve credit despite losing1:11:57 MSI All-Pro selections1:30:36 Inspired: the G2 feud and LYON story1:48:29 T1's MSI exit and Faker's broken streak2:23:56 EWC preview: bracket and group analysis2:51:53 G2: Dylan Falco out, Perkz becomes head coach3:17:13 Q&A#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #SummoningInsight #LFN
The BIGGEST PROBLEMS with VRS | The Four Horsemen (ft messioso) Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-13 | There are big problems with Valve's VRS system in Counter-Strike esports, so messioso joins Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo to discuss on a new episode of The Four Horsemen!Topics include how teams like FaZe and Team Liquid are gaming the VRS system for Major qualification, the respect given to the CS player break, why the disastrous XPL event in China is indicative of the many problems in the current system, and some ideas for positive change in the future.ZenAI: ZenAI is currently in invite-only beta. Go to bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_horsemen to join the waitlist today for a chance at early access!ExpressVPN: Secure your online data TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/horsemen to find out how you can get up to four extra months.Huel: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code LFN at huel.com/LFN. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Raycon: The Essential Open Earbuds are a great option for everyday listening! Go to buyraycon.com/horsemenOPEN to get 20% off.Polymarket: Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxThe Four Horsemen is LFN's flagship cross-vertical show, bringing together Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo to tackle the biggest stories in esports, culture, and beyond.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: AtantalasThe Four Horsemen Episode 66 was filmed on July 12, 2026.Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU🎧 Watch/Listen to The Four Horsemen:Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/2NBATCQs2dq50PJRjND7j9Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-horsemen/id1555303495Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/ucw0inmoPandora: pandora.com/podcast/the-four-horsemen/PC:1001030353iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246987📲 Follow Last Free Nation:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald — weekly highlights from across the entire Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Thoughts on the VRS system9:34 How players and orgs are making money29:27 The Player Break + calendar structure46:14 How teams "game" the circuit59:58 FaZe1:13:04 XPL1:28:31 The problems at XPL2:06:26 Will jL be on an S-tier desk again?2:09:55 Will Astralis make a roster change before September?2:14:03 What can be changed?2:33:30 Closing thoughts#Esports #EsportsIndustry #CounterStrike #TheFourHorsemen #LFN
LoLs Most TRAGIC International Careers | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-10 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun rank the greatest League of Legends players who consistently failed to win internationally.Recording at MSI 2026, the episode opens with Thorin's question: which genuinely great players built the most consistent record of international failure? The crew go role by role through JackeyLove, Khan, Peanut, ClearLove, Ruler, and the NA pair of Bjergsen and Doublelift. Peter Dun then brings a coaching lens to rebuilding the 2027 LEC and LCS calendar for better international results, before closing with the debate on why LEC teams keep importing mid-season Korean replacements over proven ERL talent.Topics covered:⦁ International failures by role: JackeyLove as the most tragic LPL ADC, Khan's golden road that never was, Peanut's Worlds curse despite winning everything else, ClearLove as the original LPL cautionary tale, and Ruler in the GOAT ADC conversation alongside his Worlds record⦁ NA on trial: Bjergsen's domestic dominance versus the region's international embarrassments, Doublelift and the structural limits on what an ADC can carry, and Zven as an honorable mention⦁ MSI winning region market, recorded the day G2 eliminated T1.⦁ Fan take: redesign the 2027 LEC/LCS calendar to close the East-West gap. Korea boot camps, denser match schedules, international road shows, cross-regional scrim access⦁ EWC Anyone's Legend vs Dplus at near 50/50. Tarzan's history against Korean teams and where Peter Dun sees the value⦁ EU imports debate: why Vitality signed Fiesta over an ERL replacement for Humanoid, why Targamas is not in an LEC starting lineup, and how much player say shapes roster constructionPolymarket: Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends and esports strategy podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. The show brings Thorin's analytical framework, Nymaera's LPL expertise, and Peter Dun's LEC coaching experience together in deep debate on competitive LoL topics across LEC, LCK, and LPL.Shut Up and Scale Episode 10 was filmed on July 8, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=lfn🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 Greatest LoL international underperformers49:05 MSI winning region53:04 Fan take: 2027 LEC/LCS calendar reform1:19:04 EWC Anyone's Legend vs Dplus1:23:55 Are LEC teams stupid to import mid-season?#LeagueOfLegends #LEC #LCK #ShutUpAndScale #LFN
