Disclaimer: Predictions are based on opinion and should not be construed as betting advice. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Information cited is accurate as of January 13, 2026, and can shift at a moment’s notice.

Kicking off the year in style is the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Cup 2026. As the strongest region in history, eyes are always fixed on the Korean circuit, which is home to some of the best LoL players in the world.

As always, the excitement is palpable, with the historic events of Worlds 2025 still fresh on many fans’ minds, and roster shakeups adding a pinch of uncertainty. Here are our power rankings and expert LCK Cup 2026 predictions.

LCK Cup 2026 Power Rankings

The LCK Cup 2026 will determine which two teams represent the region at First Stand 2026. With a ton of pressure on their shoulders, the 10 best teams will duke it out at LoL PARK in Seoul, South Korea, from January 14 to March 1.

To create our power rankings, we conducted thorough research across several factors, including roster changes, matchup histories, and recent results from Worlds 2025 and the 2025 LoL KeSPA Cup. 

For well-balanced LCK Cup 2026 predictions, we took stock of the latest LoL betting odds. After all, odds reflect a bookmaker’s confidence in an outcome. We use decimal odds (Stake x Odds = Payout), but also provide American odds and the implied probability for your reference. 

T1 (#1)

As the back-to-back-to-back reigning world champions, T1 is an undeniable force in the LoL esports scene. Featuring the “Unkillable Demon King,” the one and only six-time World Champion, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, T1 has our pick as the top contender at LCK Cup 2026.

During the offseason, legendary botlaner Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung left T1 and joined Hanwha Life Esports. The organization added Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan as a replacement. While one might think losing Gumayusi would damage their momentum, the exact opposite occurred.

On December 14, fans watched as T1 won the 2025 LoL KeSPA Cup, their first LAN event following the 2025 World Championship, beating Hanwha Life Esports 3–2 in the Grand Final. The MVP of that Grand Final was none other than Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan. Let that sink in!

With odds priced at 3.25 (+225), T1 is second most likely to win the LCK Cup 2026, at an implied probability of 30.77%. Consider T1 lifting the trophy over Gen.G as our bold prediction.

While Gen.G’s KeSPA Cup run was impacted by the absence of two of its star players, we’ve still placed T1 as our top pick due to their strong early synergy and growing confidence that they can challenge (and potentially break) Gen.G’s domestic dominance this season.

Gen.G Esports (#2)

The star-studded roster of Gen.G features three players from our top 10 LoL player list, with #1 going to Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, while Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk ranks at #2, and Kim “Kiin” Gi-in at #7. On paper, Gen.G should win the LCK Cup 2026—and bookmakers seem to agree. 

Outright odds of 2.50 (+150) indicate there’s a 40.00% chance that Gen.G will win the entire event. Furthermore, in tournament head-to-head odds with T1, Gen.G pulls ahead with odds of 1.65 compared to T1’s 2.10, representing a 56.00% and 44.00% no-vig probability, respectively.

With odds clearly in their favor, it’s fair to ask why Gen.G didn’t take the top spot in our LCK Cup 2026 predictions. The answer is simple: At the most recent event, the 2025 LoL KeSPA Cup, T1 demonstrated stronger momentum competing against newly established heavyweights.

While they were two players down, Gen.G crashed out with a 0–4 record in the Group Stage, suffering losses to the newly established superteam Hanwha Life Esports, as well as Cloud9, Vietnam, and BNK FEARX. If they can shake off the embarrassment and bounce back, the sky’s the limit.

Hanwha Life Esports (#3)

With a recent 2nd-place finish at the 2025 LoL KeSPA Cup, Hanwha Life Esports is a top contender who might just claim a spot at First Stand 2026 ahead of either Gen.G or T1.

Odds of 7.50 (+650) indicate an implied probability of 13.33% that Hanwha Life Esports could lift the LCK 2026 Cup trophy. In the 2025 season, the squad secured a 2nd-place finish in the LCK before a major roster move during the offseason.

