The 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff heads into its second week with qualification stakes rising as teams navigate Riot Games’ newly introduced triple-elimination format. With three seeds to Masters Santiago on the line — awarded to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bracket winners — every series now carries long-term consequences.

Week 2 action is scheduled to run from Thursday, Jan. 29, through Sunday, Feb. 1, at the SOOP Coliseum in Sangam-dong, Seoul. After a volatile opening week defined by upsets and early exits, the tournament bracket has begun to take clearer shape.

Four teams remain undefeated after Week 1: Nongshim RedForce, Full Sense, Paper Rex, and Rex Regum Qeon. Their positioning in the Upper Bracket places them just one series away from locking in a spot in the Upper Bracket Final — and with it, a direct path to the No. 1 seed for Masters Santiago.

Nongshim RedForce and Full Sense, in particular, have emerged as early surprises. Nongshim opened the tournament by dispatching tournament favorite T1 behind relentless tempo and decisive aim duels, while Full Sense staged one of Week 1’s most memorable comebacks against DRX. Their upcoming meeting will determine which squad continues its unlikely run deeper into the bracket.

Paper Rex and Rex Regum Qeon are also set for a pivotal Upper Bracket clash. Paper Rex showcased composure under pressure in Week 1, while Rex Regum Qeon advanced with a controlled, methodical approach. The series is expected to test whether structure or chaos prevails.

2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff – Week 2 Preview

While the Upper Bracket teams push for perfection, the Middle Bracket offers no margin for error. The marquee matchup of the week sees Gen.G and T1 face off in a high-stakes elimination series. Both organizations entered the Kickoff with championship expectations but were pushed down the bracket after early losses.

The rivalry carries recent history. T1 defeated Gen.G in a tight 3–2 series during last year’s Pacific qualifier run and went on to claim an international title, leaving Gen.G searching for redemption. With both teams now fighting to stay alive, execution and composure will be paramount.

Additional Middle Bracket matches also carry intrigue. Global Esports will look to convert individual firepower into consistency against ZETA DIVISION, while DetonatioN FocusMe aims to continue its upset-heavy momentum against Team Secret.

As Week 2 begins, the Pacific Kickoff remains wide open — with underdog narratives still unfolding and traditional powerhouses fighting to reassert themselves.