2026 LCK Cup Play-In Preview: Schedule, Teams, Format, and What’s at Stake

Why It Matters

The Play‑In determines the composition of the LCK Cup playoffs, directly affecting team revenue, fan engagement, and the competitive balance of Korea’s premier League of Legends league.

Key Takeaways

• Play‑In runs Feb 6‑8 at Chzzk LoL Park, Seoul
• Dplus KIA, Nongshim RedForce receive Round 2 byes
• DRX vs BRION and KT Rolster vs DN Supers open round
• Dplus KIA chooses Round 2 opponent, influencing bracket
• Coach Voice feature discontinued for Play‑In matches

Pulse Analysis

The LCK Cup’s Play‑In stage marks a pivotal shift from the point‑based Group Battle to high‑stakes elimination, compressing six contenders into a three‑day sprint. By staging the event at the newly built Chzzk LoL Park, Riot Games underscores its commitment to modern venues and live‑streaming platforms like Chzzk and SOOP, aiming to capture both domestic and global audiences. This format intensifies competition, as every series now carries immediate consequences for teams vying for a limited number of playoff slots.

Strategically, the byes awarded to Dplus KIA and Nongshim RedForce create a clear advantage, allowing them to rest while scouting potential opponents. Dplus KIA’s privilege to select its Round 2 adversary adds a layer of tactical depth, forcing lower‑seeded teams to anticipate match‑up preferences and adjust drafts accordingly. The removal of the Coach Voice system—previously a real‑time coaching aid—tests teams’ in‑game adaptability, highlighting the importance of autonomous decision‑making under pressure. These dynamics are likely to influence roster evaluations and meta developments as teams seek resilience without external guidance.

Beyond the immediate bracket, the Play‑In’s outcomes will shape the LCK’s narrative heading into the postseason, impacting sponsorship deals, viewership metrics, and the league’s standing in the global esports ecosystem. A successful Play‑In can boost a franchise’s brand equity, attract new fans, and set the stage for compelling storylines in the playoffs. As Korean esports continues to evolve, the format tweaks and broadcast strategies employed here may serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to balance competitive integrity with entertainment value.

2026 LCK Cup Play-In Preview: Schedule, Teams, Format, and What’s at Stake

John Popko · Feb 4, 2026

The 2026 LCK Cup reaches a critical stage this weekend as six teams enter a condensed Play‑In bracket that will determine the final three participants in the playoffs. After weeks of Group Battle matches focused on point accumulation, the format now shifts to direct elimination, where every series carries immediate consequences.

Riot Games announced that the Play‑In will run from Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8, at Chzzk LoL Park in Gran Seoul, located in Jongno‑gu. The event serves as the final gateway to the postseason in Korea’s premier League of Legends competition.

Qualified teams – Dplus KIA, Nongshim RedForce, DRX, KT Rolster, DN Supers and BRION – earned their Play‑In spots based on total wins from the Group Battle stage, regardless of original group placement. Dplus KIA and Nongshim RedForce enter as the top two seeds and receive byes into Round 2, while the remaining four teams must survive opening‑round elimination.

Round 1 takes place Friday and features two best‑of‑three series: DRX vs. BRION, and KT Rolster vs. DN Supers. The stakes are immediate, as the two losing teams will be eliminated from the tournament. With no margin for recovery, the opening matches are expected to set the tone for the weekend.

2026 LCK Cup Play‑In Preview

Round 2 on Saturday also follows a best‑of‑three format. As the top seed, Dplus KIA will select its opponent from the Round 1 winners, a choice that could shape the remainder of the bracket. The two Round 2 winners will both advance to the playoffs, with the higher‑seeded team earning the No. 4 seed and the lower‑seeded team taking the No. 5 seed. The two teams that fall in Round 2 will meet Sunday in a final best‑of‑five series, with the winner claiming the last playoff spot.

One notable change from the Group Battle stage is the absence of the Coach Voice system, a trial feature that allowed limited real‑time communication from coaching staff during matches. DRX used the system in every Group Battle game, while BRION relied on it frequently as well. Their Round 1 matchup will provide an early look at how both teams adjust without that tool.

The Play‑In matches will be broadcast live on platforms including Chzzk and SOOP, concluding three days of high‑pressure competition that will finalize the LCK Cup playoff field.