Hanwha Life Esports saw botlaner Park “Viper” Do-hyeon move to Bilibili Gaming. In Viper’s place, they picked up ex-T1 superstar and the Grand Final MVP of Worlds 2025, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung. The move sees the three-time world champion reunite with the illustrious Choi “Zeus” Woo-je.

If Hanwha Life Esports hits peak form at the LCK Cup 2026, they could win it all and barrel through the international competition at First Stand 2026. After all, they did manage to do exactly that at First Stand 2025, where they lifted the trophy by beating Karmine Corp 3–1 in the Grand Final.

KT Rolster (#4)

At the Worlds 2025 Playoffs Stage, KT Rolster demolished CTBC Flying Oyster 3–1 and sent Gen.G Esports packing with a convincing 3–1 score, all to face T1 in the Grand Final. KT Rolster ultimately lost 2–3 to T1’s incredible comeback.

Odds of 11.00 (+1000) put KT Rolster’s chances of winning the LCK Cup 2026 at a less-than-tangible 9.09%. Considering their performance at Worlds 2025, however, we think the odds slightly undervalue the team’s true potential.

During the offseason, KT Rolster added Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram and Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun. If these acquisitions turn out to be solid roster moves, there’s a chance KT Rolster could go all the way.

Dplus KIA (#5)

Dplus KIA was on the edge of greatness at the LCK 2025 Playoffs, narrowly losing to T1 and missing out on the final spot at Worlds 2025. While they finished 2nd at the 2025 Asia Invitational, the pain of missing out on the World Championship must have been heartbreaking.

If Dplus KIA can shake off past results, they definitely have the firepower to contend for a top-two spot. Odds of 13.00 (+1200) indicate that Dplus KIA is #5 at the LCK Cup 2026, and we agree. There’s a 7.69% chance that Dplus KIA could beat everyone to lift the trophy.

During the offseason, Dplus KIA made some roster changes, replacing Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram and Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee with Sin “Smash” Guem-jae and Oh “Career” Hyung-suk. The squad placed 3rd at the 2025 LoL KeSPA Cup in their first outing, which inspires confidence.

Bottom Five LCK Cup 2026 Betting Predictions

While upsets could occur, there’s only a small chance that one of the bottom five LCK Cup 2026 teams in our power rankings could make it to First Stand. Check out our top five predictions below, including the chances of success based on outright tournament winner odds.

• BNK FEARX (#6) – 6.67%
• Nongshim RedForce (#7) – 5.00%
• DRX (#8) – 3.33%
• DN SOOPers (#9) – 2.50%
• HANJIN BRION (#10) – 2.00%

FAQs

Who Are The Favorites To Win LCK Cup 2026?

Outright odds of 2.50 (+150) and 40.00% implied probability suggest that Gen.G Esports are the clear favorites to win LCK Cup 2026. However, we predict that T1 will take the top spot (30.77% implied probability) due to their strong early momentum.

How Are These LCK Cup 2026 Power Rankings Decided?

To inform our LCK Cup 2026 power rankings, we used the latest bookmaker odds and their implied probabilities, along with other factors such as roster changes and recent results.

Where Can I Watch The LCK Cup 2026?

LoL esports fans can tune in to the official LCK Twitch and LCK Global YouTube channels to watch all the action live.

What Is The LCK Cup 2026 Schedule?

LCK Cup 2026 runs from January 14 to March 1, with live play on LAN at the LoL Park venue.

Who Are The LCK Cup 2026 Underdogs?

With only a 2.00% chance of lifting the trophy, HANJIN BRION are the underdogs, closely followed by DN SOOPers, who have a 2.50% chance of winning.

References

1. T1 LoL on X (X)
2. Hanwha Life Esports on X (X)
3. ktrolstagram (Instagram)
4. Dplus Kia on X (X)
5. LCK (Twitch)
6. KT vs DNS – DK vs BRO | 2026 LCK CUP (YouTube)