LCK Cup 2026 Play-Ins Results: DRX and DNS Shock Everyone To Qualify For Playoffs

DRX and DN SOOPers pulled off upsets during the LCK Play-Ins. DNS won two series in a row against KT Rolster and Nongshim Redforce to reach the Playoffs. DRX had a 2-1 week, with their only loss coming against Dplus KIA. DRX, DNS, and DK will advance to Round 1 of the LCK Cup Playoffs for a chance to qualify for the First Stand.

LCK Cup Play-Ins Results

DNS Beat NS 2-1 in the LCK Cup Play-Ins — Image of DNS beating NS, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

Our predictions for the LCK Cup Play-Ins did not go as expected. We predicted two of the five matches correctly. The other three had the wrong teams winning.

DRX 2-1 HANJIN BRION

Total Apex Prediction: DRX 2-1

For the second consecutive week, DRX managed to beat HANJIN BRION. BRO had chances during the series, but their lack of consistency pained them.

KT Rolster 0-2 DN SOOPers

Total Apex Prediction: KT 2-1

KT had an opportunity to start the series with a game victory. However, they threw away a 10k+ gold lead for the second time this year. After the game one loss, KT crumbled at the hands of DNS.

Dplus KIA 2-0 DRX

Total Apex Prediction: DK 2-0

Fights on a scuttle crab decided both games in the series. DRX had no reason to fight for the crab, but on both occasions gave four kills to DK. DK ran away with the games after the fight ended.

Nongshim Redforce 1-2 DN SOOPers

Total Apex Prediction: NS 2-1

DNS looked down and out in the series halfway through game two. They fought back to punish NS and equalised the series. Game three was back-and-forth with no clear winner until the final fight.

DRX 3-0 Nongshim Redforce

Total Apex Prediction: NS 3-1

NS was out of sorts during the series. Besides a couple of decent plays, they fell behind DRX. DRX winning the series was not too big a surprise. DRX had won against NS earlier in the year. However, the dominance that DRX demonstrated was the surprising factor.

Total Apex LCK Team of the Week

With Gen.G Esports and T1 not playing this week, the Total Apex team of the week features five new players. DK’s dominant win over DRX resulted in four of their five players featuring. Andil had an outstanding performance against NS and earned his spot in the team.

Top Laner – Siwoo

Dplus KIA
Total Apex Rating – 7.5

Jungler – Lucid

Dplus KIA
Total Apex Rating – 8.5

Mid Lane – ShowMaker

Dplus KIA
Total Apex Rating – 8.0

Bot Lane – Smash

Dplus KIA
Total Apex Rating – 8.5

Support – Andil

DRX
Total Apex Rating – 6.6

Jayce’s Ban Priority Drops Off

For three weeks in a row, Jayce remained banned in a significant portion of the series. During the Play-Ins, his ban rate almost dropped below 50%. The nerfs in Patch 26.2 have made teams realise that he is not as dominant a pick for teams.

Varus Appears In Every Series

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

Varus took Jayce’s spot as the most-banned champion during the Play-ins. Varus was only left free in one of the thirteen games this week. DRX allowed Taeyoon to play the AD carry champion in the final game of the series. DRX kept him quiet throughout and gave Varus a 0-1 record for the week.

Three Champions Picked All Series

Only three champions made an appearance in each series for one team. Those were Ambessa, Corki, and Yunara. Ambessa’s flexibility in the Top Lane and Jungle has made her a premium option. Corki and Yunara are two of the most prioritized ADC champions in the LCK. Teams often trade them in the same game. Teams will pick Corki as a response to Yunara. Gwen’s priority rose this week as she featured in all but one series. Many teams have utilized her as a response to tanks or Ambessa.