T1 head coach kkOma admitted he set the wrong strategic direction after his team’s playoff loss 3-1 to BNK FearX in the LCK Cup 2026, taking responsibility for the defeat and vowing to improve ahead of their next match to continue their lower bracket run.
Speaking after the series in an interview with FOMOS Esports, kkOma described the result as “very disappointing,” but stressed that the team still has matches ahead and will focus on correcting their shortcomings. “During the preparation process, it felt like the opposing team was more thoroughly prepared than us, and I think that was a big factor,” kkOma said.
He later added that there was no intention to “experiment” in a high-stakes LCK playoff setting. “All of the picks were chosen because we wanted to win. But in the preparation process, I think I set the wrong direction strategically, and that’s why this result happened.”
Top laner Doran echoed the sentiment, pointing to both preparation gaps and drafting concerns. He believed that if T1 had performed at the level they prepared for, they could have secured the win, but admitted that BFX appeared better equipped on the day.
“In a best-of-series, compared to a best-of-three, I think the champion meta can shift more,” Doran explained. “We probably should have thought more carefully about compositions suited for a series and about lane matchups.”
Reflecting on his own performance in the series, Doran acknowledged specific mistakes in understanding matchup dynamics, particularly in the top lane. He highlighted a set involving Rek’Sai and Renekton, saying he misread how the matchup should be handled and considered it a significant drafting error on his part.
Despite the setback, both kkOma and Doran remained focused on the road ahead. The coach thanked fans for their continued support and promised a stronger showing in the next outing, while Doran said the team would use the loss as motivation to prepare more thoroughly.
With the LCK Cup still underway, T1 will now look to regroup quickly and address the strategic and drafting issues that surfaced in their playoff match. They’ll now either face DK or the winner between DN SOOPers and DRX in the lower bracket.
With the stakes higher than ever, both the winner and the runner-up of the competition will secure qualification for the first international event of First Stand 2026.
