From climbing the ranks in Ascension to battling it out on the big stage, Nongshim RedForce have done it again, they’re officially heading to the VCT Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs.

The Korean side, who earned their VCT spot by winning last year’s Ascension Grand Final (back when they were called Sin Prisa Gaming), locked in their Playoffs berth with a convincing 2–0 win over Gen.G Esports in the group stage. It’s a massive step that keeps their 2026 VCT hopes alive.

They rose through Ascension, and now they rise again.

Nongshim RedForce are headed to the #VCTPacific Stage 2 Playoffs! 🍜 pic.twitter.com/gFLLqnvBx4

— VCT Pacific (@vctpacific) August 8, 2025

With Riot’s updated rules, Ascension teams need to either make it to VALORANT Champions or reach Stage 2 Playoffs to defend their VCT spot for the following year. Falling short means direct relegation back to Challengers.

That win over Gen.G means Nongshim are guaranteed at least a shot at Ascension 2025, and if they go even further and place top two in Stage 2, they’ll automatically lock in their place for VCT Pacific 2026 without having to go through the gauntlet again.

The playoff picture is heating up

Group Alpha is suddenly wide open. DRX are leading with a 3–1 record, followed by Nongshim and Gen.G both at 3–2, and Rex Regum Qeon at 2–2. Even Team Secret, currently sitting at 1–3, still have a slim shot at sneaking into the Playoffs.

Over in Group Omega, Paper Rex have pulled ahead with a 4–1 record after a clean 2–0 win over TALON, who now sit at 3–2. DetonatioN FocusMe remain in the mix at 3–1, while Nongshim’s fellow Ascension graduates, BOOM Esports, have unfortunately gone 0–4 and will miss out on the Playoffs, only keeping their Ascension hopes alive through VCT points.

VCT Pacific Stage 2 Standings August 8 | Image via vlr.gg

For Nongshim, the dream of back-to-back VCT seasons is still well within reach, but the next few matches will be crucial.

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