T1 Esports Academy advances to LCK CL grand finals after 3-1 win over DK Challengers

T1 Esports Academy punched their ticket to the LCK Challengers League grand finals on September 8, taking down DK Challengers 3-1 in the upper bracket of the 2026 playoffs. The victory means T1 EA needs just one more series win to claim the LCK CL title, capping off a season that has seen the academy squad emerge as one of the most consistent developmental programs in Korean esports. The road through the upper bracket The LCK Challengers League playoffs use a double-elimination format, which means T1 EA’s upper bracket win gives them a significant structural advantage heading into the grand finals. DK Challengers, the academy arm of LCK organization Dplus KIA, aren’t eliminated from title contention. The double-elimination bracket means they’ll get another crack at things through the lower bracket. The 2026 LCK CL season has been running since March 30, with the grand finals scheduled for September 15. The total prize pool sits at approximately ₩87.5 million, which translates to roughly $65,380. T1’s talent pipeline keeps producing T1’s academy program has long functioned as one of the most effective player development systems in professional League of Legends. The organization’s m...