LCK 2026 Road to MSI: The Hunt for MSI Begins As DK Battles BRO
Six teams in the LCK will participate in the Road to MSI. The placement of those teams during Rounds 1-2 will determine where they start in the bracket. For Dplus KIA and HANJIN BRION, they must climb through the entire bracket to stand a chance of qualifying. But first, they must get through each other to book a match against KT Rolster in the next round.
Dplus KIA Versus HANJIN BRION Records and Match History
DK and BRO finished in fifth and sixth place, respectively, in the LCK. There was a time when BRO had a chance to finish above DK. However, in the end, DK finished with an 11-7 series record, while BRO ended with a 6-12 record. The last time these two teams played, DK won 2-1. DK went on to win their next three series, while BRO lost their next three. DK has played against BRO three times this year and won all three occasions. Their most recent meeting was the only 2-1 result.
Featured Matchup
Siwoo Versus Casting
The top lane meta is quite volatile. With picks like Vayne, Varus, Jayce, and more available, a lot can happen in the draft. Siwoo has also shown he is willing to play champions like Illaoi and Irelia. The DK top laner has been inconsistent in this regular season and will need to step up. Casting, on the other hand, has been a consistent piece in the BRO lineup. The top lane matchup could make or break the series.
DK’s Draft Flexibility
During the LCK regular season, DK showed numerous champion picks. ShowMaker played Kog’Maw and Zyra mid, while Siwoo played Illaoi and Irelia. They could have more champion picks up their sleeves. With the matches moving to a best-of-series format, there is more space for experimentation and niche picks. BRO must be ready for DK to pull out crazy champions. However, while DK has utilized different champions, it has not always looked threatening. Siwoo struggled on Irelia, proving to be a cost in the match against Hanwha Life Esports. He ended the match 0/10/3. ShowMaker also lost on his Zyra and Kog’Maw.
BRO’s Early Game Strength
Most of BRO’s victories come from strong early-game plans. GIDEON often makes an impact on at least one lane in the early game. That will likely be in the bot lane, where most teams have focused this year. DK has not always been the best early game team, and BRO can take advantage of that. If they find ways to build early leads, DK may struggle to get back into the game.
Dplus KIA Versus HANJIN BRION Prediction
Prediction: DK 3-2
Despite the teams’ records in the LCK, this matchup is a lot closer. BRO had a glow-up towards the end of the regular season. They may be on a five-match losing streak, but four of those matches were against teams in the Road to MSI. BRO has what it takes to challenge DK, and they showed that in their previous meeting. Overall, DK has the better chances, but they are not clear favorites. If DK digs themselves into a hole, as they have done before, they could see their dreams of MSI qualification cut short.
KT Rolster Waiting in the Next Round
The winner of the series will face KT Rolster in the next round of the Road to MSI. That will also be an elimination series. The gauntlet is an arduous one for these teams, as they will then face Gen.G Esports if they beat KT. After Gen.G, they will play against either Hanwha Life Esports or T1 for a spot at MSI. A series loss at any point will result in their elimination. Fortunately for DK, they have the Esports World Cup to look forward to, but BRO will only return in Round 3, should they lose.
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