The LCK team is facing “reflected damage” due to its own strength
During the LCK Cup 2026 and then the First Stand 2026, BNK played with incredible zeal and surprised the League of Legends community. This team, which consists of young players with the oldest being Support Kellin at just 25 years old, has truly overwhelmed its opponents with youthful energy and a penchant for aggressive play. However, as the dream fades, BNK has been brought back down to earth.
At this moment, the very factor that once helped BNK rise above its opponents – its youthful energy – has become a critical weakness. As matches are now being played at a slower pace, teams are maintaining their positions and top teams are controlling the rhythm of the game better, BNK’s extreme fighting capability is not benefiting them. Perhaps only when the opponents are also continuously caught up in skirmishes, like in BNK’s second loss against HLE, does “Golden Fox” have a chance.
However, clearly, right after that match, HLE returned to a dominant control playstyle from start to finish, and BNK faced defeat. This marks BNK’s third consecutive loss since the 2026 Regular Seasons began, dropping them to the bottom of the standings. Worse yet, this result stems from their continued adherence to the playstyle that helped BNK rise impressively in the LCK Cup while other teams have clearly adapted.
The LCK season is still long and there is still hope for BNK
In the last match of week 2, BNK will face DNS – a team that is not doing much better than them, and this is a good opportunity for the “Golden Fox” to bounce back. A victory at this moment would be a great “medicine” to heal BNK, at least for the psychology of the young stars to return to the familiar feeling of winning.