Dplus KIA secure a 2026 Worlds berth after a 3-1 playoff comeback against KT Rolster

Dplus KIA secured a 3-1 victory over KT Rolster in the LCK 2026 Playoffs on Friday, earning a spot in the top four and a direct ticket to Worlds 2026. KT Rolster, on the other hand, were pushed down to the Demacia Cup Global Invitational. Only days earlier, Dplus KIA had lost 0-3 to KT Rolster, sparking doubts despite their Esports World Cup triumph. Before the rematch, Dplus KIA also faced a near-elimination when BNK FEARX took a 2-0 lead. Dplus KIA staged a reverse sweep, then carried that momentum into the clash against KT Rolster. KT Rolster won Game 1 comfortably, but Dplus KIA responded in Game 2 by winning a tense 42-minute battle. Strong draft preparation allowed Dplus KIA to deny KT Rolster their preferred champions and control the pace from the second game onward. Bottom laner Sin "Smash" Geum-jae was the standout performer, while support Oh "Career" Hyung-suk recovered after a weak opening game. Together, the bottom lane became Dplus KIA's main source of strength. The victory sends Dplus KIA back to Worlds after missing the 2026 tournament. Smash, Career, and Jeon "Siwoo" Si-woo will attend Worlds for the first time. Dplus KIA still need three more wins to win the LCK title. Their next challenge is T1 on Sunday.