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.