LCK Cup opener sees League esports milestone as new rules take effect

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 14/01/2026

The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Cup 2026 opening contest saw multiple milestones in LoL esports history.

The LCK Cup opener saw the use of two major innovations. The new First Selection process was utilised for the contest, with the LCK and LPL-exclusive coaching communications also being in action.

KT Rolster prevailed in the series, with the Worlds 2025 Grand Finalists starting with a 2-1 victory over DNS.

KT Rolster and DN Soopers make history with new First Selection rules

The contest marked the first time that the new ‘draft order occurred, ‘First Selection’ rules.

The new rule decouples side selection from first or second draft pick, removing the double advantage which previously existed by having Side Selection.

With First Selection, the team with first preference will choose a side OR to get first or second pick.

Prior to the change, Blue Side inherently meant having the first pick in the draft, arguably giving the Blue Side an advantage in the draft and in player comfort in playing left to right.

However, in KT Rolster and DN Sooper’s contest, the Red Side got first pick for the first time in the Riot era of League of Legends history, marking a new era in the esport.

KT Rolster secured first pick, with KT Rolster choosing to play on Blue Side for the first contest of the Bo3.

It is unclear what meta will emerge in terms of what preference teams will generally take, but we can see that teams will take the option when available to decouple the two.

Variations like geographical advantages, abilities of to-be-drafted champions, and player comfort are among the variables in prioritising a certain side, so it will be interesting to see what teams value it.

Experimental in-game coaching rules take effect

The contest also saw the introduction of in-game coach communications, with both teams taking advantage of the experimental ability.

Unlike First Selection, the change is not ubiquitous in League of Legends esports; Coach communications are only planned for the LCP Split 1 and the LCK Cup.

The rules for Coach Comms are:

• Each team may activate Coach Comms up to three times per game.
• Each activation lasts 45 seconds.
• Coach Comms is performed without pausing the game.
• Teams must nominate one coach before the game begins. This coach is the only person allowed to communicate with players.
• The nominated coach has to stay in a designated area and may only view the team-only player POV (no spectator modes or opponent information).
• All external communication devices are strictly prohibited until the game ends.
• The nominated coach can only be changed between games, not during one.

It is difficult to assert whether Coach Comms had a notable effect on the outcome of this match, specifically, with KT Rolster running away with the final two contests.

However, the League of Legends esports world will be watching the pilot programme with a keen eye, as coaching communications continues its experiment in the LCK and LPL.

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Darragh Harbinson is an esports writer specialising in Counter-Strike. He has written for Esports News UK, Esports Insider, UKCSGO, Dexerto, and Rush B Media.

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