Can Kiwoom DRX Break Their Losing Streak Against Nongshim?

As the LCK continues its intense 2026 campaign, all eyes turn to a high-stakes battle between two teams desperate to climb the standings. Kiwoom DRX enters this best-of-three series in a state of crisis, currently sitting at 9th place with a staggering 0W-5L record in their last five series. Their recent form is nothing short of devastating, characterized by a 2.5/10 performance score and a massive average gold deficit of -3,060 per game. On the other hand, Nongshim RedForce occupies 7th place and, while not dominant, arrives with much more momentum, having secured recent victories against HANJIN BR</strong>BRION and BNK FEARX. Although the market gives Nongshim RedForce a significant edge with a 65.5%** win probability, this matchup promises much more than a simple blowout.

The early game metrics suggest that Nongshim RedForce holds the tactical advantage, boasting an early game score of 5.1/10 compared to the abysmal 1.9/10 of Kiwoom DRX. While Kiwoom struggles with massive gold deficits in the bot lane, specifically with LazyFeel averaging a -529 gold difference at fifteen minutes, Nongshim maintains a much more stable presence. However, the individual brilliance of Kiwoom's mid-laner, Ucal, cannot be ignored. Ucal is currently riding a rising KDA trend of 4.8, showing incredible strength on champions like Ryze and Viktor, often maintaining a gold lead of up to +729 at the fifteen-minute mark. If Willer can utilize his high 76.8% kill participation on Xin Zhao to protect the lanes, Kiwoom might find a way to disrupt the Nongshim rhythm.

For Nongshim RedForce, the focus will be on neutralizing the mid-lane pressure. Scout has seen a decline in his recent KDA, but his ability to control the map on Azir remains a cornerstone of their strategy. They must also watch out for Kingen in the top lane, whose recent performance on Gnar and Ambessa has been inconsistent. In a meta dominated by Rumble and Varus, the first pick will be crucial. We expect the draft to revolve around high-utility picks, and if Nongship can secure a priority pick like Aphelios, which boasts an 80% win rate, they could effectively shut down Kiwoom's ability to engage.

Kiwoom DRX 34.5% vs Nongshim RedForce 65.5%. While Kiwoom possesses the individual talent in Ucal to steal games, their overwhelming recent losing streak and poor early game gold differentials make it difficult to see them taking the series. Confidence level: MEDIUM.