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NS RedForce and DRX Clash in LCK Cup Showdown

By Onivia Editorial

TL;DR

NS RedForce and DRX faced off in a high-stakes matchup during the LCK Cup 2026. With both teams eyeing a strong start in this tournament, the series showed the depth of talent on both rosters. The outcome could signal shifts in momentum ahead of the regular LCK season.

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NS RedForce and DRX met head-to-head in a key series during the LCK Cup 2026. As both organizations looked to assert dominance early in the year, this clash provided an early glimpse into their potential trajectories for the upcoming season. NS RedForce, known for their strategic play and calculated drafts, presented a significant challenge for DRX’s roster, which boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.

DRX entered the tournament with a spotlight on their mid laner, famed for his ability to turn games with precision and flair. Paired with a savvy jungler known for aggressive plays, their synergy was a focal point of pre-match analysis. Fans and analysts were eager to see how these dynamics would manifest against NS RedForce’s robust lineup.

On the other side, NS RedForce was banking on their bot lane duo, acclaimed for their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s top laner, frequently a reliable force in the LCK, was another key player to watch as he faced off against DRX’s own top-side star.

This encounter held significant weight, not only as a precursor to the LCK regular season but also for its implications in the broader competitive scene. Both teams were intent on making a statement, showcasing their adaptations and strategies honed during the off-season.

While the LCK Cup does not have direct impact on the league standings, it serves as a critical platform for teams to test their strength against high-caliber opponents. For NS RedForce and DRX, it was more than just a preparation phase; it was an opportunity to build confidence and set the tone for the challenges ahead.

This series was a rich narrative of two teams looking to cement their status in the LCK, setting the stage for an exciting season. As the matches concluded, all eyes were on how this performance would influence their strategies and morale moving forward into the 2026 LCK season.

Series result

DRX

DRX

2 - 1

DRX win

NS

NS

Picks & Bans

3 games
DRX logo

DRX

blue side
Picks
 
Ryze
Ryze
 
Vi
Vi
 
Kai'Sa
Kai'Sa
 
Neeko
Neeko
 
Gnar
Gnar
Bans
Rumble
Rumble
Orianna
Orianna
Pantheon
Pantheon
Nautilus
Nautilus
Poppy
Poppy
Nongshim RedForce logo

Nongshim RedForce

red side
Picks
 
Yunara
Yunara
 
Jayce
Jayce
 
Taliyah
Taliyah
 
Alistar
Alistar
 
Renekton
Renekton
Bans
Malphite
Malphite
Azir
Azir
Corki
Corki
Rakan
Rakan
Sion
Sion

Game 130:06

DRX won

DRXblue : redNongshim RedForce

Kills

26:16

Gold

66.8k:58.1k

Towers

8:3

Dragons

2:3

Barons

2:0

DRX · 1 inhibitor

Nongshim RedForce · 1 Herald, 3 Void Grubs

Standout damage

Jiwoo on Kai'Sa

13/5/6 · 34,115 damage · 28 vision

Scout on Taliyah

5/5/9 · 28,480 damage · 49 vision

Game 234:14

Nongshim RedForce won

DRXblue : redNongshim RedForce

Kills

17:24

Gold

63.7k:69.8k

Towers

2:7

Dragons

1:4

Barons

0:1

Nongshim RedForce · 1 Herald, 3 Void Grubs, 1 inhibitor

Standout damage

Rich (Lee Jae-won) on Gwen

5/4/7 · 30,904 damage · 61 vision

Scout on Aurora

6/3/13 · 39,946 damage · 40 vision

Game 335:30

DRX won

Nongshim RedForceblue : redDRX

Kills

14:21

Gold

67.4k:70.5k

Towers

6:7

Dragons

2:3

Barons

1:1

Nongshim RedForce · 3 Void Grubs

DRX · 1 Herald, 1 inhibitor

Standout damage

Taeyoon (Kim Tae-yoon) on Caitlyn

8/3/2 · 32,432 damage · 54 vision

Ucal on Orianna

8/4/9 · 40,016 damage · 32 vision

#LCK#NS#DRX#LoLEsports