The 2026 LCK Cup is set to begin Jan. 14 with KT Rolster facing DN Supers in the opening match, marking the return of Korea’s preseason League of Legends tournament alongside sweeping roster changes and a refreshed competition structure. Riot Games, organizer of League of Legends Champions Korea, said the monthlong event will again take place at the LCK Arena in Seoul’s LoL Park and follow a two-group opening stage before advancing to later rounds.

Ten teams will compete across the Baron and Elder groups, with combined group performance determining competitive advantages as the tournament progresses. Reigning LCK champions Gen.G and three-time Worlds winner T1 headline the Baron Group, joined by Nongshim RedForce, DN Supers and BRION following a snake-style group selection. The Elder Group features Hanwha Life Esports, Dplus KIA, KT Rolster, BNK FEARX and DRX.

The opening match pairs KT Rolster — last year’s Worlds runner-up — against DN Supers, who enter the tournament under a rebranded name and revamped roster. KT retained its top, jungle and mid laners while overhauling the bot lane following offseason transfers.

Armed with new rosters and a Super Week format

Much of the field arrives with rebuilt lineups and new coaching staffs. Most teams made changes in the bot lane, and several organizations replaced or promoted head coaches ahead of the 2026 season. Gen.G brought in former BNK FEARX coach Yoo Sang-wook, while Hanwha Life Esports appointed Yoon Seong-young after parting with Choi In-kyu, who moved to Nongshim. Dplus KIA, BRION, DRX and BNK FearX also implemented leadership changes.

Player movement reshaped several contenders. T1 added former LPL bot laner Peyz after Finals MVP Gumayusi’s departure, while Hanwha Life Esports signed Gumayusi and Kanavi to bolster its roster. KT Rolster recruited Aiming and depth options in Ghost and Polu following Deft and Peter’s transfers to DN Supers. Nongshim added Worlds champion mid laner Scout and completed a refreshed lineup around returning veterans, and DRX and BRION introduced largely new rosters.

One of the tournament’s most notable structural changes is the debut of “Super Week,” slated for Week 3. During that stretch, teams face same-seed opponents within their groups in best-of-five matches, with the victorious group earning two bonus points. Riot said the format is intended to heighten stakes in the group stage and influence playoff qualification. Super Week opens with BRION vs. DRX, followed by DN Supers vs. BNK FearX, Nongshim vs. KT Rolster, T1 vs. Dplus KIA and Gen.G vs. Hanwha Life Esports.