LCK 2026 Regular Season Week 9: A Tense Race For Top Two

The final week of the LCK regular season is almost upon us. After eight weeks of competition, there is still a lot to play for. Three teams still have a chance to qualify for the Road to MSI later this month. At the top of the standings, four teams are fighting for the top two positions, with Hanwha Life Esports in pole position for one of those spots.

LCK Week 9 Predictions

The LCK Week 9 Schedule — Image of the Week 9 Schedule, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

Gen.G Esports Versus Hanwha Life Esports

Prediction: Gen.G 2-1

Gen.G has looked stronger in recent weeks, as HLE has experimented with their Challengers support, Bluffing. Delight will likely play in this series, with HLE one win away from the top two. Even with Delight in the roster, HLE did not look as dominant as they have.

FearX Versus KRX

Prediction: BFX 2-1

The series could go either way. Both teams have shown moments of strength and weakness in the past couple of weeks. Both teams sit on the same series scoreline. The winner of this match will put their best foot forward to overtake HANJIN BRION in the final Road to MSI spot.

DN SOOPers Versus Nongshim Redforce

Prediction: NS 2-0

Of their two series this week, this is the more likely one for DNS to win one game. However, even then, the odds are stacked against them. NS is a fiesty roster, but sometimes plays down to their opponents. DNS could break their game streak, but not their series streak.

KT Rolster Versus T1

Prediction: T1 2-1

The loser of this series will likely see their dreams of the top two fall away. There is still a chance if Gen.G loses to HLE, but it is unlikely. T1 has been a powerhouse in recent weeks. However, they do suffer from their hubris, often losing early games for no reason. KT can punish that. But they themselves have struggled in the early game.

Dplus KIA Versus KRX

Prediction: DK 2-1

DK has nothing to play for in the final week. They can not finish higher or lower than 5th. We might see some experimentation from them this week. KRX has taken games off the top teams, but rarely ends up winning the series.

Gen.G Esports Versus HANJIN BRION

Prediction: Gen.G 2-0

BRO has a near-impossible final week. Starting against Gen.G, they will have a torrid time. BRO has beaten Gen.G in past years, despite the odds, and that could happen again if Gen.G is off their game.

KT Rolster Versus DN SOOPers

Prediction: KT 2-0

Peter and deokdam should get their opportunity to face their former team in this series. However, much like versus NS, we do not give them much of a chance to win a game in this series.

FearX Versus T1

Prediction: T1 2-0

BFX caused T1’s downfall in the LCK Cup. However, since then, they have struggled to find the same form and have changed AD carries. BFX could take a game if we see the T1 circus. However, if T1 is at their best, BFX will stand no chance.

HANJIN BRION Versus Hanwha Life Esports

Prediction: HLE 2-0

Stylistically, BRO has a better chance against HLE. The first-place team plays fast and loose, taking every fight possible. BRO has shown they are more than up for the challenge, even winning fights against T1. HLE should still be the better team.

Nongshim Redforce Versus Dplus KIA

Prediction: DK 2-1

A final match of the regular season, with little to play for. NS will look to win to improve their record, while DK will want a positive result heading into the Road to MSI. Despite being the favorites, DK usually struggles in these kinds of series.