Zest: "With a 'Nothing to Lose' Mindset, Our Performance Improved"
Team LOS's victory over Team Liquid in Round 4 of the Swiss Stage at the 2026 League of Legends World Championship was more than just a win; it was a historic comeback. After starting the tournament with a 0–2 record, the CBLOL representatives fought their way into Round 5. In an exclusive post-match interview, top laner Zest explained how a shift in mentality and absolute trust within the roster allowed the team to overcome early struggles and set a new survival record for the Brazilian region.
For Zest, the match carried weight beyond the tournament standings. The contest was personal, as several players from both Team Liquid and Team LOS share close friendships. This dynamic added a layer of intensity to the series, but as Zest noted, it only fueled the team's determination to secure the win.
Discussing their preparation, Zest revealed that the team focused on neutralizing Team Liquid's powerful bot lane. Recognizing that the top-side matchups were relatively even in terms of skill, LOS aimed to target the ADC and support synergy, specifically looking to disrupt the rhythm of the bottom duo and leverage CoreJJ's presence.
Drafting Errors and the Tristana Gamble
The victory was not without its setbacks. Following a loss in Game 2, Zest admitted to a significant drafting error where the team failed to account for Olaf during the second ban phase. This forced a pivot to a Rumble and Galio composition that was not part of the original game plan, leaving the team in an unfavorable position that required a difficult recovery.
The turning point came in Game 3 with Zest selecting Tristana in the top lane. Despite the high-risk nature of the pick, Zest reported feeling no pressure. He credited the complete trust from his teammates and coaching staff, noting that his strong performances on carry-type champions in practice had earned him the freedom to play aggressively. The strategy relied on utilizing the global presence of Pantheon and Taliyah to exploit lane advantages.
Even when Team Liquid managed to close the gold gap following a mistake by Zest during a fourth dragon fight, the top laner remained composed. He relied on Tristana's inherent scaling and her ability to reach level 20 to maintain a viable late-game threat. Ultimately, a decisive kill in the final teamfight allowed LOS to secure the win.
Breaking Records and Looking Ahead
By advancing to Round 5, Team LOS has officially set the record for the longest survival of a CBLOL team in Worlds history. Their next milestone is to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time. Zest expressed his desire to achieve this feat, not just for the team, but as a landmark moment for the entire Brazilian LoL scene.
Reflecting on their journey from 0–2 to the brink of the knockout stage, Zest highlighted a psychological evolution. While the team initially struggled with nerves, the high stakes of the Swiss Stage eventually provided a sense of liberation. "We feel like we have nothing to lose now," Zest remarked, suggesting that this lack of fear is exactly what has elevated their performance to its current peak.
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