T1 was eliminated from the LCK Cup by DK.

T1 has officially been eliminated from the LCK Cup.

The best-of-five series between Dplus KIA and T1 in Round 3 of the Lower Bracket of the LCK Cup 2026 concluded with a breathtaking scenario.

Dplus KIA staged a comeback to win 3-2 after being 0-2 down, thereby securing their place in Hong Kong for the loser's bracket final against BNK FEARX.

T1 started strongly. They won games 1 and 2 thanks to good teamfight control and precise objective execution. Oner and Faker constantly pressured the top half of the map. Peyz and Keria maintained the initiative in the bottom lane. After two games, T1 led 2-0 and held a significant advantage.

The turning point came in game 3. Dplus KIA was under pressure for most of the early and mid-game. At minute 29, they even lost Baron to T1.

However, DK counterattacked immediately afterward and secured several crucial kills. After acquiring the Infernal Dragon Soul, DK regained control of the game. At minute 38, they won a team fight in the bottom jungle and destroyed the Nexus, narrowing the score to 1-2.

DK's morale soared in game 4. T1 had the advantage as Oner accumulated many kills playing Zaheen. But at minute 26, during a Baron contest, DK took down Oner and turned the tide of the game. At minute 33, Lucid, playing Wukong, shone with a triple kill behind the Baron pit. DK wiped out T1's team and leveled the score to 2-2.

Game 5 saw DK take the initiative. Siwoo, playing Gwen, dominated the top lane, quickly taking down Doran twice. At minute 17, during the Earth Dragon fight, Siwoo secured a triple kill, creating a significant lead. DK continued to control the dragon and completed their three stacks.

T1 brother 1

DK player cries after coming from behind against T1.

The crucial moment came during the Baron contest. Lucid, playing Maokai, successfully stole the buff and pursued the retreating T1 team. This significant resource advantage allowed DK to push the bot lane. In the team fight at the bot lane's third turret, DK secured the decisive victory, ending the series after five games.

Lucid was named Player of the Match for his consistent performance and crucial plays in the final three games.

Dplus KIA completed an impressive reverse sweep, while T1 was eliminated after failing to maintain their advantage. With this victory, DK not only advanced to the loser's bracket finals against BFX but also secured the last LCK spot in the First Stand tournament held in Hong Kong.

As for T1, despite just winning the world championship, this is the second consecutive year they have failed to qualify for the First Stand since the tournament's inception in 2025.