LCK 2026 Play-Ins KT Rolster Versus HANJIN BRION Preview: KT Chasing Redemption Against a Plucky BRO?
KT Rolster and HANJIN BRION kick off the LCK post-season. They battle in a playoff qualification match. The winner will advance to the playoffs, joining T1 and Dplus KIA in Round 1. The loser will drop to the Lower Bracket. They will face either Nongshim Redforce or FearX for their final opportunity at the Playoffs. KT Rolster should be favored, but their confidence is low.
2026 Match History and LCK Records
KT and BRO have met each other four times this year. All four series were best-of-three. KT won the first two, but BRO bounced back with two wins. Their most recent meeting was a 2-0 win for BRO during the Esports World Cup.
During Round 3-4, KT and BRO were in separate groups. KT went 2-6 during the Legend Group. They won the first two series, but are on a six-series loss streak. BRO, on the other hand, have had an up-and-down Rise Group. BRO ended Round 3-4 with a 4-4 record.
Featured Matchup
Cuzz Versus GIDEON
Both teams thrive the most when their Junglers are in control. Cuzz and GIDEON want to build early leads. The early pathing for both junglers is important to track throughout. Either will look to invade the other or go for unorthodox gank timings on the lanes. Neither team wants to play from behind.
KT’s Woes and Lack of AD Carry
KT started Round 3 better than expected. They defeated both Gen.G Esports and T1 in the first week. FenRir started as the AD Carry after drama ensued with Aiming. Aiming moved to KRX in exchange for Jiwoo. Jiwoo came into the team for their final three series. FenRir has had a higher peak, while Jiwoo is more consistent. Regardless, KT has not won a series since week 1 of Round 3.
They need to regain momentum, and tomorrow’s series is the first opportunity to do so. KT should be favored in the series, but BRO is no slouch. They showed that during Rounds 1-2, where they challenged the Legend Group teams and even beat KT. KT will need to be at their best to defeat BRO and end their loss streak.
Namgung Unlocking BRO
Part of the recent BRO success has been thanks to Namgung. He often dies for his team to garner success. Oftentimes, casters mention that his dying bodes well for BRO’s success. He also has unique picks like Elise and Pyke that can be useful in a best-of-five series. Effort is not the support that will put Namgung to the sword. He can find space during the series to be the crucial piece for the BRO puzzle. With Enchanters returning to the meta, he may struggle, but BRO should steer clear of them if they want to have the best chance to win.
KT Rolster Versus HANJIN BRION Prediction
KT Rolster 3-2 HANJIN BRION
The series should be close between the two teams. KT has not shown enough consistency to take the series by storm. However, they should be the favorites, even while on a losing streak. BRO has also struggled with consistency during the LCK. Drafts may prove pivotal in the series. As the first best-of-five series in the LCK, unique picks may become prevalent. The teams will also play on a new patch. Whoever finds the best champions on the patch will garner an advantage.
Qualification on the Cards
The winner can book their ticket to the Playoffs. They will have one more chance to qualify even if they lose. Winning early is important. They get time to rest and more time to develop their meta read.
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