Nongshim RedForce Emerges as Unbeaten Dark Horse to Challenge Reigning World Champions NRG in Santiago Playoffs

Nongshim RedForce remains undefeated at Masters Santiago. Discover how the Korean squad beat G2 Esports to set up a clash with world champions NRG.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Inven Global

The Rise of a New Korean Powerhouse

The competitive landscape of VALORANT Masters Santiago has been fundamentally altered by the unexpected dominance of Nongshim RedForce. Entering the international stage at Espacio Riesco as the top seed from the Pacific region, the South Korean squad has transitioned from a regional champion into a global title contender. Their unbeaten streak through the initial playoff rounds has signaled a shift in momentum, as they dismantled European representatives Gentle Mates and G2 Esports. This trajectory suggests that the Pacific region's historical strength in Masters events remains fully intact as the 2026 season reaches its first major peak.

Early Playoff Success and Tactical Precision

Nongshim’s campaign began on March 7 with a calculated 2–0 victory that showcased the team's strategic depth and individual skill ceiling. Park “Ivy” Sung-hyun anchored the defense on Haven, utilizing Killjoy to secure 24 eliminations and thwart aggressive executes. The series was closed out by Lee “Dambi” Hyuk-gyu, whose proficiency with the duelist Neon allowed Nongshim to dictate the pace of the second map. This victory provided the necessary confidence for the team to face more established Western organizations in the deeper stages of the bracket.

Overcoming the G2 Esports Challenge

The upper bracket second round presented a significant hurdle as Nongshim faced G2 Esports in a three-map thriller. After dropping the opening map, the Korean side relied on a combined 42-kill performance from Lee and Park to equalize the series with a convincing 13–7 win. The decider on Split pushed both rosters to their limits, as a massive first-half lead for Nongshim was nearly erased by a late G2 comeback. In the ensuing overtime, the collective composure of Kim “Francis” Moo-bin, Jung “Xross” Hwan, and veteran Goo “Rb” Sang-min secured a 14–12 victory, effectively sending G2 to the lower bracket.