T1 has secured their spot at the KSPO Dome. On the 6th, T1 defeated Dplus KIA 3-1 in the 2026 LCK Playoffs Lower Bracket Round 3 held at Chzzk LoL Park. Following the match, interim head coach Im "Tom" Jae-hyeon and Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon attended the press conference.
Interim head coach Tom emphasized the quality of the win. "The players did well overall, and it's encouraging for the team that we won using a pattern different from our usual one," he said. Doran shared both satisfaction and remaining homework. While expressing satisfaction that the team can now look toward higher goals, he noted, "Looking at it dispassionately, there were areas where we fell short, so we need to refine those in the remaining time."
The analysis of their opponents focused on Dplus KIA's jungle pathing and map play. Coach Tom explained, "We were well aware that Lucid plays in a way that leaves the top side relatively unattended while heavily investing in the bot side. Hyeon-joon was aware of that as well, so he targeted that effectively."
Regarding the draft decision in Game 1 to split Cassiopeia and Lucian, he stated that they had calculated the opponent's composition beforehand. Coach Tom viewed that they had plenty of options to counter the Lucian-Milio composition, and considered Cassiopeia a strong champion that even drew bans in subsequent games following the initial performance.
The opponent's mid laner served as the benchmark for ban decisions in the subsequent games as well. Regarding Syndra, Coach Tom said, "Initially, we banned it to set up the matchup we wanted, but as the set progressed and many mid champions were taken off the board, we felt there was no reason to give ShowMaker a champion he plays so well and enjoys." He added that the Camille ban was intended to create a favorable matchup in the bot lane.
When asked about the background behind his improved performance in the playoffs, Doran did not point to any specific turning point. "With little of the season left and every match being crucial, I focused more on locking in my mindset and preparing," he answered.
They also reviewed key decisive moments in the match. Reflecting on his decision to Flash forward during the Elder Dragon fight in Game 1, Doran said, "I felt that whoever held dragon priority would have the advantage, so it was a split-second decision to push back the opponent's formation." While acknowledging that the play could have turned out poorly, he added, "We won because my teammates cleaned up the play so well."
Their focus has already shifted to the rematch against Hanwha Life Esports. Coach Tom noted that while the team is on an upward trajectory, there are still areas to improve, predicting that they can win if they refine their early-game phase and mid-to-late-game macro. Doran said, "Since we suffered a disappointing loss in the previous match, I believe we can definitely win if we face them again," emphasizing that he would focus on turning their strengths into even greater assets rather than making grand preparations.
The evaluation of jungle Cho'Gath was also brought up. Coach Tom noted that if dragon fights lean toward securing objectives quickly, Cho'Gath can comfortably stack and snowball, revealing that the team has been practicing it sufficiently.
In his closing remarks, Coach Tom referenced their previous comeback loss against Hanwha Life Esports, stating, "We will prepare thoroughly so that this time we definitely win, reach the finals, and go all the way to win the championship." Doran stated that he would manage his condition well to showcase a strong performance next weekend.
With this victory, T1 secured the 3rd seed for the 2026 World Championship.
