T1 Esports Academy has advanced to the grand final of the 2026 LCK Challengers League (LCK CL) kickoff playoffs.

Entering the kickoff playoffs as the 6th seed on the 9th, T1 has been on a winning streak to reach the finals. Nongshim RedForce, having lost in the winner's bracket, has dropped to the loser's bracket round 4 final, where they will compete for a spot in the grand final. Meanwhile, KT Rolster and DRX remain in the championship race.

On the 26th, KT Rolster and DRX faced off in the loser's bracket round 3. KT Rolster had earned a direct pass to the playoffs round 2, but dropped to the loser's bracket after a loss to T1 on the 23rd. DRX, after a loss in the playoffs round 1, fought their way through the loser's bracket by defeating Hanwha Life Esports and DN Supers with 3-2 scorelines. Notably, they achieved a 'reverse sweep' against DN Supers, proving their late-game resilience.

The final team to reach the grand final will be decided in the loser's bracket round 4 final on March 2nd at 5:00 PM. The winner of the loser's bracket round 3 will face Nongshim RedForce for a spot in the final. The 2026 LCK CL kickoff final will be held on March 3rd at 5:00 PM at WDG Studio Hongdae. The winning team will receive a prize of 15,000,000 KRW, and the final MVP will be awarded 1,000,000 KRW.

Tickets for on-site viewing can be purchased via Ticketlink starting 24 hours before the match, and can be issued at the venue kiosks. Tickets are priced at 15,000 KRW per seat, with a limit of 4 tickets per person.