DN SOOPers vs Kiwoom DRX: LCK 2026 Draft Preview

TL;DR: Kiwoom DRX enter their LCK 2026 meeting with DN SOOPers holding the draft edge, backed by Gnar’s 57.7% WR over 26 games. DN SOOPers can still flip the script through Ahri and targeted jungle bans, but DRX’s deeper top-mid setup should dictate early phases.

DN SOOPers Draft Profile

Opponents regularly remove Orianna (33.6% ban rate), Vi (30.2%), and Varus (24.1%) against DN SOOPers, identifying a comfort pool built around decisive mid-jungle access. DN answer with heavy top-side control: Jayce is banned in 35.3% of their drafts, followed by Orianna at 32.8% and Varus at 27.6%.

Their most reliable priority is Ahri, whose 64.3% WR over 14 games is the best result among frequent DN picks. Lee Sin follows at 60% WR over 20 games, supporting proactive ganks and roam timings. The concern is that several apparent flex or scaling tools have underperformed: Ambessa sits at 31.6% WR over 19 games, while Jarvan IV has only 13.3% WR over 15 games. DN should prefer early pick creation around Ahri and Lee Sin rather than forcing those weaker comfort picks.

Kiwoom DRX Draft Profile

Kiwoom DRX draw bans on Orianna at 36.4%, Varus at 32.7%, and Bard at 30.9%. Their own ban plan starts with Rumble at 37.3%, then Jayce at 27.3%, showing a consistent desire to restrict aggressive top-side poke and engage.

Gnar is the centerpiece: 57.7% WR over 26 games gives DRX both stable lane scaling and teamfight engage. Ryze is even more efficient at 64.7% WR over 17 games, while K'Sante brings 56.3% WR over 16 games. DRX have more viable routes than DN because Gnar, Ryze, and Jarvan IV can support either controlled scaling or an early snowball.

State of the Meta — LCK 2026

This matchup begins with contested global power. Orianna owns 78.5% presence and a 62.1% ban rate, while Rumble reaches 71.1% presence with a 53.3% ban rate. Both teams already ban those champions heavily, so their availability will reshape the entire draft.

For B1, Varus has a 60% WR over 5 games, but DN’s stronger practical opening is Ahri. DRX should lean toward Gnar, despite his 33.3% WR over 6 games at B1, because his full-sample record is much stronger. The patch trend also favors DRX’s solo-lane pool: Ryze rose from 60% to 75% WR in a 4-game sample.

Synergies That Decide Drafts

DN’s clearest local pairing is Ahri with Jarvan IV: 83% WR over 6 games and +3737 GD@15 marks a devastating early combo, though DN’s own Jarvan IV record urges caution. DRX can target the local Bard, Caitlyn, Ryze trio, which posted 100% WR over 5 games with a neutral +84 GD@15.

The Rakan, Vi, Xayah trio is another local early threat at 100% WR over 5 games and +2852 GD@15. Globally, Cassiopeia and Xayah have 100% WR over 6 games with -17 GD@15, a neutral-to-late option that gives DN an alternative scaling route.

Who Wins the Draft: DN SOOPers or Kiwoom DRX?

DRX have more draft options through Gnar, Ryze, and flexible jungle choices. DN should must-ban Gnar, Ryze, and Bard; DRX should prioritize bans on Ahri, Lee Sin, and Vi. DN’s likely B1 is Ahri, while DRX should most often open Gnar.

If DN ban Gnar, Ryze, and Bard, they should likely secure Rumble early and force DRX toward less proven Yunara and Xin Zhao comfort. If DRX remove Ahri, Lee Sin, and Vi, DN may need Cassiopeia scaling while DRX can build around Gnar and Ryze.

FAQ

*Data: draftlol draft & meta model — LCK 2026 stats, snapshot 2026-08-22 10:00 UTC.*