In the first split of the LCK playoffs, the winners' bracket final is about to begin. On the previous match day, the losers' bracket saw DK face DNS. After just four games, DK eliminated the dark horse DNS. DK’s preseason performance has indeed been impressive. After Xu Ge figured out his role, he focused on aggressively farming early, holding his lane without being broken, then letting the top laner and AD carry shine in teamfights to secure the win.

Smash, who left T1, had a standout performance in this BO5, dominating his lane against DD, finishing the four games with a spectacular 30-6-12 combined score and earning the series MVP. The only player on DK who still needs to improve is jungler Lucid. Throughout the match, he was a liability, not only playing poorly but also showing off. Even with an advantage, he often made mistakes that gave the opponents openings.

With DNS eliminated, only four teams remain in the LCK playoffs: GEN and BFX in the winners' bracket, and DK and T1 in the losers' bracket. These two BO5 series don’t seem very suspenseful. GEN, the domestic powerhouse, is nearly unbeatable in the league. Although BFX is a dark horse, their chances of beating GEN are slim. Unless something unexpected happens, BFX will likely drop to the losers' bracket to face the winner of DK vs. T1 for a spot in the finals.

In the match between DK and T1, T1 has a higher chance to win. After suffering a heavy defeat to BFX before the new year, both players and coaches reflected deeply and have been training at the base without going home for the Lunar New Year. If T1 can perform at their peak, DK might not even win a single game. However, Smash is confident. In a post-match interview, he said: “Facing four former teammates excites me, and I’m very eager to win.”

Sama wants to beat his old team to prove himself, but one player on the squad is already intimidated before the match. Lucid said in an interview: “T1’s players have very impressive career records, so subconsciously we feel a bit intimidated. We’re not friends, so why be scared before the game even starts?” He added: “As long as we don’t get nervous and play our own game, we can definitely challenge T1.”

When facing a team like T1, the biggest mistake is to be timid. Taking an early lead and then trying to slowly snowball can give the opponent chances. T1 excels at seizing opportunities, so a slow pace won’t work. T1 has never been afraid of anyone when it comes to macro play. To beat them, you need to strike fast and decisively, taking the lead and not giving them any breathing room to fight back.

DK’s raw strength is somewhat behind T1’s. If the jungler’s form doesn’t improve, he will likely be dominated by DaO. In mid lane, Xu Ge faces old rival Old Lee, and both veterans have different current forms. It’s unlikely Xu Ge will gain an advantage over Old Lee. The key battles will probably be in the top and bottom lanes. The matchup between Doran and Siwoo is expected to be even, but the crucial question is whether Peyz can regain his form in the bot lane.

Smash and Career are solid in lane, but Keria’s individual skill is outstanding. Unless Peyz performs very poorly, the bottom lane is unlikely to collapse. Lucid needs to focus on supporting the bottom lane because if they gain an advantage, DK has a chance to win. Sama’s carry ability is unquestionable, but if mid and jungle fall apart, it will be hard for the bot lane to carry. DK needs all their lanes firing on all cylinders to have a shot.

Conclusion:

T1 is prone to upsets within the league. If DK’s entire roster is in top form, they do have a chance. However, Xu Ge is only the second mid laner after BDD to consistently feed Old Lee, so the mid lane matchup might be a disadvantage. Plus, with someone on the team already intimidated before the match, honestly, DK’s odds of winning aren’t very high.

So, what do you think? Can Xu Ge’s head break through Old Lee’s shoe sole?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!