Kha Y Tran The clash between Dplus KIA (DK) and Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) in LCK 2026 Split 3 – Round 3 (Legend Group) lived up to the hype. Both teams played at a high level from start to finish. They fought hard around every major objective. They also delivered several exciting teamfights. In the end, the series went the full three games before DK secured a 2-1 victory.
HLE entered the match with a star-studded lineup featuring Zeus, Kanavi, Zeka, and Gumayusi. However, DK stayed calm under pressure. ShowMaker led the team with another outstanding performance. Meanwhile, Smash stepped up in Game 3 and carried DK to an important series win.
Watch the match at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68S3w-CBWRU
Game 1: DK Punish HLE’s Mistakes to Take the Lead
HLE started the game aggressively. Early on, four players collapsed on the top lane. They successfully killed Siwoo and gave First Blood to Zeka. As a result, Aurora gained an early advantage and quickly controlled the mid lane.
DK answered only a few minutes later. Lucid and Career rotated to the bottom lane and caught Delight with perfect crowd control. Consequently, DK evened out the gold and stabilized the game.
The mid game stayed close. HLE secured the Rift Herald. Meanwhile, DK pushed waves with Orianna and Sivir. They slowly chipped away at HLE’s towers and kept the pressure on the map.
The biggest moment came around the 20-minute mark.
HLE caught Siwoo in the bottom lane and immediately started Baron. However, Gumayusi’s Cassiopeia could not finish the objective quickly enough. Therefore, DK had enough time to collapse on the pit.
ShowMaker then landed a huge Command: Shockwave. At the same time, Lucid charged into the fight with Xin Zhao. Together, they wiped out HLE and stole Baron. That single play completely changed the momentum.
From there, DK took full control of the game. They secured another Baron and marched into HLE’s base. Finally, Smash’s Sivir dealt massive damage during the last push, allowing DK to close out Game 1 in 31 minutes.
Game 2: Kanavi and Gumayusi Bring HLE Back
HLE responded well after losing the opener.
Kanavi pressured the map from the start. Soon after, he ganked mid lane and helped Zeka kill ShowMaker. Thanks to that play, Annie gained an early lead.
At the same time, Gumayusi controlled teamfights with Jhin. His long-range Curtain Call repeatedly forced DK out of position. In addition, Zeka found strong engages with Tibbers around every Dragon fight.
Because of this, HLE controlled almost every neutral objective.
Later, Kanavi produced the biggest highlight of the game. He landed a perfect Sonic Wave before kicking three DK players into his teammates with Dragon’s Rage. As a result, HLE won the fight and secured the Hextech Dragon Soul.
Afterward, HLE claimed Baron and then Elder Dragon. With every major buff on the map, they quickly destroyed DK’s defenses. Shortly afterward, they finished the game and tied the series at 1-1.
Game 3: Smash Delivers the Winning Performance
Game 3 started at a frantic pace.
DK invaded HLE’s lower jungle at level one. They caught Zeka and handed First Blood to Smash. Therefore, Yunara enjoyed a strong early-game lead.
However, HLE answered immediately.
Kanavi focused on the bottom lane. His early pressure helped Gumayusi secure two kills on Lucian. As a result, HLE’s AD carry dominated the laning phase.
Even so, DK stayed patient.
The game changed during the Rift Herald fight. While HLE focused on the objective, ShowMaker instantly burst down Delight with Syndra. DK then won the fight 3-0 and erased the gold deficit.
From that point on, both teams traded objectives across the map. Neither side wanted to give away control.
Eventually, Siwoo found a solo kill on Zeka in the bottom lane. That pick gave DK full control of the Baron area.
The final teamfight decided everything.
Career protected Smash perfectly with Lulu’s shields and buffs. As a result, Smash dealt more than 11,000 damage in a single fight. HLE could not reach him, and DK wiped out the entire team.
With Baron secured, DK pushed through the top lane. HLE defended until the very end. However, they could not stop DK’s final siege.
After 36 minutes, DK destroyed the Nexus and secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
ShowMaker and Smash Lead DK to Victory
Every DK player contributed during the series. However, ShowMaker stood out once again.
His Orianna changed Game 1 with a massive Shockwave at Baron. Later, his Syndra created another winning fight in Game 3 by instantly eliminating Delight.
Meanwhile, Smash became the hero of the series. He struggled early against Gumayusi but never lost his composure. Instead, he farmed patiently and reached his power spike. Once the late game arrived, Yunara became unstoppable and carried DK to victory.
Lucid also impressed with his objective control. In addition, Career protected the backline throughout the series. Together, they gave Smash the space he needed to deal maximum damage.
DK Build Momentum in LCK 2026
This victory gives Dplus KIA an excellent start to Round 3 of LCK 2026. More importantly, DK defeated one of the tournament favorites through disciplined teamwork and superior teamfighting.
HLE still showed why they remain title contenders. Kanavi, Zeka, and Gumayusi all played well throughout the series. However, costly mistakes around Baron in Game 1 and the final fight in Game 3 ultimately decided the outcome.
If DK continue to play at this level, they will remain serious contenders in the Legend Group. Meanwhile, HLE must regroup quickly before their next match.
Read more:
LCK 2026 Split 3-4: Full Schedule and Results
KT Rolster Deliver a Surprise Victory Against T1
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