Los Ratones top-laner Baus perseveres through target picks to win match in NLC since first ever loss

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In the first match since their first-ever loss in the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) 2025 Spring Playoffs to Nord Esports, Simon ‘Baus’ Hofverberg was shocked to see many of his signature champion picks taken by the enemy team.

The UK team, owned by British streamer Marc ‘Caedrel’ Lamont, faced off against Venomcrest Esports (VNC) in a best-of-five Fearless Draft. Due to the format, this meant any picks chosen by either side would be unavailable for the rest of the series. 

Attempting to use this to their advantage, the British team picked Baus’ most popular champions during the first game, which included Jax, Gragas, Sion, and Galio.

With the addition of Vi and Volibear being chosen by Los Ratones (LR) in the same game, Baus’ top eight picks were taken away in game one. Except for Poppy, who was banned by LR and Cho’Gath. The latter being known for holding his highest death count on a single pick, outside of Sion.

However, the Swedish top-laner is known for his unconventional picks and strategies. Thus, opting for Vi, whom he’s experienced with as his joint fourth-highest picked champion.

The chaos of the draft targeting Baus also initially overshadowed the unconventional pick of Swain by mid-laner Tim ‘Nemesis’ Lipovšek.

Despite the Swede being targeted by VNC throughout the draft and the game. Baus and LR were able to take the first game, and later the series, 3-0.

They will face the winner of Bulldog Esports and Verdant to continue their journey through the lower bracket of NLC 2025 Spring Playoffs.

Should they successfully run the gauntlet, Los Ratones will qualify for the NLC finals in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Waiting for them there will be Nord Esports, who defeated Los Ratones last week, and Ruddy Sack, the team founded by Jake ‘DonJake’ Morley which he co-owns alongside streamers Jakob ‘YamatoCannon’ Mebdi and Christian ‘IWDominate’ Rivera.

Jack Freeman

Having written for Esports News UK since 2022, I’ve cultivated an extensive knowledge of all things esports.
Covering a wide variety of topics during my time as an esports journalist, it’s safe to say I’m a jack of all trades, if you’ll pardon the pun.