Dplus KIA take revenge on KT Rolster, qualify for Worlds 2026 after dramatic LCK playoff run

Dplus KIA entered the LCK 2026 playoff rematch against KT Rolster with their backs against the wall. Just days earlier, they had lost 0-3 to the same opponent. But when Friday's series ended, ShowMaker's squad won 3-1 and became the next team to qualify for the 2026 World Championship. The throne is not handed over; it is stolen by the rebel's own feet. The result also pushed KT Rolster down to the Demacia Cup Global Invitational, a bracket for playoff losers. Before turning the match against KT into a perfect revenge, Dplus KIA had already made fans nervous by falling 0-2 behind BNK FEARX. They refused to collapse, won three straight games to save their season, and then moved on to the decisive clash with KT Rolster. KT Rolster controlled game one and won comfortably. In game two, Dplus KIA finally showed the composure of an Esports World Cup champion. The game lasted 42 minutes and stayed tense before DK found the right rhythm and pulled ahead. The biggest difference came in the draft phase: they repeatedly banned KT's favorite picks, leaving their opponent unable to execute a familiar style. From that point, the next three games mostly belonged to Dplus KIA. Following Dplus KIA's playoff matches closely, I was most impressed by the bot-lane duo. Sin "Smash" Geum-jae, MVP of the Esports World Cup final, remained the key spearhead. He created early advantages and applied huge pressure in team fights. Beside Smash, Oh "Career" Hyung-suk did not have the best game one, but he quickly regained confidence and combined effectively with his partner. This duo became the foundation that gave ShowMaker enough room to control the game. However, this is not the time for Dplus KIA to celebrate too early. They still start slowly in game one and rely heavily on the bottom lane. If a team at Worlds 2026 figures out Smash, will DK still have a strong Plan B? The brave are not those who predict correctly, but those who dare to be wrong before the crowd. The coaching staff must be willing to adjust before stepping onto the international stage. The good news is that Dplus KIA are back at Worlds after missing last season. Smash, Career and Jeon "Siwoo" Si-woo will attend their first World Championship. That is a fitting reward for their effort through the season. Yet their journey does not stop at a top-four ticket. To win the LCK 2026 title, DK need three more wins, starting with Sunday's clash against T1. The crowd is never wrong, but they always arrive late. For now, Dplus KIA are writing their own story.