DWG KIA is the clear favorite for the 2021 LCK Spring playoffs

The LCK championship trophy awaits its next claimant, with defending champions DWG KIA positioned as strong frontrunners to retain their crown.

Following ten grueling weeks of regular season competition, the league’s six most accomplished squads advance to the postseason bracket. This championship tournament promises intense matchups, though DWG KIA’s commanding form establishes them as clear favorites. The reigning LCK and world champions have demonstrated exceptional form throughout the split, maintaining impressive statistics across all performance metrics. Organizations including Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, and T1 aim to accomplish the improbable by dethroning DWG KIA, though their chances appear limited given the champions’ current dominance.

[2021 #LCK Spring Split Final Standings]

Here are the final standings for the 2021 LCK Spring Split! We will be back for the first round of playoffs on Wednesday, March 31st! pic.twitter.com/dCcMVTm6RU

— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) March 28, 2021

As postseason action commences this week, here’s your comprehensive tournament preview and contender evaluation.

Six elite squads earned qualification for the LCK Spring Split championship bracket, with DWG KIA securing the premier first seed position. DWG KIA clinched their playoff berth with multiple regular season weeks remaining, while Nongshim RedForce battled through the final match days to exclude KT Rolster and Liiv SANDBOX from postseason contention. Ultimately, NS RedForce captured the final playoff slot during their inaugural LCK competitive season.

The 2021 LCK Spring Split playoff contenders include:

• DWG KIA
• Gen.G
• Hanwha Life Esports
• T1
• DRX
• Nongshim RedForce

Significant competitive disparities exist among most playoff participants, though best-of-five series historically produce unexpected outcomes. NS RedForce and DRX enter the championship bracket as perceived underdogs, making their potential deep tournament runs particularly intriguing. To advance, they must defeat Hanwha Life Esports and T1 respectively in their opening matches.

Today’s #LCK matches are two that you won’t want to miss… or maybe you’ll want to watch again ????????

Watch via FULL VODs on the LCK Global Youtube!
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— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) March 28, 2021

The 2021 postseason introduces a substantially revised competitive format. Historically, LCK playoffs utilized a king-of-the-hill structure where organizations received seeding placements according to regular season achievements. This season, the league adopts a more conventional single-elimination bracket commencing with quarterfinal rounds. Teams again receive seeding based on regular split performance, with DWG KIA and Gen.G earning direct advancement to the semifinal stage.

This structural advantage permits DWG KIA and Gen.G to claim the championship with merely two best-of-five victories, whereas remaining contenders must secure three consecutive series wins. The tournament champion earns the LCK representative slot at the Mid-Season Invitational in Iceland, scheduled for May commencement.

Strategic consideration: The revised format significantly rewards regular season excellence by providing top teams with bracket advantages and reduced match requirements. Organizations advancing from quarterfinals face the additional challenge of consecutive series without extended preparation periods, creating potential fatigue disadvantages against well-rested higher seeds.

Unlike numerous international leagues, the LCK features an undisputed championship favorite in DWG KIA. Following their 2020 World Championship triumph, DWG KIA has sustained competitive supremacy within the Korean league. Their astonishing 16-2 regular season record suggests potential for claiming the trophy while conceding minimal games. Throughout this competitive split, DWG KIA has dropped merely 10 games from 43 total played. This represents five fewer losses than Gen.G, who maintain the league’s second-best competitive record.

During regular season competition, DWG KIA suffered a series defeat against Fredit BRION in what potentially constitutes this year’s most significant upset. The organization treated the loss with appropriate seriousness and demonstrated consistent performance until week 9 when Gen.G secured a 2-1 victory. During this encounter, DWG KIA had already guaranteed first seed playoff positioning and potentially competed with reduced intensity.

Within the playoff environment, identifying potential challengers capable of defeating them proves difficult. The initial possible threat emerges from either NS RedForce or Hanwha Life Esports. Projections indicate Hanwha Life Esports will ultimately face DWG KIA in semifinal matches, though their victory prospects appear limited. During regular split competition, Hanwha Life Esports secured only one game victory against DWG KIA from five encounters.

The primary competition for DWG KIA likely originates from the bracket’s opposite side in either Gen.G or T1. Both squads concluded regular season play with positive momentum and possess championship experience against elite global competition during critical moments. The most probable challenger remains Gen.G, who previously defeated DWG KIA this split, though never discount Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and the remaining T1 roster members.

Professional analysis suggests DWG KIA’s map control strategies and objective prioritization create nearly insurmountable advantages. Their early-game proactivity and mid-game teamfighting coordination have consistently overwhelmed opponents throughout the season.

The 2021 LCK Spring Split championship tournament commences March 31 featuring Hanwha Life Esports versus NS RedForce. This opening series precedes the subsequent quarterfinal confrontation between T1 and DRX the following day. Semifinal matches occur April 3 and 4, culminating with the championship final scheduled for April 10.

Viewing recommendation: For optimal spectator experience, focus on draft phase strategies and early jungle pathing decisions, as these elements frequently determine series outcomes in high-level Korean competition.

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