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LCK Cup Playoffs 2026: Bracket, Schedule, Format, and More
It has been a hectic Group Stage at this year's LCK Cup, one that included the elimination of Hanwha Life's new superteam sooner than anyone would have expected. After Group Baron claimed the win over Group Elder, the time has come to up the stakes as the 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs kick off this Thursday, February 12.
With just two First Stand spots on the line, let's take a look at everything there is to know about the 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs.
Format and Teams
The 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs is made up of six teams: Gen.G, T1, BNK FEARX, Dplus KIA, DRX, and DN SOOPers. These teams will battle for the first LCK trophy of the year through the following format:
- Double-elimination bracket
- Gen.G and T1 receive a bye into Round 2
- All matches are Bo5
- Top 2 teams qualify for First Stand 2026 in Brazil
LCK Cup Playoffs Schedule
The 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs starts this Thursday, February 12. The complete schedule will look as follows:
- Week 1: Games on February 12/13/14/15
- Week 2: Games on February 19/20/21/22
- Lower Bracket Finals: Saturday, February 18
- Grand Finals: Sunday, March 1
- All matches start at 9 am CET/7 pm KST
Opening Matchups
To kick off the action, the two opening matchups will decide which two teams move on to battle the titans of Gen.G and T1 in the Upper Bracket. The 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs opening matchups are:
- BNK FEARX vs DN SOOPers [Thursday, February 12 - 9 am CET]
- Dplus KIA vs DRX [Friday, February 13 - 9 am CET]
Where to Watch
To find out which two teams will reprensent the LCK at First Stand 2026, make sure to tune in to the official LCK Cup Playoffs broadcast on Twitch and YouTube.
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Featured image credit: LCK/Riot Games
Read more:
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Hanwha Life Esports To Miss First Stand; Eliminated from LCK Cup 2026