A few hours ago, DWG KIA defeated Liiv SANDBOX in a match during the 10th week of LCK Summer 2021. This match was also the final game for both teams before officially entering the playoffs.
The match ended with a total score of 2-0 in favor of DK. The victory over LSB not only solidified DK’s position as second place after the group stage of LCK Summer 2021, but with that position, they also became the next team to follow Rogue and officially secure a spot at Worlds 2021, which will take place in China.
Based on the selection format for representatives attending Worlds 2021 from the LCK region, we can understand that DK has secured a spot even though the playoffs have not yet begun due to Championship Points. In Spring 2021, they won the championship and accumulated 90 points, and in Summer, as of now, DK has added another 50 Championship Points. With a total of 140 points, DK has the highest Championship Points among the 10 teams in the LCK currently.
Another factor that helped DK secure their spot early is the King of the Hill format for the regional qualifiers. This means that even if they cannot win the LCK Summer or even reach the finals of the playoffs, DK will still achieve at least the fourth seed from the LCK region, as securing fourth place in the playoffs would directly lead them to the finals of the regional qualifiers.
Thus, according to regulations, the team that wins the LCK Summer 2021 and the team with the highest Championship Points will secure a direct ticket to Worlds, DK has completed the necessary requirement to defend their title as the reigning World Champion.
Aside from Ghost, who joined in 2020, and Nuguri, who has moved to FunPlus Phoenix, the current names of DK, including Khan, Canyon, ShowMaker, and BeryL, will be participating in Worlds for the third time. For the trio of Canyon, ShowMaker, and BeryL, this will be their third consecutive appearance at the highest level of the League of Legends world championship.
The current DK roster can be considered quite comprehensive, combining both experience and skill. Even with Ghost, this will be his second consecutive time at Worlds, and the other names are well familiar with this tournament and their skill level is unquestionable.
Regarding LCK Summer 2021, DK, like all 6 teams, still has a chance to compete for the championship. The spot at Worlds 2021 will be a battle not only for those who make the playoffs but also DRX and HLE still have a chance to compete thanks to Championship Points. Therefore, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges, and any mistake could come at a high cost.