T1 Are FRAUDS and G2 Just Proved It | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-08 | YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada react to G2's stunning upset of T1 at MSI 2026, run the Fraud Alert on T1's coaching failures, and preview both League of Legends semifinals.G2 just pulled off the biggest international upset in years, knocking T1 out of MSI 2026. Power Spike breaks it all down: T1's 9/10 Fraud Alert (coaching staff decisions, Doran's champion pool problems, and Keria passing on Bard across two series), the self-inflicted embarrassment of calling out a prediction about Top Esports that aged terribly, plus the FengYue trade rumor that has TES looking like they're intent on making things worse. From there, the crew previews both semifinals: G2 vs LYON and the Zeus vs Bin top lane battle defining HLE vs BLG.Topics covered:⦁ Fraud Alert: T1 score a 9/10 after G2's upset. Coaching staff breakdown, Doran's champion pool limitations, and Keria avoiding Bard across two series⦁ Power Spike grades themselves: the crew calls out their own prediction after Top Esports crash out of MSI against an expected pushover⦁ Top Esports post-MSI: the rumored FengYue trade and whether TES are about to make their roster situation worse heading into Worlds qualification⦁ Semifinal preview: Can G2 back up a T1 upset by handling LYON's disciplined, defensive style?⦁ Semifinal preview: HLE vs BLG, Zeus vs Bin in the top lane, and whether BLG have any surprises left⦁ MSI championship pick: HLE as the team to beat, and the one scenario that flips the bracketManta Sleep: Adjustable, breathable sleep masks you can take anywhere. Get 10% off with code LFN at mantasleep.comRaycon: Essential Open Earbuds for everyday listening. Get 20% off at buyraycon.com/powerspikeopenPower Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 23 was filmed on July 8, 2026.🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 G2 upsets T1: biggest international upset in years25:13 Fraud Alert: Power Spike's own Top Esports prediction35:22 Semifinal preview: G2 vs LYON42:02 MSI seeding and storylines45:52 HLE vs BLG: can anyone slow down HLE?52:36 MSI championship picks#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #PowerSpike #LFN #Esports
The Most Surprising Loss At MSI 2026... | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-07 | Shocking MSI results have sent TES packing following losses to G2 Esports and TSW. How did it happen, and what's in store for T1, HLE, BLG, and LYON?Yamato and Thorin discuss the latest results from MSI 2026, preview upcoming matchups, analyze the current state of T1 with Peyz and Doran, and react to a breaking rumor regarding a trade in the LPL. We also share our thoughts on what Chris Greeley, Global Head of League of Legends Esports at Riot Games, had to stay about Western League of Legends esports in a recent interview.AG1: Go to https://DRINKAG1.com/SUMMONING to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1 Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.Raycon: Go to buyraycon.com/LFN to get 20% off Raycon's Everyday Earbuds Classic!Shopify: Start your free trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/summoningPolymarket — Livetrade on LoL today on Polymarket: polymarket.com/?via=lastfreenation-eeuxChris Greeley interview with RFT.GG - rft.gg/news/Riot-head-of-lol-esports-interviewSummoning Insight Season 9 Episode 27 was filmed on July 7, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 TES vs G220:03 TES vs TSW27:01 BLG vs T140:00 T1 vs FURIA46:35 LYON59:25 BLG vs HLE preview1:09:52 G2 vs T1 preview1:27:04 Oner's Trundle1:31:26 Who will win MSI? + G2 vs T1 predictions1:38:01 Peyz and T11:47:46 HLE1:51:12 Chris Greeley on the state of western LoL esports2:22:24 Zhuo and Fengyue rumored trade2:30:58 Q&A#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #LCS #LPL #MSI #SummoningInsight
