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.

Dplus KIA, Nongshim RedForce, DRX, KT Rolster, DN Supers and BRION qualified for the Play-In 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 versus BRION, and KT Rolster versus 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.