Rocket League, with its unique blend of fast-paced gameplay and high skill ceiling, needed the perfect tournament to showcase its esports potential. The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Season 1, held in 2016, was a landmark moment that forever changed the trajectory of Rocket League as a competitive sport. The team iBUYPOWER Cosmic, featuring Kronovi, Lachinio, and OverZero, emerged as the first RLCS champions, setting the foundation for the future of the game’s professional scene.
iBUYPOWER Cosmic: The Pioneers of Rocket League Esports
The team that hoisted the trophy at the conclusion of RLCS Season 1, iBUYPOWER Cosmic, was a powerhouse squad led by one of the most recognizable names in Rocket League history—Kronovi. Alongside him were Lachinio, an unpredictable playmaker known for his offensive prowess, and OverZero, who rounded out the team with his clutch performances and consistent play.
Kronovi, in particular, was the face of Rocket League at the time, having established himself as one of the game’s earliest mechanical innovators. His dedication to mastering the game set him apart from the rest, and the combination of Kronovi’s leadership, Lachinio’s creativity, and OverZero’s reliability made iBUYPOWER Cosmic the team to beat throughout the tournament.
Despite their dominance, iBUYPOWER Cosmic’s win would be the only North American RLCS championship until Cloud9, led by Squishy, claimed the title in Season 6. This gap between North American victories only further emphasized the importance of iBUYPOWER Cosmic’s achievement, as the European region soon became the dominant force in Rocket League esports.
The Road to the Championship
The road to RLCS glory wasn’t an easy one. The competition featured a mix of North American and European teams, with each region vying to prove their supremacy. iBUYPOWER Cosmic faced off against Europe’s best teams in the final stages of the tournament, and their victory in the grand finals against FlipSid3 Tactics was a testament to their adaptability and resilience. The final series saw intense matches that pushed both teams to their limits, with Kronovi and his teammates emerging victorious in a tightly contested affair.
The Impact on Rocket League Esports
Winning RLCS Season 1 meant more than just a trophy for iBUYPOWER Cosmic—it symbolized the dawn of Rocket League as an esport. Their victory inspired countless players to chase their own dreams of professional competition, and it showed that Rocket League had the potential to become a mainstay in the esports world.
The tournament’s success also laid the groundwork for future seasons of RLCS, leading to the creation of more structured leagues, higher prize pools, and eventually a global esports ecosystem. Players like Kronovi became household names within the community, inspiring a new generation of Rocket League stars. Moreover, the gameplay from this season would go on to define how Rocket League was played at the highest level, with fast aerials, precise passing plays, and cohesive team strategy becoming the standard in professional play.
Legacy of RLCS Season 1 Champions
iBUYPOWER Cosmic’s victory in Season 1 holds a special place in Rocket League history. They weren’t just the first champions—they were the ones who set the tone for what it meant to be elite in Rocket League. Their ability to innovate and push the boundaries of what was thought possible in the game inspired new strategies and mechanical techniques that are still used in modern competitive play.
The legacy of players like Kronovi, Lachinio, and OverZero continues to resonate with the Rocket League community, even as the esport evolves with each passing season. Their names are etched in history as the first to conquer the RLCS, and their triumph set the stage for Rocket League to grow into the thriving esport that it is today.
Conclusion
The RLCS Season 1 Championship was a pivotal moment not just for iBUYPOWER Cosmic but for the entire Rocket League ecosystem. It marked the beginning of a new era in esports, where cars playing soccer became one of the most exciting and beloved competitive experiences. iBUYPOWER Cosmic’s victory wasn’t just about skill—it was about vision, determination, and laying the foundation for future champions to follow.
Their success is a reminder that every esport needs its pioneers, and for Rocket League, iBUYPOWER Cosmic were the trailblazers that lit the path forward. Cloud9’s victory in Season 6 brought the title back to North America, but iBUYPOWER Cosmic will always be remembered as the first to claim Rocket League’s most coveted prize.