Source: Nexon

Nexon (co-CEOs Kang Dae-hyun and Kim Jung-wook) announced on the 30th that the Korean team 'Hibu' won the second cycle of the 'The Grand Major Online Series' APAC league, a global esports tournament for the team-based FPS game 'THE FINALS,' developed by its subsidiary Embark Studios (CEO Patrick Söderlund).

The 'The Grand Major Online Series' is an official esports tournament for 'THE FINALS' with a total prize pool of $200,000, reorganized into a global integrated league system last April. Teams earn points across four annual cycles to qualify for the year-end international tournament, 'TGM Grand Final 2026.' The top 8 finals for the second APAC cycle were broadcast globally on June 27, featuring eight teams: Korea's 'Hibu,' 'Goyang Mir,' and 'AWF'; China's 'KingZero,' 'DRG,' and '4AM'; the Korea-Australia joint team '777rs'; and the New Zealand-Australia joint team 'Altac.

In the first round, '777rs' effectively utilized dome shields and goo to successfully steal the Cashout twice, securing a direct spot in the finals. In the subsequent winner's bracket match, Chinese teams 'KingZero' and 'DRG' faced off on the Chinese-themed map 'Kyoto 1997,' where 'KingZero' leveraged a powerful heavy-light-light composition to earn the second spot in the finals. 'DRG' joined the finals in the third round, followed by 'Hibu' in the fourth.

The final match took place on 'Seoul/Skyway Stadium,' with '777rs,' 'DRG,' 'KingZero,' and 'Hibu' competing. The previous cycle's winner, 'KingZero,' once again used a heavy-light-light composition to steadily secure 44k Cash, while 'Hibu' successfully defended their Cashout to earn 36175 Cash, advancing to the second stage. Although 'Hibu' conceded the first Cashout to 'KingZero' in the second stage, player 'Beusle' turned the tide by quickly neutralizing the opposing light players with a heavy's RPG and shotgun. 'Hibu' then pulled off a dramatic comeback by stealing the Cashout just before the match ended, clinching the final victory of the second cycle.

With this win, 'Hibu' earned 100 points toward the 'TGM Grand Final 2026' and a $2000 prize, moving to second place on the leaderboard with a total of 130 points. They are now just 45 points behind the first-place 'KingZero' and 5 points ahead of the third-place 'DRG,' setting the stage for intense competition in future cycles. Other participating teams were awarded points and prize money based on their rankings. Additionally, the official Korean broadcast channels on Chzzk and SOOP held a 'Drops' event, offering Naver Pay gift certificates to viewers who watched for a certain duration.

Meanwhile, Nexon is now accepting applications for the third cycle of the 'The Grand Major Online Series' APAC league. Applications can be submitted until 9:00 AM on July 11 via the website of the tournament organizer, 'FACEIT.' Anyone can apply by forming a team of up to four players, including one substitute.

More information about 'THE FINALS' can be found on the official website and community channels.