Explaining the LCK standings heading into the final summer week

The 2021 LCK Summer regular split is coming to a close, with only one week left for the teams to fight for the best possible playoffs seed. 

All six playoff teams have been locked in, but there are still teams who can surpass each other in the standings and get a more favorable seed for the playoffs. With the top two seeds qualifying directly to the semifinals, there will be a lot to battle for and a big reward for breaking into the top spots. The remaining seeds will have to go through the quarterfinals, so it will be dangerous to get complacent during week 10 of the regular split. 

Looking at the standings, it’s extremely tight between the five top teams. Liiv SANDBOX and NS RedForce are currently in control of the two top spots and both have a big advantage going into this week. Both teams have two matches left, while DWG KIA and T1 only have one each. This gives the two top teams the chance to decide their own fate, all they have to do is win their matches to lock in a semifinal spot. 

For the upcoming week, all eyes will likely be on Liiv SANDBOX and NS RedForce who are surprisingly topping the LCK ahead of more prominent names. This would be the first time that either of these teams will finish a split in the top two, so these last matches will be absolutely crucial for the young teams. 

Liiv SANDBOX will end the split with a match against defending champion DWG KIA, which could make or break the team’s seeding. A win over DWG KIA would be a big upset but is by no means impossible. 

NS RedForce will also have a tough last match this split, facing Gen.G. This will be a difficult test for NS RedForce, who already lost once this split to Gen.G. But since then, Gen.G has started to show inconsistency in its play that could be abused by NS RedForce. Before that, the top contenders will face off against DRX in a match that could put them ahead of Liiv SANDBOX. DRX has been the worst-performing team this split by far and currently looks like a free win for its opponents. 

LCK standings for the 2021 Summer Split 

As the standings LCK standings show, the race for the top spots is still extremely close. Four teams will be out of contention this week but could still end up playing spoiler against some of the playoff teams. KT Rolster and Hanwha Life have show themselves able to play well if they hit their stride and could be the ones to put a branch in the wheel for some of the team teams. 

Teams with bold text are locked in for the playoffs.

1. Liiv SANDBOX (11-5)
2. NS RedForce (11-5)
3. DWG KIA (11-6)
4. T1 (11-6)
5. Gen.G (10-6)
6. Afreeca Freecs (9-7)
7. KT Rolster (6-10)
8. Hanwha Life Esports (6-10)
9. Fredit BRION (5-12)
10. DRX (2-15)

The last week of the regular split kicks off on Thursday, August 12, and will see a total of eight games played. Shortly after that, the playoffs will start with the quarterfinals on August 18 and 19.