The opening showmatch of the new LCK season will have several unfortunate absences
As is tradition each year, the LCK will hold a showmatch featuring 5 teams corresponding to the 5 positions in a professional LoL team. Naturally, the players from each team will be those who play in the respective positions.
Typically, this match is meant to be entertaining and allows players to “warm up” lightly before the new season starts. However, this year’s showmatch titled LCK Opening will have some disappointing absences, notably Gumayusi and Bdd.
According to the new rules of the LCK, teams can only select a maximum of 2 players, and the team that has a player chosen as captain can select a third player. In summary, only the player who is captain does not count against the slot. Therefore, T1 is the only team with a full lineup, as 3 out of 5 members including Faker, Oner, and Keri have been chosen as captains.
Meanwhile, with Zeus as captain and Kanavi along with Delight selected, Gumayusi and Zeka must sit out. This marks the second consecutive year Zeka will not participate in the LCK Opening. However, Gumayusi’s absence is even more regrettable as he is currently one of the most watched players in the LCK. Additionally, many fans were looking forward to him becoming teammates with both Peyz and Smash in a match, which is now a disappointment.
As for Bdd, the reason is similar to Gumayusi’s, as the two players selected were Cuzz and Ghost. Canyon is in the same situation, with Chovy and Kiin already called up while Ruler serves as captain. These are perhaps the most regrettable absences for the upcoming LCK Opening 2026.
Just a few days left until LCK officially kicks off
Perhaps, the 2026 season will be one of the years that the LCK is particularly focused on due to numerous changes in the transfer market. And as with every year, the results of the LCK will have significant impacts on the global professional LoL scene.