DN SOOPers wins the 2026 KeSPA Cup after a 3-0 grand final

Naerlyn Published August 19, 2026

DN SOOPers have been crowned the champions of the 2026 KeSPA Cup after a one-sided 3-0 win over Nongshim RedForce. After a 3-0 victory, the team that finished the LCK Rounds 1-2 in tenth place with one single win returns with the title and ₩30,000,000 ($21,245).

Here’s how DNS won the tournament, despite the odds not being in their favor.

DNS Sharvel, the rising star of South Korea

After Rounds 1-2, Kim “Sharvel” Dan-woo joined DN SOOPers, effectively replacing Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon as their jungler. Then, they lost two matches in Rounds 3-4 and already locked themselves out of playoffs and Worlds contention for 2026.

However, the team looked more revitalized over time, and their new jungler is proving himself as a prodigy. In the LCK, they’re now on a three-match win streak, something that hadn’t happened since 2024.

Similarly, in the KeSPA Cup, DN SOOPers had a passable group stage. Finishing at 2-3, they had to play through the entirety of the qualifier bracket. There, they used their one spare chance to lose against Gen.G who was fielding their main roster.

Since then, it’s been the DNS show as they won their remaining five matches losing only two games in the process. SOOPers ended up having the longest road through the event with 25 games played.

From tenth place in the LCK to winning the KeSPA Cup. Image credit: Riot Games

DNS beats NS 3-0 in the KeSPA Cup grand final

Contrary to DNS, Nongshim had an expedited path to this match. With a 4-1 group stage, they only had to win their first qualifier match to immediately be in the final. Thus, they hadn’t played since August 3rd.

With only a few caveats, the match was a DNS masterclass. In the first round, the SOOPers led the pace all game long. While NS tried making plays, they all turned in their opponent’s favor.

The second game was far more hectic as teams won fights back and forth. With such a fast-paced game, every player made mistakes that cost them steeply. Regardless, it was DNS that came out ahead again.

The third map had none of that. Starting with Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon getting a solo kill against the 2021 World champion, NS stood no chance in that game. DNS got their only death to get four kills in return.

The KeSPA Cup has less prestige than the LCK as the better teams opted to field their sister roster most of the time. As such, DNS’ win in the semifinal was against the T1 Academy roster. Regardless, DNS went from tenth place in the LCK to a decisive KeSPA Cup victory.

Featured image credit: Riot Games

Related to: Grand final: NS vs DNS

DN SOOPers KeSPA Cup 2026 Playoffs