The , 2026, LCK Cup playoffs saw BNK FEARX overcome a shaky start to defeat DN SOOPers in a thrilling 3-2 series. The victory secures BNK FEARX’s advancement in the upper bracket, while DN SOOPers drop to the lower bracket, facing a more challenging path to the championship.
A Calculated Comeback Fueled by Mid-Jungle Dominance
The series, played at the LCK Arena in Seoul, highlighted a strategic battle between the two teams, ultimately decided by BNK FEARX’s calculated approach to the draft and their ability to establish dominance in the mid and jungle lanes. The deciding Game 5 concluded with a score of 27:18, showcasing BNK FEARX’s control over the tempo and their decisive teamfight execution.
Early Pressure and a First-Blood Advantage
Game 3, the pivotal match of the series, saw BNK FEARX selecting Ksante, Pantheon, Ari, Jaya, and Poppy, while DN SOOPers countered with Gwen, Vi, Akali, Jin, and Leona. BNK FEARX immediately applied pressure in the mid lane with a potent Pantheon-Ari combination. The aggressive play resulted in an early first blood, setting the tone for their control over the lane. “표식” (Pyosik) secured the initial kill, and “클로저” (Clozer) capitalized on the advantage, extending the lead with subsequent kills. While DN SOOPers attempted to leverage the potential of Akali and Vi in team fights, they struggled to gain control of the lane, allowing BNK FEARX to build a significant advantage.
The Turning Point: A Decisive Teamfight at the Rift Herald
The critical moment of Game 3 unfolded during a teamfight near the Rift Herald. BNK FEARX initiated a coordinated engagement, aiming to eliminate “디아블” (Diable), DN SOOPers’ ADC. While DN SOOPers managed a brief counter-play, BNK FEARX’s superior positioning and timing allowed them to turn the fight in their favor. Crucially, they secured the Rift Herald, providing a substantial gold lead and map control. This advantage was quickly amplified as BNK FEARX pushed their lead, securing a further advantage of over 4,000 gold and effectively breaking DN SOOPers’ momentum.
Bandpick Strategy and Upper Hand
The draft phase of Game 3 proved crucial. Both teams initially opted for a standard tier pick exchange, selecting Vi, Gwen, Ksante, and Ari. However, the inclusion of Akali by DN SOOPers shifted the dynamic, creating a potential for strong side lane pressure. BNK FEARX responded by selecting Poppy, bolstering their front-line and enhancing their ability to disrupt enemy engagements. The Pantheon pick further solidified their control over the upper half of the map, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game.
A Calculated Risk: Prioritizing Upper Lane Control
BNK FEARX’s strategy centered around securing control of the upper lane, even at the cost of potentially giving up some ground in the bottom lane. The selection of Jaya, while vulnerable to certain compositions, allowed them to focus resources on establishing dominance in the mid and upper lanes. This calculated risk paid off as their mid and jungle players consistently outmaneuvered their counterparts, creating opportunities for successful ganks and objective control.
Securing Baron and Closing Out the Game
Following the Rift Herald victory, BNK FEARX maintained relentless pressure, consistently chipping away at DN SOOPers’ defenses. A well-executed Baron Nashor take further solidified their advantage, granting them significant buffs and control over the map. Despite DN SOOPers’ attempts to contest, particularly with Akali’s late-game scaling, their efforts were thwarted by BNK FEARX’s coordinated stuns and superior teamfight positioning. BNK FEARX systematically dismantled DN SOOPers’ base, culminating in the destruction of their Nexus.
Lineups
The DN SOOPers lineup for the match consisted of DuDu (Top), Pyosik (Jungle), Clozer (Mid), deokdam (ADC), and Peter/Life (Support). BNK FEARX fielded Clear (Top), Raptor (Jungle), VicLa (Mid), Diable (ADC), and Kellin (Support).
BNK FEARX’s victory demonstrates the importance of strategic drafting, coordinated team play, and a strong mid-jungle synergy in the current meta. Their ability to adapt and capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes proved decisive in securing the series win and advancing in the LCK Cup 2026 playoffs.
