The LCK returns in 2026, with the same format. Many rosters have shifted, but expectations are higher than ever. The LCK is on a six-game international tournament winning streak. Despite the roster changes, many expect the Korean teams to increase that number to nine. In 2026, Gumayusi will participate on a different roster for the first time in his professional career. It is also the second consecutive year that T1 will have lost a member of the ZOFGK roster.
BRION was a surprise package last year. They managed to win against the odds, but also lost games they should have won. Coming into 2026, they have a different roster and sponsor. Can they finally break into the upper echelon of the LCK?
Roster
Dplus KIA had a disappointing ending to the LCK in 2025. They fell at the final hurdle to eventual World Champions T1. In 2026, they brought in a young botlane, making it the youngest LCK roster.
Roster
DRX narrowly missed out on the Play-In stage last year. They have kept some members of the roster. Will they be able to break into the top eight in 2026?
Roster
FearX lost their Head Coach to GenG Esports during the offseason. As a team that broke into the top six, can they maintain that form under new leadership?
Roster
DN SOOPers, formerly DN Freecs, had a tumultuous year. For a vast majority of the season, they were the worst team in the LCK. They enter 2026 with two World Championship finalists.
Roster
Despite their loss to KT Rolster in the World Championship Semi-Final, GenG’s roster remains unchanged. They enter 2026 as the Korean favorites, but will need to be at the top of their game to see off opposition.
Roster
HLE won First Stand, but failed to reach those highs for the remainder of the year. Missing out on MSI and losing in the Quarterfinals at Worlds is not ideal. For 2026, they have brought in 3-time World Champion Gumayusi from T1 to replace Viper.
Roster
KT Rolster were one game away from shocking the world. They nearly stopped the T1 train, earning Bdd a well-earned trophy. However, it was not meant to be. For 2026, they have kept their topside but replaced the bot duo.
Roster
Nongshim Redforce: Hoping to Avoid the Legend Group Disappointment
NS were challenging the top four of the LCK for half of the year. After being battered in the Legend Group, their confidence fell, and they missed out on the Playoffs. In 2026, they are looking to right those wrongs with former T1 midlaner, Scout, on the roster.
Roster
T1 managed to secure a third consecutive World Championship in 2025. They have since lost bot laner, Gumayusi. Peyz replaced him in the off-season, signing a multi-year contract as T1 aims to lift an LCK title for the first time since 2022.
Roster
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!