Dplus KIA Faces T1 in LCK Playoffs Elimination Showdown

Dplus KIA and three-time Worlds champion T1 clashed in the LCK 2025 Playoffs’ lower bracket quarterfinal in Seoul today, with the victor earning the final Korean slot for Worlds 2025.

Dplus, fresh off a dominant 3-1 win over BNK FEARX in Round 1, looked to extend their Cinderella run, while T1 sought redemption after a 0-3 defeat to Hanwha Life Esports. This elimination series not only determined who stayed alive in the regional playoffs but also who kept hopes of a Worlds berth alive.

Match Overview

Format: Best-of-Five elimination
Stakes: Last remaining LCK spot at Worlds 2025
Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 08:00 UTC
Venue: LCK Arena, Seoul

Key Storylines

Dplus KIA’s journey from the Play-In to the lower bracket showcased their resilience, most recently sweeping Nongshim RedForce to advance.
T1’s storied history includes back-to-back World titles (2023, 2024), but their playoff struggles peaked with a 0-3 loss to HLE, forcing this must-win encounter.
Roster matchups to watch: ShowMaker vs. Faker in mid lane; BeryL’s engage potential against Keria’s play-making; jungle duels of Lucid and Oner.

What’s at Stake

Winner: Advances to Lower Semifinals, keeps Worlds qualification hopes alive
Loser: Season ends; misses out on Worlds 2025
Implications: Three Korean slots remain for Worlds in China this autumn; Gen.G, KT Rolster, and Hanwha Life have already qualified.

Remaining Bracket Path

Victorious team meets the loser of KT Rolster vs. BNK FEARX in the next lower bracket round.
The final three playoff survivors will clinch Korea’s World Championship berths.

The series promises high-stakes drama as two of LCK’s most recognized organizations battle for survival and a coveted ticket to the global stage.