The anticipation is building for the 2026 LCK season as teams unveil both familiar faces and exciting new line-ups. Notably, T1, the reigning League of Legends World Champions in 2025, have undergone significant changes. This year promises dynamic shifts across the board as teams vie for supremacy in one of esports’ most competitive leagues.
The Changing Tides of LCK
The departure of Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyeong from T1, despite their championship win, has opened opportunities for rising talent. Kim ‘Peyz’ Su-hwan returns to the LCK, poised to make an impact. Meanwhile, KT Rolster has revamped its roster after parting ways with its Worlds 2025 finalist bot laner. **Gen.G is ready to compete again, and the influx of Korean LPL players could shake up the league.**
OKSavingsBank BRION Reshuffles
Finishing 8th last season, BRION opts for a fresh start by signing former FlyQuest and DRX Head Coach Kim ‘SSONG’ Sang-soo until 2027. New additions include Park ‘Teddy’ Jin-seong, and a mix of LCK Challengers and Academy talent, aiming to climb the ranks.
Dplus Kia’s New Beginning
Former world champions, Dplus Kia, are looking to rebound after missing out on the biggest stage in 2025. Changes in the bot lane bring Sin ‘Smash’ Guem-jae and Oh ‘Career’ Hyung-suk onboard. In addition, Kim ‘cvMax’ Dae-ho steps up as Head Coach, bringing hope for a successful 2026.
When Does the LCK 2026 Season Start?
The LCK 2026 season kicks off in January with the LCK Cup, leading to the First Stand in Brazil. Teams are also preparing for the upcoming KeSPA Cup 2025 in December, which will feature international competition from LCS teams like Team Liquid and Cloud9. This season promises to be a thrilling test of strategies and skills as every team aims for the top.