Defending World Champions NRG Eliminated from Champions 2026

The throne of VALORANT world champions has officially fallen in Shanghai. In a dramatic lower-bracket clash at VALORANT Champions 2026, reigning titleholders NRG were swept 0-2 by their North American rivals, 100 Thieves. 

The victory solidifies 100 Thieves’ dominant campaign this season while securing them a coveted place in the tournament's top four.

The Dethroning of NRG

NRG have become the first Americas to be eliminated from Shanghai after the region was showing some top-tier VALORANT. 

This early playoff exit marks a sobering end to their reign atop international VALORANT. Defending a world championship brings immense pressure, and losing to a domestic rival in a 0-2 sweep exposes vulnerabilities that will force deep organizational reflection. 

100 Thieves had managed to get the better of NRG back in Americas Stage 2 playoffs, with the EWC winners taking another 2-0 win. Since this time was no different, it seems that NRG have not managed to adapt to the counterplay deployed by 100T.

The loss also puts an end to their back-to-back championship dreams and ends Ethan's run to lift his third Champions trophy. This has now forced the organization to re-evaluate its strategic approach ahead of the upcoming off-season as new kings emerge in the region.

100 Thieves' Ascension to Global Dominance

On the winner's side, for 100 Thieves, eliminating the reigning champions is a definitive statement of supremacy. Having already claimed trophies at EWC and VCT Americas Stage 2, beating NRG on the world stage proves their regional dominance is no fluke. 

"The Heist" continues in Shanghai as 100 Thieves establish themselves not just as Americas' best, but as genuine favorites for the global crown. Reaching the Top 4 reinforces their unmatched momentum, high-pressure composure, and tactical adaptability, positioning them as the new standard-bearers for North American VALORANT.

A New Chapter in Shanghai

With this decisive triumph, 100 Thieves continue their lower bracket run, advancing into the top four at Shanghai. For NRG, the loss marks the end of their reign at 5th-6th, concluding an intense journey to defend their title. 

As fallen kings step aside, 100 Thieves stand at the top as one of the prime contenders to claim the trophy.

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Featured image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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