Nongshim RedForce’s Bold 2-0 Sweep Over KT Rolster: How the Underdogs Dominated the Rift
Nongshim RedForce’s Surprising Upset: Breaking KT’s Momentum
Did you know? Nongshim RedForce pulled off a huge upset against KT Rolster, ending KT’s three-game win streak and securing their own fifth win of the season. The 2-0 sweep wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, pushing Nongshim to fourth in the standings while KT slipped to seventh. This match was a turning point, signaling Nongshim’s rise as a serious playoff contender.
Set 1: KT’s Early Lead and Nongshim’s Patient Comeback
KT started strong, especially in the bot lane where Deokdam picked up two early kills and helped secure two dragons. The early game looked firmly in KT’s grasp, but Nongshim played the long game. Kingen’s Anivia and Calyx’s Yone scaled patiently, waiting for their power spikes. The turning point came at the 26-minute mark—Nongshim secured a surprise Baron, flipped the gold lead, and unleashed their teamfight composition. KT faltered under pressure, making critical mistakes, and Nongshim closed out the set in just 30 minutes.
Set 2: The Top Nidalee Gamble and Tactical Brilliance
The second game saw Nongshim take a risk with Kingen’s top lane Nidalee—a rare pick that caught KT off guard. Kingen dominated lane against Casting’s champion, with Gideon’s jungle support amplifying the pressure. KT tried to adapt, stacking two dragons and relying on Deokdam’s strong play, but Nongshim’s teamfighting prowess shone through. After denying KT’s dragon soul at 25 minutes and winning a decisive teamfight, Nongshim secured Baron, broke open the base, and finished the game at 32 minutes after eliminating Deokdam in KT’s base.
Key Players: Kingen and Calyx Steal the Show
Kingen was the clear MVP, flexing his champion pool with Anivia and Nidalee picks that dictated both games. His laning dominance and clutch decision-making turned the tide in Nongshim’s favor. Calyx’s Yone also played a crucial role, scaling patiently and delivering in teamfights. For KT, Deokdam was a bright spot in the early game, but couldn’t carry through Nongshim’s late-game pressure.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Praise, and Some Frustration
Korean esports communities like DCInside, FM Korea, and PGR21 buzzed with reactions. About 70% of comments praised Nongshim’s creativity and Kingen’s performance, calling the top Nidalee pick ‘genius’ and hailing the team’s growth. Negative reactions (about 30%) focused on KT’s mistakes and lack of adaptation, with some fans expressing disappointment in the coaching staff. One top comment: ‘Nongshim finally looks like a playoff team—Kingen is on fire!’
Cultural Insight: Why Nongshim’s Win Matters
For international fans, Nongshim’s victory is more than just an upset—it’s a reflection of the LCK’s evolving meta and the rise of bold, flexible strategies. The top Nidalee pick is a rare sight, symbolizing the Korean scene’s willingness to innovate under pressure. Nongshim, once seen as underdogs, are now gaining respect for their tactical depth and fearless play.
Post-match Interviews: Confidence and Ambition
In post-match interviews, Kingen credited the coaching staff for trusting his champion pool and emphasized the team’s growing synergy. Calyx mentioned that the team’s communication and preparation were key to their victory. Nongshim’s coach highlighted their focus on adapting to opponents and promised even more surprises in the coming matches.
Team and Player Issues: KT’s Struggles and Nongshim’s Momentum
KT’s loss exposed lingering issues—questionable mid-to-late game calls and an inability to adapt to unconventional picks. Meanwhile, Nongshim’s back-to-back wins have energized their fanbase and set the stage for a playoff push. The spotlight is now on whether KT can bounce back and how far Nongshim’s bold style can take them this season.