Riot Games announced that the 2026 VCT Pacific Stage 1 would enter its second week from April 10th-12th at SOOP Sangam Colosseum in Mapo-gu, Seoul, with playoff positioning and Championship Points already becoming a major talking point.

According to the announcement, one of the standout matches of the weekend will see Nongshim RedForce take on Kiwoom DRX in Alpha Group, while Omega Group features T1 against DetonatioN FocusMe and Gen.G against Paper Rex.

Nongshim RedForce and DRX headline Alpha Group action

Friday’s meeting between Nongshim RedForce and Kiwoom DRX arrives with both teams under pressure in Alpha Group, which has been framed as one of the most competitive groups in Stage 1.

Nongshim RedForce entered the stage after building momentum earlier in the season, but opened Week 1 with a loss to Paper Rex. The result ended its unbeaten run and left it searching for its first win of Stage 1.

DRX, meanwhile, began its campaign with a 2-0 win over Team Secret. According to the announcement, the team’s recent roster changes, including the addition of Kim ‘yong’ Ho-yong, have helped it climb to second place in the group.

The match could prove important in the race for the playoffs, with only the top four teams from Alpha Group advancing. A second loss would leave Nongshim RedForce with ground to make up, while DRX has the chance to strengthen its position near the top of the standings.

T1 and DetonatioN FocusMe target early momentum

Elsewhere on Friday, T1 will face DetonatioN FocusMe in Omega Group as both teams look to build momentum after the opening week.

T1 made a strong start to Stage 1 and, according to Riot’s announcement, another victory would give it an early advantage in the playoff race. DetonatioN FocusMe, however, has already shown it can challenge some of the region’s biggest teams after previously defeating Gen.G during Kickoff.

That setup gives the match added intrigue, with T1’s more experienced core set to face a side that has already produced one of the season’s notable surprises.

Gen.G and Paper Rex meet in another high-profile clash

Gen.G’s match against Paper Rex is also expected to attract significant attention.

The fixture brings together two recent international title winners, with Gen.G having lifted Masters Shanghai and Paper Rex winning Masters Toronto. According to the announcement, Gen.G held a narrow 5-4 head-to-head advantage coming into the match.

Gen.G entered Week 2 needing a response after opening Stage 1 with a loss to Global Esports. A defeat to Paper Rex would leave it facing an uphill battle, while a win would immediately pull it back into contention.

Championship Points race already taking shape

Beyond the group standings, Week 2 also carries added weight because of the Championship Points system, which determines qualification for VALORANT Champions at the end of the season.

According to Riot’s announcement, Nongshim RedForce led the standings on 10 points, followed by Paper Rex on seven and T1 on four heading into the second week of Stage 1.

Teams earn one point for each group stage win, with up to six more available depending on playoff finish. With only the top two teams in total Championship Points qualifying for Champions, each result in Stage 1 could play a major role in shaping the season.

The 2026 VCT Pacific Stage 1 matches were set to be broadcast live on YouTube, CHZZK and SOOP, with additional schedule and results information available through VALORANT Esports’ official channels.