NS RedForce wins first map at VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 grand final

NS RedForce opened the VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 grand final by taking the first map, continuing a tear through the tournament bracket that has cemented the South Korean roster as one of Valorant’s most dangerous teams heading into Champions.

The grand final, held on September 6 in the Seoul/Busan area, pits NS RedForce against Global Esports, the same opponent they dispatched in the upper bracket final just two days earlier. Winning map one in front of a home crowd is exactly the kind of momentum a team wants when a $250,000 prize pool and a championship trophy are on the line.

The road to the final

NS RedForce’s path through the Pacific Stage 2 playoffs has been methodical. The team swept Paper Rex 2-0 in the upper quarterfinals.

The upper bracket final on September 4 was a tighter affair. NS RedForce took Haven convincingly at 13-7 before dropping Ascent 12-14. Abyss served as the decider, and the Korean squad left little doubt, closing it out 13-6 to secure a 2-1 series win over Global Esports.

The tournament itself ran from July 16 through September 6, featuring 16 teams from across the Pacific region. Beyond the prize money, the real currency at stake is qualification for VALORANT Champions 2026, the game’s most prestigious annual event.

A roster built for big moments

NS RedForce’s lineup features Rb, Francis, Dambi, Xross, and Ivy. NS RedForce already secured their spot at Champions 2026 through accumulated playoff results earlier in the competitive year. They also claimed the title at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026.

The organization is co-owned by Nongshim, the South Korean food company best known for its instant ramen products.

What the grand final means

Global Esports faces a steeper climb. Coming through the lower bracket means they’ve already played more maps and expended more energy. In many double-elimination formats, the lower bracket team also needs to win an additional set to claim the title, a structural disadvantage that makes NS RedForce’s first-map win even more significant.

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