LCK 2026 Round 4 Day 14 Recap: HLE’s Victory Secures Playoffs and the World Championship Spot
Hanwha Life Esports and KT Rolster needed to get back on track in the LCK. They faced off after once being the top two teams in the LCK Regular Season. HLE would be the victors on the day, securing a spot in the playoffs. Their qualifying for the playoffs meant they activated their World Championship ticket for winning MSI. DN SOOPers continue their winning trend, taking down FearX in a mostly dominant series.
HLE’s Topside Takeover
Bluffing returned to the HLE lineup to replace Delight. KT soared out to an early lead in the first game of the series. Everyone’s predictions were looking dire as KT looked comfortable. But their comfort would end there as HLE’s topside dominated the next two games. Kanavi and Zeka steamed ahead on the Vi and Akali duo, with Zeka picking up most of the kills. KT never had a route back. Kanavi would be at the centre again for game three, but this time he helped Zeus get ahead.
After multiple nail-biting plays, Zeus lived and built a significant advantage. Kanavi did not stop there, eventually getting Zeka and the bot lane ahead. There was one bad fight for HLE, but that barely made a dent in their lead. The victory for HLE secures them a playoff spot. As a result, it activates their ticket to the World Championship.
Champions Played
Hanwha Life Esports
- Zeus – Jayce, Ambessa, Olaf
- Kanavi – Jarvan VI, Vi, Skarner
- Zeka – Ryze, Akali, Ahri
- Gumayusi – Jhin, Xayah, Yunara
- Bluffing – Karma, Rakan, Lulu
KT Rolster
- PerfecT – K’Sante, Rumble, Kled
- Cuzz – Xin Zhao, Trundle, Nocturne
- Bdd – Syndra, Galio, Aurora
- Jiwoo – Ezreal, Lucian, Corki
- Effort – Bard, Milio, Nautilus
DNS Continue Their Rich Form
Despite having no chance of making the Play-Ins stage, DNS are doing everything they can to finish the season strong. Having won four of their last five series, they are closing in on tying KRX for series wins. Regardless of the results, they will finish last, but the resurgence is immaculate. They found themselves behind early in game one against BFX, but their superior teamfighting helped them recover the deficit. Game two was a better start for DNS as Sharvel took over the rift.
Only VicLa could stand up to DNS, but he was not enough to prevent the snowball from rolling. Clear brought out Udyr in the top lane, but it did not look great. It was the first time since the 2024 LCK Summer Finals that a team picked Udyr in the top lane. At that time, it was Kiin playing it against Doran’s Jax. BFX still has a good chance of qualifying for the play-ins, but has not secured their spot yet.
Champions Played
FearX
- Clear – Kled, Udyr
- Raptor – Pantheon, Jarvan IV
- VicLa – Syndra, Akali
- Taeyoon – Ezreal, Jhin
- Kellin – Bard, Shen
DN SOOPers
- DuDu – Olaf, Rumble
- Sharvel – Lee Sin, Vi
- Clozer – Ryze, Ahri
- deokdam – Sivir, Corki
- Peter – Karma, Rell
Playoffs for Gen.G Esports and Hanwha Life Esports
HLE’s win over KT secured them a playoff spot alongside Gen.G Esports. Neither team is guaranteed a top two spot yet, but a series win for either team next week will all but secure it. HLE will need two wins or a one-series loss for T1 to ensure they finish inside the top two. For KT, their dreams of finishing in a playoff spot are slipping away. They will play against Gen.G in their first match next week. A loss to Gen.G will not end their dreams. It will mean Dplus KIA has to lose both series, while KT beats T1.
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