In an electrifying showdown at the LoL Park in Jongno, Seoul, NS Redforce clinched the final playoff spot in the 2025 LCK Cup with a decisive 3-1 victory over DRX. The match, which took place on February 9, 2025, showcased NS Redforce's superior teamwork and individual brilliance, particularly from players like Fisher and Gideon.

# Match Overview

The series began with NS Redforce asserting dominance in the first game. Fisher's Yone proved to be a game-changer, accumulating four kills early on and snowballing the lead. NS Redforce's aggressive playstyle, coupled with Riehns' masterful Nautilus support, left DRX struggling to find their footing. The second game saw a momentary resurgence from DRX, with Teddy's Kai'Sa turning the tables in a crucial teamfight around the 25-minute mark. However, NS Redforce quickly regained control in the third game, despite a strong showing from DRX's Jerry on Zeri. The final game was a testament to NS Redforce's superior macro play and teamfighting, with Gideon's Poppy leading the charge to secure the victory and the coveted playoff spot.

# Champion Selections and Game Highlights

Game 1: NS Redforce (Blue) - Ornn, Vi, Yone, Ezreal, Nautilus vs DRX (Red) - K'Sante, Xin Zhao, Akali, Varus, Rell Game 2: DRX (Blue) - Jax, Nidalee, Jayce, Kai'Sa, Leona vs NS Redforce (Red) - Aatrox, Lillia, Corki, Ashe, Braum Game 3: NS Redforce (Blue) - Rumble, Maokai, Tristana, Jinx, Blitzcrank vs DRX (Red) - Galio, Wukong, Sylas, Zeri, Lulu Game 4: DRX (Blue) - Camille, Sejuani, Orianna, Senna, Ornn vs NS Redforce (Red) - Gnar, Poppy, Taliyah, Aphelios, Rell The series was marked by several standout performances. Fisher's Yone in the first game set the tone for NS Redforce's dominance, while Gideon's Poppy in the final game was instrumental in securing crucial teamfight victories. DRX showed moments of brilliance, particularly with Teddy's Kai'Sa in the second game and Jerry's Zeri in the third, but ultimately couldn't match NS Redforce's consistency and teamwork.

# Player Ratings and Performance Analysis

NS Redforce: - Fisher (Top): 9/10 - Outstanding performance on Yone, crucial in securing early leads - Gideon (Jungle): 8.5/10 - Solid throughout, exceptional on Poppy in the final game - Jihu (Mid): 8/10 - Consistent performance, particularly strong on Corki - Effort (ADC): 8.5/10 - Reliable damage output, especially on Jinx and Aphelios - Riehns (Support): 9/10 - Exceptional engage and peel, game-changing Nautilus play DRX: - Kingen (Top): 7/10 - Struggled to make an impact, especially against Fisher's pressure - Spongy (Jungle): 6.5/10 - Inconsistent performance, outplayed by Gideon in crucial moments - Quad (Mid): 7.5/10 - Showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't carry the team - Teddy (ADC): 8/10 - Strong showing on Kai'Sa, but couldn't replicate the success consistently - Pleata (Support): 7/10 - Solid engages, but often caught out of position

# Korean Fan Reactions

The Korean League of Legends community erupted with excitement following NS Redforce's victory. Many fans praised Fisher's carry potential and Gideon's clutch plays. Comments on popular forums like Inven and DC Inside reflected the sentiment: "Fisher's Yone was absolutely unstoppable. He's proving why he's considered one of the best top laners in the LCK." "Gideon's Poppy in the last game was a masterclass. His engages were always on point." "NS Redforce's teamwork is on another level. They're definitely dark horses for the playoffs." Some DRX fans expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for the team's future: "Teddy tried his best to carry, but the team synergy just wasn't there today." "DRX needs to work on their early game. They always seem to be playing from behind." The victory marks a significant milestone for NS Redforce, as it's their first playoff appearance in 1,288 days. This fact didn't go unnoticed by fans: "It's been so long since we've seen NS in playoffs. Welcome back!" "From relegations to playoffs, NS Redforce's journey is inspiring. Can't wait to see how they perform against the top teams."

# Looking Ahead

With this victory, NS Redforce has secured their spot in the 2025 LCK Cup playoffs, joining the ranks of top-tier teams like T1, Gen.G, and KT Rolster. Their performance against DRX has certainly put them on the radar as potential dark horses in the tournament. As they prepare to face stronger opponents in the playoffs, all eyes will be on Fisher and Gideon to see if they can maintain their impressive form. For DRX, this defeat marks the end of their LCK Cup run. However, with the regular LCK Spring Split on the horizon, they have ample time to regroup and address their weaknesses. The team's focus will likely be on improving their early game strategies and enhancing their teamwork to match the level of coordination displayed by NS Redforce. As the LCK Cup moves into its playoff stage, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating more high-level League of Legends action. NS Redforce's unexpected rise adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the tournament, promising thrilling matches ahead.