The third stage of the LCK qualifiers has reached the second round, where BFX and NS, after winning their first matches, are now battling for a playoff spot. NS, as a legendary team, has experience against top-tier teams and is considered stronger on paper than BFX. However, BFX defeated the formidable DK in the first round, so many expected this BO5 to go the full five games, but NS underperformed across the board.

Right from the first game, NS picked a composition focused on ultimate abilities—Galio, Orianna, and Nocturne. This lineup is very powerful in the late game. NS gained a huge early advantage; during the first dragon fight, Kingen’s perfect ultimate secured a triple kill, followed by a tower dive with Rumble and the jungler. Galio started 4-0. Normally, with this lead, NS just needed to secure dragons and push towers to seal the win.

However, NS players got overconfident. Their AD was left isolated, and they foolishly attacked the enemy support right in front of the opposing AD, giving away a bounty. The jungle and support tried to establish vision but were caught and killed by BFX, also costing their AD. During team fights, NS's ultimate-focused strategy completely fell apart, losing every engagement. After squandering a big lead, the second game flipped, with BFX gaining early control and snowballing to victory.

The third game saw back-and-forth action, with no significant gold lead even in the late game. NS found an opportunity to kill the enemy AD and attempted to take Baron, but BFX stole it. BFX, empowered by Baron, pushed forward but overextended and got wiped out in a team fight, allowing NS to complete a comeback. In the final game, NS’s coach made a questionable pick by choosing both Aphelios and Senna, resulting in a disastrous mid-lane and bot-lane collapse, ending the game at 28 minutes.

Watching the whole match, NS really didn’t play like a legendary team. Despite a strong early lead, they lacked discipline, and the coach’s draft was baffling. In the current meta, picking Senna and Aphelios together with a tank jungler like Maokai, and only Aatrox providing damage early on, is a risky lineup. Even a top team like GEN would hesitate to say it’s a guaranteed win. After an entire stage, NS hasn’t learned anything from stronger teams.

After defeating NS, BFX achieved a 1-2 upset and advanced to the playoffs. Their first opponent will be either T1 or KT, with T1 holding the advantage to choose their opponent. Judging from the qualifier performances, it’s unlikely T1 will pick BFX, since this team has real strength. Diable, the best rookie candidate, has dominated lane phases and secured multiple kills across games.

Fans who watched the second stage of LCK should remember that during T1’s AD rotation period, when BFX faced T1, Diable managed to outlane and kill players like Little Lu Bu and Sima Shi. Currently, Guma’s form is not great. If T1 wants an easier path to victory, they might prefer to face a team emerging from the losers’ bracket. After dropping to the losers’ bracket, NS will face the winner of DK versus BRO for the final playoff spot.

If DK faces BRO, DK is unlikely to lose. The sixth playoff team will probably come from DK or NS. If these two meet, Xu Ge is likely to make the playoffs. In the first round, DK lost to BFX only after a full five-game series. NS struggled so much against BFX that facing DK will be even tougher. For DK to win, their top and jungle performance is key; if Siwoo underperforms, the outcome is uncertain.

In conclusion:

BFX’s run in the qualifiers has a real dark horse vibe. The two teams they defeated are not weak, so the playoffs look promising. Diable, the young player, has been shining this season. During the winter transfer window, he should have a chance to join a top-tier team. Personally, I think KT would be a great fit, especially paired with BDD, which could be quite formidable.

So, what do you think? Will T1 choose BFX as their opponent?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!