LCK Cup 2026 Playoffs Match Preview: DK Must Stop a Surging DNS
DN SOOPers showed dominance in their LCK Cup series against DRX today. They surged to a 2-0 lead. There were a couple of hiccups, but they managed to win in the end. Now they must step up against Dplus KIA. DK will need to be at their best to see off a surging DNS. The winner of the series moves on to face T1 in Round 3 of the LCK Cup Lower Bracket.
Recent LCK Cup Match History
Dplus KIA and DN SOOPers played against each other once during the Group Battle. That series came in the first week of competition. At the time, DK handily saw DNS off with a 2-0 series victory.
Dplus KIA’s Mental
One evident struggle for DK at the moment is their control over the series. When faced with pressure, they tend to crumble. Most of that comes down to their mental strength and ability to adapt in strenuous situations. One of the best examples of this was in the series against DRX. They had a significant gold lead, and it felt like there was no way they could lose the game. Multiple fights lost later, and DK were on the brink of throwing the game. Fortunately, they managed to steady the ship in time and won the game. They have had a few days to prepare themselves for the series, but that might not be enough time.
The DuDu Problem
The one game that DRX managed to take off of DNS came when they kept DuDu quiet. He is a driving force behind DNS’s success. He was instrumental in ensuring that the series did not go to a fifth game. In two consecutive fights, he found the engagement onto Jiwoo. As a result, he shut down the fed AD Carry and allowed DNS to win the game. Siwoo has blown hot and cold during the LCK Cup. At his best, he has what it takes to outperform DuDu in the lane matchup. He will need to be stable to prevent DNS from having their linchpin to play through.
ShowMaker’s Threat
ShowMaker has found a second wind during the LCK Cup. After it seemed like his best years had passed him, he has ascended this year. Very few midlaners have been able to keep up with the former World Champion. He also has pocket picks such as Zoe and Leblanc. These picks make him a focus during the draft. We have seen times this year that teams have banned Leblanc. Clozer has been competent this year, but he will need to step up his game to challenge ShowMaker. The times when teams have been successful are when they keep ShowMaker quiet. T1 and Gen.G Esports have done this the best so far in the LCK Cup.
Dplus KIA Versus DN SOOPers Prediction
Dplus KIA 3-2 DN SOOPers
Overall, DK has the edge over DNS. Their overall gameplay should be better than that of DNS. However, if they fall into a hole during the series, they might not pull themselves out of it. DNS is also riding high after a victory, while DK enters the series following a defeat. The one bonus for DK is that they took a game off Gen.G. That is an achievement that no other team has managed thus far in the competition.
The World Champions Wait Patiently
T1 is waiting in the next round of the LCK Cup. They will play against the winner of the series between DK and DNS. Regardless of who wins, they will have to impress to beat T1. FearX proved that T1 can bleed after their previous series. The series will take place on Sunday, as the final match of the weekend.
To see last week’s recap and more, check out the articles below.
