From Premier to Ascension to Kickoff to Masters champion, Nongshim RedForce completed the most extraordinary climb in VCT franchising history.

In a performance that left the esports world speechless, Nongshim RedForce dismantled Paper Rex 3–0 in the Grand Final of VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 on March 15, completing one of the most remarkable underdog stories in VCT history. The Korean squad, competing in their very first international tournament, swept through the bracket without dropping a single series, a feat unprecedented for an Ascension-promoted team.

Lee “Dambi” Hyuk-kyu was named tournament MVP after a masterclass display across the full event. Playing predominantly on Neon and Waylay, Dambi won all seven matches in which he piloted Neon during Masters Santiago. Broadcast analysts consistently highlighted his use of Neon’s Overdrive ultimate, which created relentless pressure that defenses struggled to contain. For Xross, who posted a 1.57 match rating in the Grand Final with 60 kills and 280 ACS, the series proved he too belongs on the world stage.