LCS Lock-In Swiss Stage Recap & Highlights

Following three weeks of competition, the LCS Lock-In Swiss Stage concluded on Sunday, February 9th, with two teams eliminated before the playoffs. Dignitas defeated Shopify Rebellion, eliminating the Rebels without a single victory. However, it was Team Liquid who secured the last playoff spot after facing Dignitas in the Last Chance Qualifier.

There is no rest for the wicked. Best-of-fives kick off next Saturday with a rematch between Sentinels and Disguised. Before the excitement kicks off, Sheep Esports analyzes how all six playoff teams performed during all three action-packed weeks.

The first game of the 2026 LCS season kicked off between Cloud9 and Team Liquid. Game 1 had an unfavorable start for C9, but Eain "APA" Stearns found the crucial play to turn the game around. APA won his grudge match as C9 convincingly won the series.

People around the scene believed LYON deserved a "super team" tag, but others were more cautious in their expectations. Their debut saw them paired against Dignitas, forced to field two substitutes due to recurring visa issues. Though unconvincing, LYON came away with the victory.

Sentinels, the brash newcomers, faced a familiar face for three of their players: Disguised. Though visa issues forced DSG to field James "Kisno" Woo as a jungle substitute, the Bakers secured their first victory of the year in a three-game, action-packed series against the Society.

Closing Week 1, a clash of contrasting team-building philosophies, FlyQuest met face-to-face with Shopify Rebellion. A standout performance from rookie Michael "Cryogen" Luu helped propel the last LCS Champions to a victory over the Rebels, thus settling the debate: Zoomers > Uncs.

Cloud9 2-0 Team Liquid

Sentinels 1-2 Disguised

FlyQuest 2-0 Shopify Rebellion

LYON 2-0 Dignitas

The second week kicked off with the match between Cloud9 and LYON, a promise of constant, spectacular fireworks. Both teams engaged in a fierce tug-of-war, but Jesper "Zven" Svenningsen’s teamfighting swayed away from the Pride. Cloud9 advanced for the opportunity to secure first place heading into the playoffs.

After Victor "FBI" Huang and Lee "Ignar" Dong-geun had their visas approved, Dignitas looked to add a win to the tally column. But Sentinels had over plans, and with a superb performance by Cho "Rahel" Min-seong, the Society climbed to a 1-1 record. DIG moved to the elimination game with a short time to correct the team’s trajectory.

Team Liquid and Shopify Rebellion were not expected to lose in their debuts, but contenders must quickly shake off the jitters. Guided by superb performances by Lim "Quid" Hyeon-seung and Brandon "Josedeodo" Villegas, TL delivered a compelling victory against the Rebels. SR would play Dignitas with the hopes of keeping their season alive.

FlyQuest and Disguised are the teams with the most LCS debuts. Both were not considered a contender, but they were playing for a chance to battle for first place. Sajed “Sajed” Ziade and the rest of DSG performed admirably, but Johnson “Gryffin” Le put on a clinic that assured FLY would face Cloud9 for first place.

Cloud9 2-0 LYON

Sentinels 2-0 Dignitas

FlyQuest 2-1 Disguised

Shopify Rebellion 0-2 Team Liquid

Aatrox with Guardian made its LCS debut in another Team Liquid grudge match. It was Sentinels’ own Jeong "Impact" Eon-young who was looking to reproduce Cloud9’s result. Impact was able to shake the rune mishap from game 1 and served as the rock where the Society stepped on to triumph over TL.

Experience versus rookies clashed as LYON and Disguised faced off. There's a fearless beauty when an underdog manages to get the upset; the same quality displayed by debutant Christian "KryRa" Rahaian. The Pride tried to bounce back, but DSG could smell blood in the water and claimed a huge victory and playoff spot.

In three quick weeks, either Dignitas or Shopify Rebellion would meet the cruel fate of elimination. A cohesive DIG unit showed what they’re capable of on the Rift and qualified for the Last Chance Qualifier match. The Rebels were eliminated without winning a single game and failed to turn their split around.

Cloud9 and FlyQuest closed the series in a battle for the top spot ahead of the playoffs. C9 struck first, but the Zoomers displayed immense maturity to strike back. Thanks to Robert "Blaber" Huang's knowledge and creativity, Cloud9 ran game 3 and proved how it has always been: Uncs > Zoomers.

The Last Chance Qualifier featured a rising Dignitas and a Team Liquid eager to fix their problems on the go. Anything can happen on a B01, but TL looked poised to prevent the upset. The game devolved into a chaotic state, and in stepped Jo "CoreJJ" Yong-in with back-to-back crucial engages. TL closed the game and grabbed the sixth and final playoff slot.

Team Liquid 1-2 Sentinels

Disguised 2-1 LYON

Dignitas 2-0 Shopify Rebellion

Cloud9 2-1 FlyQuest

Team Liquid 1-0 Dignitas