Dplus KIA return to Worlds 2026: From a 0-3 loss to a 3-1 victory over KT Rolster

On Friday evening, Dplus KIA entered their decisive LCK playoff series against KT Rolster with doubts still fresh from a 0-3 loss only days earlier. The former Esports World Cup champion had just survived a reverse sweep against BNK FEARX, but the biggest question was whether they could beat the team that had humiliated them. Dplus KIA answered by winning the series 3-1, securing a top-four finish in the LCK and earning a spot at Worlds 2026. KT Rolster, meanwhile, was left with the Demacia Cup Global Invitational stage after failing to get past Dplus KIA in the playoffs. The victory carried extra meaning because Dplus KIA had suffered such a dominant loss to KT Rolster just before the rematch. Fans had every reason to worry, especially after Dplus KIA also fell 2-0 behind against BNK FEARX. Yet they managed to complete the reverse sweep before regrouping against KT Rolster. KT Rolster won Game 1 fairly comfortably, showing early control that worried many Dplus KIA supporters. However, Dplus KIA changed the momentum in Game 2, which lasted 42 minutes and was extremely tense. More importantly, Dplus KIA adjusted their pick and ban approach, limiting KT Rolster's favourite champions and leaving the opponent with very few ways to execute their usual game plan. Bottom laner Sin "Smash" Geum-jae continued his outstanding form, having already earned MVP honours at the Esports World Cup final. Support Oh "Career" Hyung-suk also recovered from a poor Game 1 and built better synergy with Smash in the following games. Jeon "Siwoo" Si-woo, together with Smash and Career, will attend Worlds for the first time in his career. Dplus KIA are back at the international stage after missing Worlds 2026. To win the LCK title, they need three more victories. Their next challenge is T1 on Sunday. ShowMaker and his teammates have proven their ability to handle pressure, but they must improve their opening games if they want to be considered serious title contenders this season.