Nongshim RedForce Defeat G2 Esports 2–1 in VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 Upper Bracket Semifinals

The match between G2 Esports and Nongshim RedForce in the Upper Bracket Semifinals of VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 ended with a 2–1 victory for Nongshim RedForce. The Korean squad managed to recover after losing the opening map and secured the series with a strong performance on the final two maps, sending G2 Esports to the lower bracket of the tournament.

Map scores:

• Abyss — 13:7 G2 Esports
• Corrode — 13:7 Nongshim RedForce
• Split — 14:12 Nongshim RedForce

Abyss

The series started on Abyss, where G2 Esports looked very confident from the beginning. The team quickly gained control of the pace and secured several early rounds thanks to coordinated attacks and strong individual plays.

Nongshim RedForce struggled to stabilize their defense and often lost crucial opening duels. G2 maintained momentum throughout the map and eventually closed Abyss with a solid 13:7 victory, taking the first point in the series.

Corrode

On Corrode, the momentum shifted in favor of Nongshim RedForce. The Korean roster adapted their strategy and demonstrated a much stronger defensive structure compared to the first map.

Nongshim consistently denied G2’s attempts to gain map control and won several key mid-round fights. Their disciplined gameplay allowed them to dominate the map and equalize the series with a convincing 13:7 win.

Split

The deciding map, Split, turned into the most intense part of the series. Both teams traded rounds throughout the map, keeping the score extremely close and creating a tense atmosphere.

Neither side managed to secure a clear advantage during regulation, pushing the game into overtime. Nongshim RedForce ultimately held their composure in the final rounds and closed the map 14:12, securing the 2–1 series victory and advancing further in the upper bracket.

The VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 Masters Santiago is a tournament organized by Riot Games. The event features 12 teams that qualified as the best representatives of their respective regions. The tournament is being held in Santiago, Chile, at Espacio Riesco, with a total prize pool of $1,000,000.