Dplus KIA Triumphs Over G2 Esports in Worlds 2026 Opener
Written with artificial intelligence.
In the first match of the Worlds 2026 group stage, Dplus KIA defeated G2 Esports, marking their second victory over the LEC champions since July. This win sets the stage for Dplus KIA's next match against T1 on Saturday.
Match Overview
Dplus KIA faced off against G2 Esports in their opening match of the Worlds 2026 tournament, successfully overcoming the top-tier team from the LEC. The match, which began at 21:10 UTC, was a best-of-one tie and showcased Dplus KIA's growing strength, having previously defeated G2 in the Esports World Cup final three months earlier.
Game Highlights
Despite G2's higher Elo ranking, with a rating of 1798 compared to Dplus KIA's 1715, G2 initially took control of the game. They won an early four-versus-four skirmish and managed to catch Dplus KIA's ShowMaker on Syndra. However, Dplus KIA responded by securing the first dragon and ultimately clinched the game.
Recent Performances
This defeat ended G2's three-match winning streak, which included victories over Team Vitality, Karmine Corp, and Movistar KOI. In contrast, Dplus KIA arrived at Worlds with mixed results in the LCK, having lost their last domestic match to T1 but previously winning against KT Rolster and BNK FEARX. Their recent success includes winning the League of Legends segment at the Esports World Cup, where they swept Karmine Corp 3-0 in the final.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Dplus KIA is set to face T1 on Saturday, following T1's opening victory against LOS. The tournament's Swiss Stage involves 16 teams competing in five rounds, with three wins securing a spot in the quarter-finals and three losses leading to elimination. The group stage will continue until the final, scheduled for November 14 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.