LCK Cup 2026 Playoffs Match Preview: FearX Battles A Suprising Opponent

After finishing first in their group, FearX earned a spot in the LCK Cup Playoffs. They could select their opponent. However, they would not expect to choose between Dplus KIA, DN SOOPers, and DRX. Ultimately, they chose to face DNS. The decision comes with little surprise, as these two teams have faced off once this year. On that occasion, BFX emerged victorious with a 3-1 series win.

Recent LCK Cup Match History

BFX beat DNS 3-1 in the LCK Cup Super Week — Image of BFX beating DNS, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

FearX and DN SOOPers have faced off once during the LCK Cup. The fixture took place during Super Week. As a result, it was a best-of-five series. In the end, BFX were the victors. They soared to a 3-1 win through their aggression. DNS struggled to find their footing in the series, but have since beaten KT Rolster and Nongshim Redforce.

Which DNS Will Show Up?

DNS is one of the more inconsistent teams in the LCK Cup. Even in games that they have, they do not look confident. Their game three against Nongshim Redforce encapsulated that. It was more of a Tennis match, with both teams trading leads with each other. Eventually, DNS closed out, but it was not pretty. The win over KT showed better signs; however, they were down 10k gold in game one. For DNS to win the series, they will need to fix their inconsistency. BFX is a team that will punish any sign of weakness with their playstyle. If we see the same struggles from their previous meeting, DNS will struggle to contend with the high-flying BFX.

Controlling the Aggression

Few teams can match BFX’s level of aggression. They rarely give up ground and often look for proactive plays. No one better encapsulates BFX’s playstyle more than Diable. The young AD carry player refuses to take the pressure off. Give him a champion with a dash, and he will dash in on every opportunity he gets. He has unbelievable mechanics to back him.

However, BFX and Diable’s hubris can often lead to their downfall. Teams like Gen.G Esports and T1 have shut Diable down in their previous meetings. We still want to see that aggression from Diable; it is what makes him unique. However, if he wants to ascend to the next level, he will need to temper his aggression. BFX as a roster must rein him in at times. DNS struggled to fight against BFX’s aggression last time out. However, BFX must fear a DNS that has two successive wins under their belt.

Won Or Lost in Bot Lane

Varus from League of Legends played in he LCK — Image of Varus, courtesy of Riot Games

Diable and Kellin have become a force of nature in the botlane. They often emerge victorious in the 2v2, through sheer mechanics. Raptor has made appearances to enable the two to build their leads. On the other hand, Pyosik has not had the same impact on his botlane. Peter and deokdam are World Finalists. They have what it takes to match up to Diable and Kellin. But will they execute on the day? They could win or lose the series for their team, depending on their form.

FearX Versus DN SOOPers Prediction

FearX 3-1 DN SOOPers

Despite the improvements that we have seen from DNS, the weaknesses remain. We expect the series to be similar to their previous meeting. DNS might take a game off of BFX, but their inconsistencies will become apparent. BFX will not hesitate to punish those mistakes. If in a week, DNS has shored up their inconsistency, they might have a chance in this series. For BFX, they need to win the series to prove they are one of the best teams in the LCK.

Winner Moves On

The winner of the series will advance in the Playoffs to face either Gen.G or T1. Their opponent depends on Gen.G’s decision. The winning team will play on Saturday or Sunday, depending on their opponent. The loser will move down to the Lower Bracket. They will await the loser of Dplus KIA and DRX. That Lower Bracket match will take place next week, on Thursday.