VCT Pacific Stage 2 playoffs begin with eight teams fighting for Busan spots
VCT Pacific Stage 2 playoffs begin with eight teams fighting for Busan spots
The VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 playoffs are underway, with eight teams competing for four places at the final weekend in Busan and a path toward VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai.
Gen.G Esports and VARREL enter the playoffs with direct byes into the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while Paper Rex , Nongshim RedForce , Global Esports , and KIWOOM DRX begin their campaigns in Upper Bracket Round 1.
T1 and ONSIDE GAMING face the most difficult route, entering directly through the lower bracket with elimination awaiting them after a single defeat.
Eight teams remain in contention
The complete playoff field consists of:
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Gen.G Esports — Upper Bracket Semifinals
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VARREL — Upper Bracket Semifinals
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Paper Rex — Upper Bracket Round 1
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Nongshim RedForce — Upper Bracket Round 1
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Global Esports — Upper Bracket Round 1
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KIWOOM DRX — Upper Bracket Round 1
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T1 — Lower Bracket Round 1
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ONSIDE GAMING — Lower Bracket Round 1
Gen.G Esports and VARREL require only one victory to guarantee a top-four finish and secure their places at the final weekend in Busan.
Paper Rex face Nongshim RedForce
Paper Rex and Nongshim RedForce open their playoff campaigns on August 26.
The teams have already faced each other twice during the season. Nongshim RedForce defeated Paper Rex in the Masters Santiago 2026 grand final, while Paper Rex later responded with a victory during VCT Pacific Stage 1.
Paper Rex enter the playoffs following a 2-0 victory over DRX in their most recent match.
Nongshim RedForce , meanwhile, advanced through the Play-Ins without dropping a map against DaddyDe11 and T1 .
Global Esports meet KIWOOM DRX
The second opening-round matchup sees Global Esports face KIWOOM DRX.
Global Esports emerged as one of the standout teams during Stage 2, recording consecutive 2-0 victories over FULL SENSE , Rex Regum Qeon , and ZETA DIVISION before finishing second in Group Alpha.
KIWOOM DRX endured a more difficult route. The team finished last in Group Omega with a 1-4 record before recovering in the Play-Ins.
DRX swept ONSIDE GAMING and then secured 2-1 victories over ZETA DIVISION and Sharper Esport to reach the playoffs.
Four teams will advance to Busan
The top four teams from the Stage 2 playoffs will qualify for the final weekend at Sajik Arena in Busan.
Beyond reaching the live event, teams are also competing for qualification to VALORANT Champions 2026. The top two finishers at VCT Pacific Stage 2 will earn direct places at the season-ending international tournament in Shanghai.
Gen.G Esports and VARREL currently hold the most favorable bracket positions after earning byes, while T1 and ONSIDE GAMING must survive the lower bracket from the opening round.
With Champions qualification and places in Busan at stake, every remaining series carries significant consequences for the eight teams still competing.
