Nongshim RedForce Secures Top Seed Following Thrilling Upper Final at VCT Pacific Kickoff 2026

The final week of the VCT Pacific Kickoff 2026 reached its peak in Seoul as Nongshim RedForce claimed the number one seed for Masters Santiago. In a tournament defined by a new triple elimination format, the region’s established giants find themselves battling through a crowded lower bracket to secure the remaining international slots.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 13, 2026, 3:57 PM EST

Source: This report is a comprehensive analysis based on data originally documented by VLR.gg and Liquipedia

Nongshim RedForce Continues Undefeated Streak

Nongshim RedForce has officially emerged as the team to beat in the 2026 Pacific circuit after defeating Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) in a grueling 3-2 Best of 5 Upper Final on February 13, 2026. This victory at the Sangam SOOP Colosseum secures the team’s position as the Pacific region's top seed for the upcoming Masters Santiago.

The squad, which entered the league via the Ascension tournament, has maintained an unblemished record throughout the four week event. Key performances from roster additions Rb (Gu Sang min) and Dambi (Lee Hyeok gyu) were pivotal in the final map, where the team's defensive stability ultimately overwhelmed RRQ. Nongshim RedForce’s path to the top included decisive wins over Team Secret, T1, and FULL SENSE.

The Battle for Masters Santiago Qualification

With the top seed claimed, focus shifts to the Mid and Lower Brackets to determine which two additional teams will represent the Pacific region in Chile. The new triple elimination format has kept the competition high, allowing teams several opportunities to recover from early losses.

Recent playoff developments include: