Source: Riot Games

Nongshim RedForce (NS) has secured a valuable first victory in Stage 1, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Riot Games, the developer and publisher of the 5v5 character-based tactical shooter 'VALORANT,' announced that the third week of the '2026 VCT Pacific Stage 1' took place from Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th at the SOOP Sangam Colosseum, located in the S-Plex Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

○ Nongshim RedForce Defeats Gen.G to Secure First Win in Stage 1

The most anticipated match of the third week, between Nongshim RedForce and Gen.G, ended in a clean 2-0 sweep for Nongshim RedForce.

The first set on 'Pearl' was a tight contest, tied 6-6 at halftime, but Nongshim RedForce gained momentum in the second half to win 13-8. Carrying that momentum into the second set on 'Breeze,' Nongshim RedForce displayed a flawless performance. Gen.G managed to plant the spike only once throughout the entire second set, and even that was defused by Nongshim RedForce, who completely dominated their opponents. Finishing the match with a commanding 13-3 score, Nongshim RedForce secured their first win of Stage 1 and successfully turned their season around.

For this match, Nongshim RedForce made a strategic move by fielding Kim Mu-bin ('Francis') on Neon instead of Lee Hyeok-gyu ('Dambi'). Kim, playing a key role in the new composition, led the team to victory with 22 kills in the first set alone. Park Seong-hyeon ('Ivy'), who provided solid support in the first set, showcased incredible potential in the second set as Viper, racking up 23 kills in just 16 rounds and contributing decisively to the team's win. With this first victory, Nongshim RedForce has built a foundation to continue their push for a playoff spot.

○ Kiwoom DRX and T1 Both Secure 2-0 Sweeps, Reaching 3 Wins and Topping Their Groups

Kiwoom DRX and T1 each secured clean 2-0 set victories against Global Esports (GE) and Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ), respectively, reaching the three-win mark.

Kiwoom DRX had a shaky start in the first set on 'Fracture,' losing the first pistol round to GE, but they immediately broke the opponent's momentum by winning an 'eco' round. Led by Kim Myeong-gwan ('MaKo'), they scored consecutive points to widen the gap and maintained control to take the set 13-8. Riding the momentum into the second set on 'Haven,' Kiwoom DRX secured the win behind the sharp aim of Song Hyeon-min ('HYUNMIN'), closing out the match 13-9. With this, Kiwoom DRX became the only team in the 'Group of Death' (Alpha Group) to reach three wins, taking the top spot and significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the playoffs.

The match between T1 and RRQ featured a fierce tactical battle between the IGLs (In-Game Leaders) of each team. After a close first half on 'Pearl,' T1, led by IGL Byun Sang-beom ('Munchkin'), displayed fearsome focus in the second half to pull ahead and win 13-8. T1 continued to dominate in the second set on 'Bind,' keeping the pressure on RRQ. Although RRQ's IGL, Ngo Cong Anh ('crazyguy'), attempted a fierce comeback to save his team, it was not enough to overcome the point deficit. T1 ultimately secured the win 13-10, becoming the second team in the Omega Group, following Full Sense (FS), to clinch a ticket to the playoffs.

The 2026 VCT Pacific Stage 1 is being broadcast live via online platforms including YouTube, Chzzk, and SOOP. Further information regarding the tournament schedule and results can be found on the official website, Flickr, Instagram, and TikTok.