Gen.G enters Worlds 2026 as the LCK’s top seed and clear domestic leader after back-to-back titles, while T1, the three-time defending champion, qualified as a lower seed following an inconsistent regular season and playoff losses to Hanwha Life Esports. Both advance to the Swiss stage, but four LCK teams and four LPL squads create a stacked bracket where early eliminations are common. Gen.G’s superior macro and individual performances position it as the frontrunner, yet T1 must navigate tougher Swiss pairings and potential quarterfinal matchups against strong LPL sides like Bilibili Gaming or Top Esports. The single-elimination knockout format and depth of international contenders sharply limit the realistic paths for an all-LCK grand final on November 14.