LCK Cup 2026 Playoffs Match Preview: Unexpected Opponents in the Lower Bracket Final
Many expected FearX and Dplus KIA to face off in the LCK Cup Playoffs. However, they expected the match to happen sooner than. Both teams defeated T1 in the playoffs to be in this position. The winner of tomorrow’s series will advance to the Grand Final to face Gen.G Esports. In doing so, they will qualify for the First Stand International event.
Recent LCK Cup Match History
Dplus KIA and FearX have yet to face off during the LCK Cup in 2026. The last time these teams met was during the 2025 LCK Playoffs. DK emerged victorious at that time, but will tomorrow’s series be different?
Was DK’s Recovery Legitimate?
DK managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit against T1 last weekend. That was the first time the organization had recorded a reverse sweep in its history. It was the first reverse sweep T1 had suffered since 2016. They made a significant recovery in the series after it looked dire for them.
But how much of that recovery was down to hubris and mistakes from T1? The failed draft and gameplay execution for T1 allowed DK the space to get their footing in the series. Credit must go to DK for the recovery and for punishing the mistakes from T1. T1 has notoriously been a team that can outplay draft disadvantages. A series victory over them is something you have to take notice of.
Silencing Diable and Kellin
Diable has been one of the pivotal carries for BFX during the LCK Cup. However, in the series against Gen.G, he struggled to make an impact. The defending LCK champions did not allow him the space to carry his team. BFX will need him firing on all cylinders to advance to the Grand Final. For DK, they will need to try to replicate what Gen.G did. Unfortunately for DK, many teams have tried to replicate Gen.G’s success. When they have, they often fail. If DK has learned lessons from that series, they might be victorious. Draft is vital to each team’s success, after teams have begun prioritizing enchanter supports.
Drafting For Bot Lane
Recently, in the LCK Cup, we have seen teams shift to ranged supports. Champions like Lulu, Karma, Nami, Seraphine, and Yuumi have risen in priority. DK and BFX are both teams that want to play through their AD carry. Smash and Diable can take over games. With enchanter supports by their side, they will have all they need to dominate on the rift. The draft will be crucial for both teams to secure a better bot lane draft. We might see either team shift towards the second pick to ensure they get a counter-pick support.
FearX Versus Dplus KIA Prediction
FearX 3-1 Dplus KIA
Despite DK’s recovery in their series against T1, they have not shown enough to be favorites against BFX. BFX have been consistently better than DK throughout the LCK Cup and had a convincing win over T1. Both teams took a game from Gen.G. BFX were close to winning more, but Gen.G members were better in clutch moments. BFX are the favorites, but that does not mean DK does not have a chance to win.
Grand Finals and Final Stand
The winner of the series will play in the Grand Final. They will also book tickets to the First Stand, joining Gen.G at the international event. Neither team played in a Grand Final last year nor qualified for an international event. The last time DK participated in an international was the 2025 World Championship.
More LCK Articles
To see last week’s LCK Cup recap and more, check out the articles below.
