LCK Cup 2026 Play-In Match Review: DK Dominates To Qualify for the Playoffs

DRX managed to advance to Round 2 of the LCK Cup Play-Ins. They have set up a meeting with Dplus KIA to qualify for the Playoffs. Unfortunately, they were second-best during the series, losing 2-0. They fell far behind in both games and refused to give up throughout. The victory qualifies DK for Round 1 of the LCK Cup Playoffs. DRX has one more chance tomorrow in a best-of-five series against the loser of Nongshim Redforce and DN SOOPers.

LCK Cup 2026: Dplus KIA Versus DRX Match Review

Yunara from League of Legends, a benefactor of the Role Quests — Image of Yunara, courtesy of Riot Games

Game One Draft

Dplus KIA – Blue Side

Ornn
Jarvan IV
Ahri
Yunara
Lulu

DRX – First Pick

Rumble
Xin Zhao
Taliyah
Corki
Neeko

Game One Summary

The teams fight for the bot scuttle. Smash dies for the First Blood kill, but DK picks up four kills. Three of those go to ShowMaker, who already has Dark Seal. DRX opts into a fight where they are significantly far behind. Ucal manages to get a kill on Lucid, but they lose three members in trade. At 14 minutes, DK has a 7k gold lead as they continue to win skirmishes.

DRX does not go down without a fight, but the wallets are too heavy to bear. DK had a couple of misplayed Baron takes, which resulted in ShowMaker’s first death of the game. In the grand scheme, it did not matter as DK ended the game at 25 minutes with an almost 20k gold lead.

Total Apex Ratings

Dplus KIA

Siwoo – 7
Lucid – 9
ShowMaker – 9
Smash – 9
Career – 8

DRX

Rich – 4
Willer – 3
Ucal – 5
Jiwoo – 4
Andil – 3

Player of the game – ShowMaker

Game Two Draft

Dplus KIA – Blue Side

Kennen
Pantheon
Cassiopeia
Lucian
Braum

DRX – First Pick

Sion
Ambessa
Aurora
Ezreal
Nautilus

Game Two Summary

For the second game in a row, the teams fight over the first scuttle. It feels like Deja Vu as ShowMaker picks up three kills, with Lucid securing the other one. ShowMaker’s mechanics were incredible in the fight. Shortly after, Jiwoo and Andil win a 2v2 fight. Jiwoo now has three kills and a 1k hold lead. More mistakes from DRX mean Jiwoo loses the lead he built. The teams continue to fight, with kills traded. However, DK maintains a significant gold lead. DRX caught ShowMaker, but in the ensuing play, they lost more members, giving over Baron to DK. Despite some happy gaming moments from DK, they managed to end the game at 28 minutes.

Total Apex Ratings

Dplus KIA

Siwoo – 8
Lucid – 8
ShowMaker – 7
Smash – 8
Career – 5

DRX

Rich – 4
Willer – 5
Ucal – 4
Teddy – 5
Andil -3

Player of the game – Smash

Series Summary

DK Beat DRX 2-0 to Qualify for the LCK Cup Playoffs — Image of DK beating DRX, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

One fight on the scuttle crab almost decided each game in the series. The second game lasted longer, and DRX was not as far behind. ShowMaker’s Ahri took over game one after the three kills. The decision from DRX to fight over the scuttle on both occasions was a mysterious one. DRX refused to go down without a fight throughout the series. As a result, the gold leads for DK were monstrous in both games. DK won with a near 20k and 14k gold lead in both games. DK had a bounce back after losing two series in a row to T1 and Gen.G Esports. With the victory, DK advances to Round 1 of the LCK Playoffs.

Total Apex Series Ratings

Dplus KIA