Gen.G and BNK FearX have secured the first two berths to Hong Kong following the opening week of the 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs, setting the stage for a tense race for the final remaining spot. Their victories over Dplus KIA and T1 pushed both teams into Winners’ Bracket Round 3, guaranteeing their place at the upcoming Finals Qualifier.

Week 1 delivered a string of full-distance series, beginning with BNK FearX’s narrow win over play-in breakthrough squad DN Supers. Despite DN Supers opening strong behind a Game 1 pentakill from bot laner Deokdam, BNK FearX regained control by Game 2, led by standout jungle play from Raptor. In the other Round 1 matchup, DRX pushed Dplus KIA to five games in a rematch of their Play-In meeting before ultimately falling short.

Gen.G’s path to Hong Kong continued on Saturday, where the team defeated Dplus KIA 3–1. Mid laner Chovy’s key pick onto ShowMaker swung momentum in Game 4, extending Gen.G’s long-running dominance in the matchup. BNK FearX followed with the weekend’s biggest upset, sweeping past T1 in a series few analysts expected them to win. Strong performances from jungler Raptor, bot laner Diable, and support Kellin anchored the victory.

2026 LCK Cup Playoffs Week 1 Overview and Week 2 Preview

Only one ticket to Hong Kong remains as Week 2 begins on Thursday. DN Supers and DRX will open the elimination gauntlet, with the winner advancing to face Dplus KIA. The survivor of that match will challenge T1 on Sunday for the final berth.

Despite T1’s stumble in Week 1, the team enters the gauntlet as the favorite, backed by a perfect 5–0 Group Stage and prior wins over both DRX and Dplus KIA. Still, BNK FearX’s earlier Group Stage victory over T1 offers a reminder that upsets remain very much in play.

The Winners’ Bracket clash between Gen.G and BNK FearX on Saturday will determine which team advances directly to the Grand Final. The Finals Qualifier and Grand Final will take place Feb. 28–March 1 at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Arena.