LCK Cup 2026: Groups, Schedule, Format, and More

8 Jan

Martin Arévalo-Östberg

With T1's victory at Worlds 2025, the LCK won all three international tournaments the past year. Now, a new season is about to begin, and South Korea looks ready to defend their crown. But first, all ten LCK teams must compete in the LCK Cup 2026 to decide which two teams will represent the region at this year's First Stand.

Additionally, teams will be able to trial the new Coach Voice feature throughouth the tournament, adding more hype to an already exciting return to action. The stage is set, and it's time to take a look at everything there is to know about the LCK Cup 2026.

LCK Cup Groups

To start the tournament, teams will be split into two groups of five for the course of the Group Stage. These groups will be:

Group Baron

Group Elder

LCK Cup 2026 Groups

Format

The LCK Cup 2026 will follow the same format used in last year's event. This means that the tournament will take place across three phases: the Group Stage, the Play-In Stage, and the Playoffs. Each of these stages will work as follows:

Group Stage:

Two groups of five teams
Teams play against each member of the opposing group once
The group with the most wins will be dubbed the Winners Group
- The other group will be the Losers Group
Top two teams from the Winners Group and the top team from the Losers Group qualify directly to the playoffs
Last place team from the Losers Group is eliminated from the tournament
Matches are Bo3, except during "Super Week" (Bo5)
Coaches will be able to use Coach Voice

Play-In Stage:

Bottom three teams from the Winners Group and 2nd to 4th place teams from the Losers Group compete for three remaining spots in the playoffs
Matches are Bo3, except for the final qualification match, which is Bo5

Playoffs:

Double-elimination bracket
All matches are Bo5
Top two teams qualify to First Stand 2026

Schedule

The LCK Cup 2026 kicks off on Wednesday, January 14, and will run into the champions are crowned on March 1. Here's a closer look at the schedule for every stage of the tournament:

Group Stage: January 14-February 1
Play-In Stage: February 6-February 8
Playoffs: February 12-March 1

*Note that all matchdays will begin at 12 am PT/9 am CET/7 pm KST.

The schedule and matchups for the Group Stage are already set, and some stellar games await!

LCK Cup 2026 schedule

Where to Watch the LCK Cup 2026

Make sure you don't miss out on the return of LCK action by tuning into the official LCK channels on Twitch and YouTube, starting Wednesday, January 14!

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's channel on YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: LCK

Faker Makes History as First Esports Player to Receive South Korea's Highest Sports Honor

LCK and LCP to Trial New "Coach Voice": What this Means for LoL Esports