Global Esports Reverse Sweep Nongshim RedForce to Win VCT Pacific 2026 Stage 2

The VCT Pacific 2026 Stage 2 Grand Final at the Riot Games Arena in Busan, South Korea, will go down as one of the most legendary series in Pacific VALORANT history. Global Esports, an organization that has fought tirelessly since entering VALORANT in 2020 and joining the partnered league in 2023, faced Masters Santiago winners Nongshim RedForce. 

Having already secured their tickets to VALORANT Champions Shanghai, the ultimate regional crown was on the line. What unfolded was a breathtaking spectacle of resilience: after falling into a 0-2 deficit, Global Esports staged an unforgettable 3-2 reverse sweep to defeat the Masters Santiago champions and claim their first-ever VCT Pacific championship.

Match Recap:

The best-of-five grand final began as a nightmare for Global Esports. Nongshim RedForce opened the series on Sunset, narrowly taking a tense 13-11 victory. Nongshim then carried that momentum into Split, where they absolutely dismantled Global Esports in a lopsided 13-2 blowout. Trailing 0-2 and facing a sweep, GE seemed entirely out of answers.

Yet, on the third map, Abyss, the tide began to turn. Refusing to let the sweep occur, Global Esports found their rhythm and took the map 13-10. This crucial breakthrough revitalized the team. On Lotus, GE put on a masterclass, dominating Nongshim with a spectacular 13-5 victory to force a deciding fifth map on Haven.

On Haven, the pressure was suffocating. Both squads traded blows in a nerve-wracking showdown, but it was Global Esports who showed unmatched mental fortitude. With crucial clutches and flawless defensive setups, they closed out the map 13-10, completing the impossible 3-2 reverse sweep to silence the doubters.

The Diamond MVP and Historic Milestones

At the heart of this miracle run was Go "UdoTan" Kyung-won, who was named the VCT Pacific Stage 2 Grand Final MVP. His mechanical genius and ice-cold composure during the team's lowest moments earned him a truly unique prize: a custom Pulsar gaming mouse encrusted with 3.2 carats of natural diamonds.

This championship marked several monumental accolades for the organization:

• This is the first-ever VCT Pacific trophy for the Global Esports franchise, as well as the first regional title for all five players and head coach Platoon.

• Showing immense composure under pressure, IGL Xavier "xavi8k" Juan led his team to a regional championship in his very first season in the VCT.

• In winning this title, Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza secured his second career trophy after Masters Toronto, proving he did not need a 'superteam' to win at the highest level.

The Kings of Pacific Head to Shanghai

Global Esports’ breathtaking victory in Busan has completely redefined their legacy. No longer just underdogs, they are now the undisputed champions of the Pacific.

As the region’s number one seed, they will lead Nongshim RedForce, T1, and Paper Rex to VALORANT Champions Shanghai. If their miraculous performance in Busan is any indication, Global Esports is ready to conquer the global stage.

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Featured image credit: Riot Games

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