BNK FEARX completed a dramatic turnaround at the 2025 League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Play-Ins, securing the No. 5 playoff seed with an improved performance that outshone their regular-season struggles. The Play-Ins, held Sept. 3–7 at LoL Park in Seoul, determined the final two postseason spots, with BNK FEARX and Dplus KIA advancing.

BNK FEARX, who finished second in the Rise Group during the regular season, defeated top Rise Group seed Dplus KIA and Legend Group fifth-place team Nongshim RedForce. Their tactical draft strategies and precise execution became the defining factors of their successful run.

The team’s series against Dplus KIA stretched to five games, featuring creative champion picks and standout individual performances. Rookie of the Year Nam “Diple” Dae-geun shined on Kai’Sa in Game 2, while Jeon “Raptor” Eo-jin’s Naafiri dominated Game 3. Despite dropping Game 4, BNK FEARX clinched the decisive Game 5 with flexible map play and targeted counterpicks.

2025 LCK Play-In Summary

The momentum carried into their match against Nongshim RedForce, where BNK FEARX secured a 3-1 victory. Strong team fighting and disciplined mid-to-late game decisions pushed them past a team that had previously ranked higher in the standings.

Dplus KIA, meanwhile, earned the sixth playoff seed after sweeping Nongshim RedForce 3-0 in the Play-In finale. The veteran squad weathered early setbacks but relied on experience to secure key objective fights and late-game comebacks. Mid laner Heo “ShowMaker” Su’s Orianna and Jeon “Siwoo” Si-woo’s Aurora played pivotal roles in the victory.

The Play-Ins also showcased the appeal of the Fearless Draft format in best-of-five series. Fans saw unconventional champion selections, including Morgana, Vayne, Olaf and even Mel, many of which had not appeared during the regular season. These creative drafts disrupted opponents’ strategies while highlighting the adaptability of both squads.

With BNK FEARX claiming the fifth seed and Dplus KIA taking the sixth, the LCK playoffs will feature fresh storylines and unpredictable strategies as the league’s top teams prepare for a best-of-five showdown.