Paper Rex and T1 lead the charge into VCT Pacific Stage 1 playoffs

The VCT Pacific Stage 1 playoffs are here, and after five weeks of group stage action, the field has sorted itself out in fascinating fashion. Eight teams will contest the double-elimination bracket at the Thiskyhall Sala Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, running from May 7 through May 17, with three VALORANT Masters London spots on the line.

T1 and Paper Rex lead the way into Ho Chi Minh City

T1 qualified for the playoffs with a perfect 5-0 record, capping a dominant Group Omega run that has announced their return to form after a disappointing Masters Santiago exit. The Korean org had something to prove this split, and they’ve delivered emphatically. Paper Rex, meanwhile, led Group Alpha and head into the bracket as one of the most dangerous teams in the region, their game against Nongshim RedForce was the most-watched match of the entire group stage, a testament to how much pull both teams carry heading into playoffs. They finished with a 4-1 record, with their sole loss against Kiwoom DRX.

The Upper Bracket picture

Paper Rex and T1 earn first-round byes as group winners, jumping straight to the Upper Semifinals on May 8. Paper Rex will face the winner of Saturday’s RRQ vs. Global Esports, while T1 face the winner of Kiwoom DRX vs. FULL SENSE: both Upper Round 1 matches taking place on May 7.

Kiwoom DRX had a strong Group Alpha run behind Paper Rex, while RRQ recovered from a slow start to fight their way into the upper side of the bracket. Global Esports, led by the experienced Autumn and UdoTan’s Neon play, gave Pacific fans plenty to cheer for. FULL SENSE, the Ascension newcomers who upset DFM in Week 1, also find themselves in the upper bracke, one of the more remarkable results of the group stage.

The Lower Bracket danger zone

The lower bracket is where the real drama begins on May 9. DetonatioN FocusMe and Nongshim RedForce both drop into the lower bracket, and for both teams, this is as precarious as it gets. One more loss and Stage 1 is over.

For Nongshim, the reigning Masters Santiago champions, falling to the lower bracket is a stark reversal after their undefeated Kickoff run. Nongshim made headlines when they became the first team to ascend through the VALORANT Premier and Challengers system to win an international title, but after a lukewarm start to Stage 1, the team has not found much popularity outside of their early showdown with Paper Rex. They’ll need to rediscover that Santiago form quickly. DFM, who impressed throughout the group stage with their aggressive play, will be equally desperate to avoid elimination.

What’s at Stake in VCT Pacific

The top three finishers qualify for Masters London. The playoff bracket runs Bo3 throughout, with the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final extended to Bo5. The Grand Final is scheduled for May 17.

With T1 and PRX both looking sharp and Nongshim desperate to prove Santiago wasn’t a fluke, this is shaping up to be one of the most compelling Pacific playoffs in recent memory.

VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 1 Playoff Teams:

• Paper Rex (Group Alpha #1) – Upper Semifinal bye
• T1 (Group Omega #1) – Upper Semifinal bye
• Kiwoom DRX (Group Alpha #2)
• Rex Regum Qeon (Group Omega #2)
• Global Esports (Group Alpha #3)
• FULL SENSE (Group Omega #3)
• DetonatioN FocusMe (Group Alpha #4) – Lower Bracket
• Nongshim RedForce (Group Omega #4) – Lower Bracket