MSI Seeding Is BROKEN and Riot Did It On Purpose | Shut Up and Scale Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-04 | Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun on why MSI seeding has been broken since the start, ranking the best League of Legends international tournaments ever made, and theorizing who wins the 2020 MSI that COVID canceled.Peter Dun opens the episode with the argument that League of Legends has never had a working seeding system for international events, with MSI 2026 placing BLG against T1 in the first round of the upper bracket while LYON meets FURIA in the same slot. The discussion traces how Riot's decision to use seeding as a tool for manufacturing regional importance produced a structural problem that has existed since Season 3 Worlds, and the proposed fixes include inter-regional competition across the calendar year and moving major patch changes to after international events rather than before them. The second topic ranks the greatest LoL international tournaments in history by category: Worlds, the original single-group MSI, and the post-double-elimination era. The episode closes on a fan-submitted question about who would have won MSI 2020 if COVID had not canceled it, and what that hypothetical result would have meant for the rest of the competitive year.Topics covered:⦁ Why MSI seeding is structurally broken: how Riot's decision to use seeding as a tool for regional equity rather than competitive accuracy produced mismatches like BLG vs T1 in the first round of the upper bracket at MSI 2026⦁ The history of LoL seeding going wrong: why the problem runs back to Season 3 and how every attempt to fix it has traded one distortion for another⦁ How to fix it: inter-regional competition across the calendar year, major patch changes moved to after international events, and the Formula 1 circuit model as the most honest version of what a fair LoL competitive structure would look like⦁ Best Worlds of all time: which edition holds up as the greatest for narrative, competitive quality, and historical importance, and why 2016 has a strong case most people forget to make⦁ Best MSI of all time: ranking the original single-group era and the double-elimination era separately, and why the format change matters for how you evaluate them against each other⦁ Who wins the canceled 2020 MSI: a full theorycrafting exercise on who was in peak form that spring, who the realistic favorite was, and what a 2020 MSI result would have done to the rest of that competitive yearShut Up and Scale is a League of Legends podcast hosted by Thorin, Nymaera, and Peter Dun. Each episode, the crew tackles questions about competitive history, player rankings, and the defining moments of professional League of Legends: the debates that never have easy answers.Shut Up and Scale Episode 9 was filmed on July 2, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Shut Up and Scale:• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/55ANlr5jztldeJYf925cDd• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/id18960079486• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/bbl2a5ye• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/shut-up-and-scale/PC:1001117066💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=sus🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 MSI seeding is broken: the case and the history56:53 Best LoL international tournaments of all time1:41:22 Fan topic: Who wins the canceled 2020 MSI?#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #MSI #ShutUpAndScale
How G2 Did the IMPOSSIBLE Against Top Esports | Power Spike Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-03 | G2 reverse sweeps Top Esports at MSI, YamatoCannon joins Cloud9, and the BLG vs T1 upper bracket quarterfinal gets previewed on Power Spike.The crew opens with YamatoCannon's announcement: he's joining Cloud9 in an advisory/assistant coach role working remotely alongside head coach IWDominate, as Cloud9 reshapes its summer split roster mid-season with veterans including Arrow from FlyQuest. The MSI play-ins get a full High Key Low Key No Key breakdown, with Team Liquid and CoreJJ earning high praise for their tactical improvement despite two 3-0 losses to T1, and Karmine Corp's coaching situation drawing sustained criticism for their inability to execute on their roster's talent. The episode closes with a game-by-game breakdown of G2's historic reverse sweep of Top Esports and a player rankings segment, before pivoting to preview the BLG vs T1 upper bracket quarterfinal as what the crew calls a finals-caliber matchup misplaced in round one.Topics covered:⦁ YamatoCannon joins Cloud9: how Dom made the ask work with a remote advisory role, why YamatoCannon couldn't say no, and what Arrow's addition from FlyQuest means for C9's summer split ceiling⦁ MSI seeding is broken: why T1 competing in play-ins as a second seed is a direct consequence of a format that treats all regional first seeds as equal when they clearly are not, and two structural fixes that would solve it⦁ High Key: Team Liquid's tactical growth at MSI play-ins and