LCK Cup 2026 Play-Ins Predictions: The Fight For Supremacy Begins
The LCK Cup has had a couple of extra days’ break following the conclusion of the Group Battle. Six teams begin the postseason in the Play-In stage. Three teams from each group will participate in the Play-In stage. Each team’s record decides their placement in the Play-In bracket. Dplus KIA and Nongshim Redforce get a bye into Round 2, meaning they only need one series victory to qualify for the Playoffs.
Total Apex LCK Cup Play-In Predictions
Not all of the matches are set for the Play-In stage. Dplus KIA will choose their opponent from the winners of the Round 1 matches. Three teams will qualify for the Playoffs stage, while the other three are out of contention.
DRX Versus HANJIN BRION
Prediction: DRX 3-2
DRX and HANJIN BRION faced off during the LCK Cup Super Week. In that series, DRX emerged victorious with a 3-2 victory. While BRO remained competitive throughout, they were second best to DRX on numerous occasions. As a result, DRX remain the favorites to win the series. However, with more practice under their belt, the newly formed BRO roster might improve drastically.
KT Rolster Versus DN SOOPers
Prediction: KT 3-1
KT Rolster and DN SOOPers kicked off the LCK Cup in Week 1. At the time, KT emerged victorious 2-1. DNS started the series with a victory, but failed to continue the momentum. They might be able to challenge KT in this series, but are unlikely to win. DNS has been one of the most inconsistent teams during the LCK Cup. At times, they can contend with the best teams, but at others, they are the worst team in the league.
Dplus KIA Versus DRX
Prediction: DK 3-1
Because DK must pick their Round 2 opponent, there is no guarantee that they choose DRX. However, given KT’s potential form of Bdd and Cuzz, we believe DK will avoid that matchup. DK should be able to beat DRX, but they need to recover after a disappointing loss to T1. DK has been a team in the past that crumbled after a heavy defeat. If they are affected by their loss to T1, they might crash out of the Play-In.
Nongshim Redforce Versus KT Rolster
Prediction: NS 3-2
Another series that we saw during the LCK Cup Super Week. NS sprinted to a 2-0 lead before Bdd carried KT to a game five. Ultimately, NS won the series. It should be competitive again, and either team can emerge victorious. For KT to win the series, their botlane will need to step up. Aiming and either Ghost or Pollu have not been able to contend in the majority of their matches.
DRX Versus KT Rolster
Prediction: KT 3-1
Regardless of who is in this matchup between KT and NS, they should be the favorites. However, DRX did manage to beat NS the last time they played against each other. KT and DRX have not faced off yet in the LCK Cup, but with Bdd on KT’s side, they should be the favorites. Ucal and Willer must be at their best to compete with Cuzz and Bdd. Cuzz has not been in dominant form, but he can improve during the series.
Winners Move On To the Playoffs
Currently, Gen.G Esports, T1, and FearX are waiting in the LCK Cup Playoff Bracket. Gen.G and T1 have a bye in the second round of the playoffs, similar to DK and NS. FearX will choose one of the three Play-In winners as their opponent in the first round of the playoffs. The other two teams will face off in the second Round 1 match.
Other LCK Articles
