NRG sweep Nongshim RedForce to open Champions Shanghai

NRG sweep Nongshim RedForce to open Champions Shanghai

NRG 2:0 Nongshim RedForce

NRG opened their VALORANT Champions 2026 campaign with a 2:0 victory over Nongshim RedForce in Group D.

The defending world champions controlled Lotus before closing a tighter Split to move into the winners' match, while Nongshim drop into the lower side of the group.

NRG control Lotus

Lotus was NRG's map pick, and the North American side immediately took control.

NRG won the opening four rounds and built an 8:4 halftime lead before continuing to dictate the pace after the side switch.

Nongshim managed just one additional round before NRG closed the map 13:5.

mada led the way with a 22/11/6 statline as NRG took the early series advantage.

Split seals the sweep

Nongshim produced a stronger showing on Split and kept the map much closer.

The Pacific representatives reached double digits, but NRG held their nerve in the closing rounds to secure a 13:10 victory and complete the 2:0 sweep.

The result sends NRG into the Group D winners' match, while Nongshim RedForce will now have to fight through the elimination side of the group.