DN SOOPers vs Nongshim RedForce: LCK 2026 Draft Edge

TL;DR: Nongshim RedForce enter their LCK 2026 meeting with DN SOOPers holding the clearer draft edge because Jarvan IV has delivered a 63.2% WR over 19 games for Nongshim, while DN’s repeated jungle priorities have converted poorly. The ban phase should decide whether Nongshim can access that proven engage core.

DN SOOPers Draft Profile

DN SOOPers receive heavy pressure on mid and jungle control: opponents ban Orianna in 33.3% of drafts, Vi in 28.6%, and Varus in 27.6%. Their own bans are even more targeted, led by Jayce at 40%, Orianna at 37.1%, Varus at 30.5%, and Rumble at 29.5%.

Their comfort pool needs selective use. Lee Sin is the most frequent pick at 17 games and a 52.9% WR, while Ahri offers a stronger 58.3% WR over 12 games. By contrast, Jarvan IV has only a 7.1% WR over 14 games, and Vi sits at 28.6%. DN should favor an early-tempo Lee Sin route with Ahri, rather than force low-conversion engage junglers. Ambessa is a possible flex, but DN’s 31.3% WR over 16 games makes it riskier than the patch trend suggests.

Nongshim RedForce Draft Profile

Nongshim RedForce draw even more bans on the elite solo-lane pool: Orianna is banned in 46.1% of their games, Rumble in 41.6%, and Varus in 37.1%. They answer with bans on Varus (34.8%), Orianna (30.3%), Vi (28.1%), and Karma (28.1%).

The distinction is conversion. Jarvan IV is Nongshim’s premier priority at 19 games and 63.2% WR, far ahead of Pantheon at 36.8% WR over 19 games. Ryze provides scaling with a 50% WR over 14 games, while Yunara appears in 15 games at 46.7%. Nongshim have more credible engage-and-scaling branches because Jarvan IV can anchor their draft without demanding a narrow composition.

Current Meta in LCK 2026

The ban phase begins with Orianna, whose 78.4% presence includes a 62.9% ban rate, followed by Varus at 76.9% presence and a 66.9% ban rate. Rumble carries 75.2% presence with a 57.4% ban rate. Those figures reinforce both teams’ existing habits rather than create a new priority.

For B1, Ambessa has a 60% WR over 5 games, Nocturne has 55.6% WR over 9 games, and Lucian has 53.3% WR over 15 games. DN may value Ambessa as a flex despite its team-specific record; Nongshim should prefer their practiced Jarvan IV. The patch trend matters: Jayce climbed from 0% to 57.1% WR in 7 games, but Nongshim’s own 21.4% WR over 14 games makes it an uncomfortable carry bet.

Key Combos and Synergies

Local LCK combinations favor several sharp answers. Annie, Lucian, and Milio own a 100% WR over 7 games despite a neutral -201 GD@15, suggesting reliable scaling. Rakan, Vi, and Xayah posted a 100% WR over 4 games with an early +2420 GD@15, but DN’s weak Vi record reduces its appeal.

Nongshim can chase Alistar and Jarvan IV, an early pair with 86% WR over 7 games and +866 GD@15. Globally, Poppy and Viktor are a ALL_TIER1 trend at 100% WR over 7 games and +715 GD@15, though neither side’s profile makes it a primary expected route.

Who Wins the Draft: DN SOOPers or Nongshim RedForce?

Nongshim have more draft options because Jarvan IV is both a proven team pick and a meta jungle staple. DN should must-ban Jarvan IV, Pantheon, and Yunara if they cannot answer Nongshim’s engage. Nongshim should must-ban Orianna, Vi, and Rumble to deny DN comfort and preserve their own tempo.

DN’s most likely B1 is Ambessa if Orianna and Rumble disappear. Nongshim’s most likely B1 is Jarvan IV if DN leave it open. In one scenario, DN ban Jarvan IV, Pantheon, and Yunara, then build Lee Sin and Ahri for early gank pressure. In another, DN leave Jarvan IV open for Ambessa; Nongshim should take Jarvan IV, then seek an Alistar engage pairing.

FAQ

*Data: draftlol draft & meta model — LCK 2026 stats, snapshot 2026-08-12 08:00 UTC.*