Nongshim RedForce Secures Historic Masters Santiago Sweep to Extend Unbeaten 14-Match International Winning Streak

Nongshim RedForce sweeps Paper Rex 3-0 to win Masters Santiago, becoming the first Ascension team to win a major VALORANT title. Lee “Dambi” Hyeok-gyu named MVP.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 9:38 AM EDT

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

A Dominant Ascension to the Global Peak

Nongshim RedForce has etched its name into the history of the VALORANT Champions Tour by securing a flawless victory at Masters Santiago. The South Korean squad concluded their run at Espacio Riesco without dropping a single match, culminating in a 3–0 sweep against Pacific rivals Paper Rex. This championship is the organization’s first international trophy since its 2023 inception and serves as a definitive validation of the VCT promotion system. By extending their winning streak to 14 matches, a run that spans from the 2025 Pacific Ascension to the current global stage, Nongshim has established itself as the new team to beat in the 2026 season.

The Individual Brilliance of MVP Dambi

Central to the team’s success was the performance of Lee “Dambi” Hyeok-gyu, who was officially named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Lee demonstrated unparalleled mastery over the agents Neon and Waylay, maintaining a perfect win record across seven matches when utilizing Neon. Analysts throughout the broadcast noted that Lee’s aggressive and precise use of the Overdrive ultimate was a primary factor in dismantling opposing defenses. His ability to dictate the pace of engagements provided the tactical foundation for Nongshim’s undefeated trajectory through the playoff bracket.

Tactical Resilience and Comeback Victories

The grand final opening map, Corrode, tested Nongshim’s mental fortitude as they faced an early 4–8 deficit against a surging Paper Rex. However, the South Korean side demonstrated remarkable composure in the second half, winning six of the following seven rounds to level the playing field. According to match data, a pivotal late-round double-kill by Jung “Xross” Hwan broke an 11–11 deadlock, allowing Nongshim to snatch a 13–11 victory. This momentum shift proved fatal for Paper Rex, as Nongshim proceeded to dominate the subsequent maps of Split and Abyss with 13–4 and 13–3 scores respectively.