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First Stand 2026 Lyon Review: North America Fails to Convert Potential

Originally posted on Total Apex Entertainment
By Devin Morris | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 5:52 PM ET

North American teams have recently come close, but not close enough, in international competitions. Inspired has been on those rosters that have nearly beaten Eastern competition. First Stand was another international event where a North American team had a chance to compete. However, they failed to execute at the pivotal moments. Lyon rose at the final moments of LCS to qualify for First Stand. Will they continue their success and book their ticket to the Mid-Season Invitational?

Lyon First Stand Results

Lyon played three series at First Stand. They started with a series victory, but then lost two consecutive series. In their matches, Lyon won four of the twelve games they played.

Won 3-2 Versus Loud
Lost 3-0 Versus Gen.G Esports
Lost 3-1 Versus JD Gaming

Lyon Player Review

Image of Inspired, courtesy of the LCS/LoL Esports

Dhokla

Total Apex Rating – 5.1 (7th among top laners, tied 33rd among players)
Champions Played
- Aurora (2)
- Gnar (2)
- K’Sante (2)
- Aatrox
- Garen
- Irelia
- Jax
- Rumble
- Vayne

Dhokla had one of his worst international appearances in recent memory. His worst performance was against Gen.G Esports. Being outplayed by Kiin should not come as a surprise, but he has held his own before. The Vayne and Irelia counterpicks were especially disappointing, given that he had dominated on the pick domestically.

Inspired

Total Apex Rating – 6.0 (4th among junglers, tied 17th among players)
Champions Played
- Wukong (2)
- Xin Zhao (2)
- Ambessa
- Dr. Mundo
- Malphite
- Maokai
- Nocturne
- Pantheon
- Sejuani
- Viego

Inspired is the heartbeat of the Lyon roster. When he is firing, Lyon performs at their best. He was part of the reason why Lyon had a chance in game two against Gen.G Esports. He also led them to their only series victory of the competition. Inspired’s communication came to light again during their tournament run.

Saint

Total Apex Rating – 5.1 (6th among mid laners, tied 33rd among players)
Champions Played
- Ahri (2)
- LeBlanc (2)
- Viktor (2)
- Azir
- Cassiopeia
- Galio
- Jayce
- Ryze
- Sylas

Saint is still a concern for the Lyon roster. He has moments in series where he can deliver strong performances. However, he also tends to make multiple mistakes, leading to defeats. He has shown improvements since the start of the year, but more work is necessary.

Besersker

Total Apex Rating – 6.0 (4th among bot laners, tied 17th among players)
Champions Played
- Ashe (2)
- Corki (2)
- Lucian (2)
- Yunara (2)
- Aphelios
- Ezreal
- Jhin
- Varus

Berserker has dropped in fans’ tier lists in the past couple of years. First Stand was his tournament for redemption. He stood up to JD Gaming’s bot lane in their elimination series. If it were not for him, Lyon would not have matched up to the LPL second seed. He was also stable against Gen.G Esports.

Isles

Total Apex Rating – 5.4 (6th among supports, tied 30th among players)
Champions Played
- Lulu (2)
- Nami (2)
- Nautilus (2)
- Braum
- Leona
- Neeko
- Poppy
- Rakan
- Seraphine

Isles had low expectations coming into First Stand. Many did not think he could stand up to the other supports at the tournament. He had some freedom in the series against Loud. Once he came up against Duro and Vampire, he struggled to make an impact. However, he was not the reason why Lyon lost those matches.

First Stand Review

Image of JDG beating Lyon, courtesy of LoL Esports

In a tournament where G2 Esports ascended against the East, Lyon did not. There are concerns that the LCS can not compete in future international competitions. North American teams have come close, but no one has won a series against an LPL or LCK team since 2019. Questions remain whether an LCS team will have the chance to win a series against them in 2026. Lyon has the potential, but how long can we talk about potential? Had G2 Esports also faltered, there would not be significant concerns. Lyon will have difficult competition in the LCS. It might push them to improve, like the LEC has forced G2 Esports to.