CoreJJ's vintage support play, with the argument that TL could have competed with several main stage teams if seeding had given them the matchups⦁ No Key: Karmine Corp's MSI exit, the case that they had no identifiable in-game leader, and why Reapered's coaching track record over the last three years is starting to become a real concern⦁ G2 vs Top Esports reverse sweep: how the series shifted after the Tian crab moment in Game 3, Caps stepping up on Faker-level terms, and a ranked breakdown of all five G2 players for the series⦁ BLG vs T1 upper bracket preview: the historical record between the two teams at MSI, why BLG's solo lane depth gives them a genuine paper edge, and whether T1 magic is enough to close that gap in round oneRaycon — Get 15% off the Essential Open Earbuds at buyraycon.com/powerspikeopenFactor: Chef-prepared meals delivered fresh, ready in two minutes, no cooking required, no artificial ingredients. Use code POWERSPIKE50OFF at factormeals.com/powerspike50offInto the AM — premium lifestyle apparel and activewear with an exclusive LFN x Into the AM collaboration tee. Use code LFN-TEE3 at intotheam.com and shop their 4th of July sale with up to 60% off sitewide.Power Spike is a rapid-fire League of Legends talk show featuring YamatoCannon, dGon, and Jamada. Each week, the crew breaks down plays, power rankings, and predictions across all major LoL regions with hot takes and segment-based analysis.Power Spike Season 5 Episode 22 was filmed on July 3, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: LightArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Power Spike:• Spotify (with video): open.spotify.com/show/3RVr3qsOBc2xymSn0Lge6y• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-spike/id1649775416• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/flw7cayo• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/power-spike/PC:1001031198• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246899💬 Join the conversation:• Discord: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=powerspike🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 YamatoCannon joins Cloud910:25 High Key Low Key No Key: MSI play-ins46:00 G2 vs Top Esports reverse sweep breakdown1:09:50 G2 player rankings for the series1:19:00 BLG vs T1 upper bracket preview#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #PowerSpike
This Is The BIGGEST Problem At MSI 2026... | Summoning Insight Last Free Nation League of Legends 2026-07-02 | MSI 2026 has a big problem holding it back from being a truly excellent League of Legends esports tournament.Yamato and Thorin discuss the seeding problem at MSI, T1's dominance during the MSI Play-Ins, what's next for KC and Team Liquid, the controversial Camille support pick, the opening matches in the MSI Bracket Stage, and the drama surrounding Yamato reuniting with Dom at Cloud9.Into the AM: Pick up our new collaboration t-shirt and shop the Fourth of July Sale with items up to 60% off sitewide. Please use our link: intotheam.com/lfn-tee3ZenAI: ZenAI is currently in invite-only beta. Go to bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_si to join the waitlist today for a chance at early access!FÜM: Over a million people have already used FÜM to quit differently. Join them today and grab a Journey Pack plus get a free gift with purchase by going to tryfum.com and use code SUMMONINGExpressVPN: Secure your online data TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/summoning to find out how you can get up to four extra months.Summoning Insight Season 9 Episode 26 was filmed on July 2, 2026.🎬 CreditsEditing: Andrew HibbardArt: Atantalas🎧 Watch/Listen to Summoning Insight:• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1w3sDoR4VsPYMOW3YG8Nrz• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/summoning-insight/id1483267004• Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4z9sg2tg• Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/summoning-insight/PC:1000501530• iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104244896Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU📲 Follow Last Free Nation LoL:• YouTube: youtube.com/@lastfreenationlol• Twitter: https://x.com/lastfreenation🔔 Subscribe to Last Free Nation LoL for new episodes every week.📰 Sign up for The LFN Herald, the weekly dispatch from across the Last Free Nation network: https://herald.lastfreenation.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=si🏴☠️ Join the Crew: lastfreenation.com0:00 The seeding problem at MSI31:38 T138:03 Camille Support and other misguided picks44:53 KC1:20:47 Team Liquid1:35:32 Yamato joining Cloud91:56:21 BLG vs T1 preview2:08:01 G2 vs TES preview2:18:47 LYON vs FURIA preview2:26:05 HLE vs TSW preview2:28:23 Q&A#LeagueOfLegends #LCK #LEC #LCS #LPL #MSI #SummoningInsight
