Dplus KIA’s Remarkable Comeback Against T1
Dplus KIA delivered an impressive 2-1 comeback victory against T1 in the first round of the 2026 LCK regular season, held at LoL PARK in Jongno on the 17th. The match was a thrilling display of resilience and strategic prowess, with the team overcoming a significant deficit in the third set to secure the win. In a post-match interview, Choi ‘Lucid’ Yong-hyeok shared his insights into the game and the team’s growth.
Reflections on the Win
When asked about the win, Lucid expressed that the first and second sets were intense back-and-forth battles. However, it was the third set that posed the biggest challenge. “In the third set, the situation was so bad that it actually felt difficult to win,” he said. “But it feels great because it felt like we managed to turn it around and win.”
He emphasized that the team’s growth became evident during the third set. “We were at a significant disadvantage in Game 3, but we tried to stay in sync by communicating about what each of us could do. I felt that every player’s call was filled with confidence that we could win.”
Team Dynamics and Communication
Lucid highlighted the importance of communication during the comeback. “There was a lot of talk about how ‘even if we’re behind, we can still win if we play well.’ It was a mindset that helped us push through.”
He also mentioned the role of key players in keeping the team centered. “I think it was ‘Smash’ Shin Geum-jae and ‘ShowMaker’ Heo-su hyung. Geum-jae supported the team firmly, like a pillar essential to a building, and Heo-su hyung kept us centered in a similar way.”
Turning Point in the Match
When asked about the moment they knew they had turned the tide, Lucid pointed to catching Aurora twice in a row. “When we caught Aurora twice in a row, I felt, ‘We can actually turn this around.’ I think that was the moment the momentum of the match shifted.”
Lessons from Previous Matches
Lucid reflected on the team’s recent challenges, including their four-game stretch against Hanwha Life, Gen.G, kt Rolster, and T1. “My form wasn’t great during the Hanwha Life match, so that’s a real shame. Since then, playing against Gen.G, KT, and T1, I think my performance has improved a lot compared to that match.”
He noted that the KT match was one they absolutely had to win, which made the loss disappointing. “But I also gained a lot from it personally. Especially with this T1 match, perhaps because it was after a three-game stretch against strong teams, I was able to play with a more relaxed mindset.”
Key Takeaways from the KT Match
Lucid shared specific lessons learned from the KT match. “I realized that I need to be more aware of objectives and the important boundaries we need to maintain within the game while playing.”
Preparing for the Rest of the Season
As the season progresses, maintaining momentum is crucial. “I plan to keep the good parts and review the disappointing ones to check myself. The first round isn’t the end, so I intend to keep this up.”
Shifting Goals and Mindset
Lucid mentioned a shift in his personal goals. “Actually, I used to always set winning the championship as my goal, but lately, I’ve been letting go of that mindset. Right now, I’m just focusing on improving my own performance in every game.”
Final Thoughts on Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Lucid expressed determination. “We have matches left against Hanwha Life, DN Super, and BNK FEARX, and I think those are all very strong teams. I will try my best to prepare well and show a good performance.”
