Nongshim RedForce emerged victorious at the LCK Challengers League (LCK CL) Kickoff on Tuesday the 3rd, securing the championship title after a three-year wait.
The final match of the LCK CL Kickoff showcased a thrilling showdown between T1 Esports Academy and Nongshim RedForce. Nongshim RedForce’s journey to the final was not an easy one, as they had to battle their way through the lower bracket after a setback in the upper bracket. However, their determination paid off as they defeated T1 Esports Academy 3–1 in sets to claim the victory and reclaim their position at the top after three years.
In the first game, Nongshim RedForce took an early lead with “SeTab” Song Gyeong-jin’s impressive solo kill. Their coordinated gameplay and strategic skill usage allowed them to dominate the match and secure a convincing victory.
Game 2 saw Nongshim RedForce’s near-flawless performance, demonstrating their prowess in objective control and macro play. Despite facing some challenges during the draft phase, they executed their strategy flawlessly, securing a decisive win.
In Game 3, T1 Esports Academy fought back with strategic plays from their jungler and support. However, Nongshim RedForce’s solid laning and team coordination allowed them to secure the win in the end.
Maintaining their dominance in Game 4, Nongshim RedForce showcased superior performance across all aspects of the game, ultimately clinching the championship title.
As the champions of the 2026 LCK CL Kickoff, Nongshim RedForce received a prize of KRW 15 million, with “SeTab” Song Gyeong-jin being named the finals MVP and awarded KRW 1 million.
Reflecting on his performance, finals MVP “SeTab” Song Gyeong-jin expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of fan encouragement in their success. He also encouraged fans to continue supporting them in the upcoming regular season.
The 2026 LCK CL, organized by Riot Games Korea with oversight from KeSPA, is set to begin its regular season on Monday, March 30, with WDG handling broadcast production and Woori Bank participating as a sponsor.