The news that Nongshim wins Masters Santiago has finally become a reality, shocking some but confirming South Korean dominance. The tournament in Chile concluded with an overwhelming performance that changed the game’s competitive landscape forever.
What is Nongshim wins Masters Santiago? It is the historic victory of the South Korean team in the first global tournament of 2026, where they defeated Paper Rex with a clean 3-0 sweep in the Grand Final. Therefore, this title marks the first time a team from the Premier system has reached the top of the world in VCT Masters Santiago.
Witnessing how Nongshim wins Masters Santiago is like watching a new era of esports unfold before our eyes. Furthermore, the Pacific region now holds four consecutive international titles, showing an undeniable hegemony in the current VCT Masters Santiago circuit.
The epic journey of how Nongshim wins Masters Santiago

The story of Nongshim RedForce is truly worthy of a movie script. Originally, the roster competed under the tag Sin Prisa Gaming in the amateur Premier mode, which is the lowest rung of the competitive pyramid.
Consequently, their promotion to the elite VALORANT franchises was just the beginning of an undefeated journey. Undeniably, the team maintained a frightening consistency against all opponents who crossed their path during the VCT Masters Santiago.
Therefore, the title in Chile was not just an isolated achievement for Nongshim RedForce. In addition, it validated Riot Games’ new access system, proving that world-class talent can indeed come from anywhere.
From the Premier system to the world stage
Moreover, the transition from amateur play to the big stage was seamless for these players. Therefore, the team’s discipline and tactical depth allowed them to outclass veteran organizations with years of experience.
By the time they reached the playoffs, the world realized that Nongshim RedForce was not just a “Cinderella story.” On the other hand, they were a well-oiled machine ready to dismantle the best teams in the world.
Tactical dominance at VCT Masters Santiago

The grand final of VCT Masters Santiago began tensely on the map Corrode. However, Paper Rex could not sustain the initial 8-4 lead they built with aggressive plays during the first half.
Therefore, Nongshim RedForce adjusted their defensive system brilliantly during the halftime break. On the other hand, the Singaporean team seemed lost against the fast and precise rotations of the South Koreans in the second half.
Therefore, the comeback to 13-11 on the first map was the necessary psychological blow. Furthermore, the following map, Split, served to show the individual technical superiority of the new champions over Paper Rex.
How the Korean defense neutralized Paper Rex
One of the most shocking moments of the series occurred on the map Split. Undeniably, the star Ilya “something” Petrov, from Paper Rex, had one of the worst performances of his professional career during the VCT Masters Santiago.
In fact, the player finished the match with only one kill and seventeen deaths while playing as Yoru. Consequently, Nongshim RedForce took advantage of the opponent’s fragility to accelerate the game and secure a 2-0 lead in the series.
Dessa forma, the Chilean crowd witnessed a true tactical steamroll. In addition, the coordination of Nongshim RedForce prevented any attempt at a coordinated advance by their rivals from Singapore.
To understand the scale of this dominance, check out the map scores:
- Corrode: 13-11 for the Koreans.
- Split: 13-4 with absolute control.
- Abyss: 13-3 to seal the historic sweep.
Final crowning of Nongshim wins Masters Santiago

The map Abyss was the final stage for the South Korean team’s consecration. Moreover, Nongshim RedForce applied an overwhelming pace, closing the first half with a score of 10-2 against Paper Rex.
Dessa forma, the reaction attempt by Paper Rex was quickly stifled in the second half. Therefore, the 13-3 victory guaranteed the VCT Masters Santiago trophy and a $350,000 prize for the organization.
Records broken and Dambi’s MVP award
Check out the impressive numbers from this achievement:
- Only 57 rounds were needed to conclude the final.
- This was the fastest international final in VALORANT history.
- The team earned six crucial points for the world circuit.
- Player Lee “Dambi” Hyuk-kyu was elected the unanimous MVP.
Furthermore, the future of the Pacific region looks brighter than ever on the global stage. Consequently, Nongshim RedForce is now seen as the team to beat in all upcoming international events of the season.
However, the challenge will be to maintain this level of excellence in the next regional stages. On the other hand, the global community now looks at the Premier system with much more respect and attention after this title.
In short, the event in Chile will be marked by South Korean tactical efficiency. Undeniably, Sin Prisa Gaming’s journey to the top of the world is an inspiration to all amateur players. Therefore, today we celebrate the history written by Nongshim wins Masters Santiago.