Dplus Kia delivered a stunning reverse sweep against T1 in the LCK Cup playoffs on Sunday, , eliminating the reigning world champions and securing a spot in the lower bracket final. The improbable victory sends Dplus Kia to Hong Kong to face BNK FEARX for a chance to compete in the First Stand tournament.
The series began as many expected, with T1 dominating the first two games. Having finished undefeated in the group stage, T1 appeared poised to continue their winning streak, mirroring their performance in the recent group-stage encounter against DK. However, Dplus Kia mounted a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive games to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This marks the first time in a decade that T1 has suffered a reverse sweep.
The turnaround hinged on a revitalized Dplus Kia roster, particularly the emergence of young talent supporting veteran Heo “ShowMaker” Su. Choi “Lucid” Yong-hyeok was named MVP of the series, delivering consistent performances throughout the match, both in wins and losses. Sin “Smash” Guem-jae also showcased his abilities against his former team, contributing significantly to DK’s momentum.
The emotional weight of the series was palpable, exemplified by Oh “Career” Hyung-suk’s reaction after Game 3. Despite his team’s win, his visible emotion underscored the high stakes and intense competition. This victory is particularly significant for Dplus Kia, who have often relied heavily on ShowMaker in recent years. The support provided by Lucid and Smash proved crucial in overcoming T1’s initial dominance.
T1’s elimination is a significant blow to the organization, as it means they will miss out on the inaugural First Stand tournament for the second consecutive year. Despite their strong performance in the group stage, T1 faltered in the playoffs, first falling to BNK FEARX before being defeated by Dplus Kia. The loss highlights a vulnerability for the three-time world champions, who had previously appeared untouchable.
The series was a testament to Dplus Kia’s resilience and adaptability. After falling behind 2-0, they demonstrated the ability to analyze T1’s strategies and adjust their gameplay accordingly. This tactical flexibility, combined with the individual brilliance of their players, proved to be the key to their success.
BNK FEARX awaits Dplus Kia in the lower bracket final, which will be held in Hong Kong. The winner of this match will earn a coveted spot in First Stand, Riot Games’ newest tournament addition. The match promises to be another thrilling contest, as both teams have demonstrated their ability to upset top contenders.
The defeat is a stark reminder that even the most dominant teams are susceptible to upsets. T1’s journey through the LCK Cup 2026 began with a flawless 5-0 record in the group stage, but their playoff performance revealed cracks in their armor. Their inability to close out the series against Dplus Kia proved costly, ultimately leading to their elimination.
The double-ADC composition employed by Dplus Kia in the later games of the series proved particularly effective against T1. This strategic decision allowed them to gain an advantage in teamfights and ultimately secure the victory. The ability to adapt their composition and exploit T1’s weaknesses was a key factor in their comeback.
The LCK Cup 2026 has already delivered several dramatic moments, and the elimination of T1 is undoubtedly one of the most significant. Dplus Kia’s victory is a testament to the growing competitiveness of the LCK and the emergence of new talent. As they prepare to face BNK FEARX in Hong Kong, Dplus Kia will look to continue their improbable run and secure a place in First Stand.
The news has already begun to impact the market, with reports emerging of individuals reselling tickets to the Hong Kong final after T1’s elimination. This demonstrates the significant draw of the team and the disappointment felt by fans who were hoping to see them compete in First Stand.
