VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs Kick Off: Nongshim RedForce Victory and the Battle for VALORANT Champions Spots

From August 26 to September 6, the VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 playoff stage is taking place. Following the groups and Play-In stage, the top eight teams of the Pacific region are competing for a $250,000 prize pool and berths to the main tournament of the year — VALORANT Champions 2026. The decisive matches of the final weekend will take place at the arena in Busan.

In the opening upper bracket match on August 26, Masters Santiago 2026 champions Nongshim RedForce defeated Paper Rex 2-0 (13-7 on Abyss and 13-10 on Split). The victory propelled NS RedForce to the semifinals, where they will play Gen.G Esports on August 27. Paper Rex fell to the lower bracket and will face ONSIDE GAMING in an elimination match on August 28. The second quarterfinal matchup of the first day featured Global Esports and DRX, the winner of which will face VARREL.

Layout of forces and main playoff participants:

• Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex: NS RedForce continue their successful streak after finishing 3rd at EWC 2026. For Paper Rex, finalists of both 2026 Masters events, an opening loss means no margin for error in the lower bracket.
• Gen.G and VARREL: Both teams begin their run directly in the upper bracket semifinals. Japanese team VARREL became the main surprise of the season, placing 1st in their group following victories over PRX, DRX, and T1. Gen.G are competing with a roster updated in July.
• DRX and T1: Former winners and medalists of international Masters are trying to regain their positions using updated rosters. T1 will start their path in the lower bracket.

The two finalists of VCT Pacific Stage 2 will secure direct tickets to VALORANT Champions 2026, which will take place from September 24 to October 18. Two more teams from the region will qualify based on the overall tournament standings. The winner of the stage will receive $100,000, while the runner-up will get $65,000.

As a reminder, TYLOO won VCT China Stage 2 and secured a spot at VALORANT Champions 2026.