Introduction: The S16 season has officially started, and the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent confrontations, where the LCK region’s matches have been fiercely competitive. As Super Week commenced, the most thrilling BO5 battles in LCK began. In the opening round, the Ancient Dragon team took the lead with DRX beating BRO 3-2, earning two points first. The highly anticipated Korean server player AI lost all his matches this time and is likely to be eliminated. After the matches, mid-laner Faker was completely convinced and publicly questioned the format during his livestream, suggesting the Dragon group is doomed—do they really have to start from the play-ins?

Faker publicly challenges the LCK tournament format

Most fans are quite familiar with the LCK region, widely recognized as a top-tier league worldwide. Over the past two years, LCK’s overall development has been rapid, with outstanding achievements that have firmly established it as the number one region globally. The first split of these two years saw many adjustments to maximize the competition’s playability. This season introduced Super Week matchups, where teams from two groups compete against each other, and advancement to the playoffs depends on point advantages. Initially, there was great anticipation for this format, but as the matches progressed, some issues became apparent— even the undefeated 5-0 T1 team might have to compete in the play-ins.

In the first round, DRX from the Ancient Dragon team defeated BRO from the Great Dragon team 3-2, taking the first two points. Previously, both teams were tied at 10-10 in points, making these five games critical—whichever team wins three matches will be the ultimate winner’s bracket team. BRO’s overall performance has fluctuated significantly. Their mid-laner, the once very popular Korean server AI, shows decent mechanical skills in mid-lane fights, but there remains a gap compared to top-tier teams. The main weakness lies in their AD carry and jungler, especially AD carry Teddy, whose performance has been consistently poor in every match.

After the match, Faker lost his composure during his livestream and openly stated that the Dragon group seems doomed, casting doubt on whether this format is fair. Does losing mean starting from the play-ins? This was essentially a public call-out to the LCK officials. Indeed, if a team with a 5-0 record still has to play in the play-ins, the system does feel awkward. Presumably, the organizers didn’t expect such an outcome initially. If T1 really has to play the play-ins, it would certainly make for dramatic entertainment.

The upcoming Super Week still has four matches: BFX vs. DNX, NS vs. KT, T1 vs. DK, and HLE vs. GEN. Currently, the first two matches are crucial, especially the battle between NS and KT, which will likely determine the final direction of the competition. Although KT’s recent form has been unstable, they are the world runner-up team and still formidable in BO5 series. If they win the first two matches, T1 will face no pressure. Given HLE’s current poor form against GEN, they will likely have to accept playing in the play-ins.

Farewell thoughts

Who would have thought Faker would be unhappy with the LCK format? Achieving a perfect record yet still having to play in the play-ins—any normal player wouldn’t be pleased. It can only be said that the LCK officials are very good at creating drama. Now, all eyes are on NS’s performance; if they win, T1 will likely advance to the winner’s bracket, and HLE will probably be the team eliminated.

Dear viewers, what are your thoughts on this matter?