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Nongshim RedForce’s impressive 14-game winning streak met its match during the first week of the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific Stage 1, as they were defeated by Paper Rex in a reverse sweep.
This defeat was a form of redemption for Paper Rex, who had previously suffered a 0-3 loss against Nongshim RedForce in the grand final of Masters Santiago last month. In other matches during Week one, Kiwoom DRX started strong with a decisive victory over Team Secret, T1 dominated Team VARREL, and Global Esports caused an upset by defeating Gen.G.
Week one of VCT Pacific Stage 1 was held from April 3rd to 5th at SOOP Sangam Colosseum in Seoul, South Korea.
Paper Rex Ends Nongshim RedForce’s Winning Streak
The intense showdown between Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex was a highlight of the opening week, culminating in a 2-1 victory for the Singaporean team. After a close first map that went into overtime and was won by Nongshim RedForce, Paper Rex rallied in the following maps to secure the reverse sweep.
The third map saw Paper Rex dominate with a 13-6 score, completing their comeback. Wang ‘Jinggg’ Jing Jie’s stellar performance, with 76 kills across the three maps, was pivotal in their victory. On the opposing side, Lee ‘Dambi’ Hyuk-kyu couldn’t replicate his previous impact against Paper Rex.
This loss marked the end of Nongshim RedForce’s 14-game winning streak, which had spanned from VCT Ascension Pacific through VCT Pacific Kickoff and Masters Santiago.
Kiwoom DRX’s Strong Start against Team Secret
Kiwoom DRX also made a statement in Stage one by defeating Team Secret 2-0 following recent roster changes.
The Korean team took an early lead in the series, winning the first map 13-5. Although Team Secret put up a fight in the second map, taking it to overtime, DRX emerged victorious after a strong performance in the extra rounds.
Song ‘HYUNMIN’ Hyun-min’s standout display with 41 kills and Kim ‘yong’ Ho-yong’s impressive performance after being promoted to the main roster showcased DRX’s potential with their revised lineup.
This result marked a promising start for DRX as they adjusted to their new lineup in Stage one.
Global Esports Surprises with Victory over Gen.G as T1 Dominates
A major upset in the opening round was Global Esports’ 2-0 sweep against Gen.G.
Global Esports secured a 13-8 victory in the first map, with standout performances from Patrick ‘PatMen’ Mendoza, leading them to a successful second map and the overall upset.
Meanwhile, T1 started Stage one strongly with a 2-0 win over Team VARREL. Despite early pressure in the first map, T1 regrouped in the second half to dominate and secure the series.
T1 displayed a strong performance in the second map to secure the win, with Yu ‘BuZz’ Byeong-cheol leading the charge with 41 kills.
Riot Games announced that the VCT Pacific Stage 1 Finals will be held at the Thiskyhall Sala Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from May 15th to 17th. Ticket sales will start on April 10th through Ticketbox, with no on-site sales available.
VCT Pacific Stage 1 is being broadcast on platforms such as YouTube, CHZZK, and SOOP.