Gen.G Esports continues to dominate the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) scene, securing a decisive 3-1 victory over Dplus KIA in the upper bracket semifinals of the 2026 LCK Cup. The win on , at the LCK Arena in Seoul, propels Gen.G directly into the upper bracket final, guaranteeing them a spot in the First Stand Hong Kong tournament.
The series, while not without its challenges, showcased Gen.G’s consistent strength and strategic adaptability. Despite dropping the second game, they swiftly regained control, closing out the match with consecutive wins in games three and four. This victory underscores Gen.G’s reputation as a formidable opponent and a perennial contender in Korean League of Legends.
The first game set the tone for the series, with Gen.G establishing early dominance. Focusing on controlling the bottom lane, they quickly gained a strategic advantage, extending their lead through objective control – specifically, securing dragons. This snowball effect allowed them to build a substantial gold lead, exceeding 10,000 gold before ultimately closing out the game. This early pressure demonstrated Gen.G’s ability to dictate the pace and capitalize on early advantages.
Dplus KIA responded in the second game, showcasing their own strategic prowess. A key moment came with a successful Elder Dragon steal by Dplus KIA’s ‘Lucid’ Choi Yong-hyeok, shifting the momentum and allowing them to equalize the series at 1-1. This play highlighted Dplus KIA’s resilience and ability to turn the tide in critical situations. However, this would be their only game win of the series.
Gen.G demonstrated their superior team coordination and individual skill in the subsequent games. In game three, they leveraged a significant advantage in the upper lane, overwhelming Dplus KIA. The decisive fourth game saw Gen.G’s mid-laner, ‘Chovy’ Jeong Ji-hoon, deliver a standout performance, repeatedly dismantling Dplus KIA’s ‘ShowMaker’ Heo Su’s Anivia in key engagements. ‘Chovy’s’ performance proved pivotal in securing Gen.G’s victory and their ticket to Hong Kong.
The 2026 LCK Cup is particularly significant as it serves as a qualifier for the First Stand Hong Kong tournament. This event represents a crucial opportunity for LCK teams to compete on an international stage and demonstrate their strength against teams from other regions. The First Stand tournament is a relatively new addition to the League of Legends esports calendar, implemented by Riot Games in 2025 following positive feedback from the three-split structure and the 2025 First Stand Tournament.
Gen.G’s next challenge will be against the winner of the match between T1 and PX. This upper bracket final will determine which team advances directly to the grand final of the LCK Cup. Meanwhile, Dplus KIA will drop to the loser’s bracket, where they will have another opportunity to fight for a spot in the final. Their path will be more challenging, requiring them to win multiple matches against formidable opponents.
The 2025 League of Legends World Championship, held in Chengdu, China, saw T1 reach the finals for the fourth consecutive time, ultimately facing KT Rolster. While the outcome of the 2025 World Championship doesn’t directly impact the current LCK Cup, it highlights the competitive landscape of the LCK and the high stakes involved in these tournaments. Both T1 and Gen.G were among the four LCK representatives at the 2025 World Championship, alongside Hanwha Life Esports, demonstrating the strength of the Korean League of Legends scene.
The LCK Cup continues to be a vital proving ground for Korean League of Legends teams, offering a platform to refine their strategies, test new compositions, and prepare for larger international competitions. Gen.G’s dominant performance in this series reinforces their position as a leading force in the LCK and a strong contender for international glory.
