Masters Champions Nongshim RedForce Left Out of VCT Pacific 2027 Partnership

Nongshim RedForce has officially confirmed that it was not selected for the VCT Pacific partnership program for 2027. The South Korean organization, which won Masters Santiago earlier this year, announced the decision on Monday (October 19), marking a major development ahead of the next competitive cycle of VALORANT.

NS Esports CEO Evans Oh confirmed the news in a statement published on X. Despite missing out on the partnership, he made it clear that Nongshim RedForce intends to remain in competitive VALORANT in 2027.

The decision comes after one of the organization's most successful seasons, which included an international Masters title, a third-place finish at the Esports World Cup, and a VCT Pacific grand final appearance.

Nongshim RedForce CEO Responds to VCT 2027 Partnership Decision

In his statement, Evans Oh revealed that Nongshim RedForce had submitted a proposal containing more than 110 slides as part of its application for the new partnership cycle.

The presentation outlined the organization's long-term growth strategy, marketing initiatives, expansion opportunities through more than 160 RedForce PC Arenas, and support from its parent company, Nongshim.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Oh praised Riot Games' evaluation process, describing it as rigorous and fair. He stated that the organization respected the decision and congratulated the other Korean teams selected for the program.

Oh also acknowledged the financial challenges Nongshim will face without partner status, particularly regarding financial support and the ability to attract players. However, he emphasized that the organization intends to use the next two years to improve its operations and continue pursuing a place in the partnership program.

The CEO also took personal responsibility for the outcome, apologizing to supporters and acknowledging that he could have done more to strengthen the organization's global presence.

Looking ahead, Nongshim plans to reassess its roster and competitive goals while continuing to develop its fan community and content initiatives.

Nongshim RedForce Won Masters Santiago in 2026

Nongshim RedForce joined VCT Pacific in 2025 after establishing itself in the Korean Challengers scene. The team reached the Ascension Pacific grand final that year and continued competing in the region's top division.

The organization reached a new level in 2026. After winning the VCT Pacific Kickoff with a 3-2 victory over Rex Regum Qeon, Nongshim qualified for Masters Santiago and went on to claim its first international title.

In Chile, the South Korean squad defeated Paper Rex 3-0 in the grand final, becoming the first team to emerge from the Ascension system and win an international VALORANT Masters event.

The team's strong international results continued with a third-place finish at the Esports World Cup 2026. Later in the season, Nongshim reached the VCT Pacific Stage 2 grand final, finishing runner-up after a 3-2 loss to Global Esports.

Nongshim also qualified for VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai, advancing from the group stage before falling to Team Vitality and 100 Thieves in the playoffs.

Despite these achievements, the organization will enter the next VCT season without the financial and competitive benefits provided to Riot's partnered teams.

What Happens to Nongshim RedForce in VCT 2027?

The VCT partnership system will undergo significant changes in 2027, with Riot Games reducing the number of partnered organizations from ten to eight in each international league. The new two-year cycle will include 32 partnered teams across Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China.

Partnered organizations will receive guaranteed financial support, revenue opportunities through in-game Team Capsules, and competitive advantages such as direct seeding into later qualifying rounds.

However, missing out on a partnership does not mean Nongshim RedForce is leaving VCT competition. Riot's new format will allow non-partnered teams to compete through open qualifiers and pursue spots in major regional and international tournaments.

Evans Oh confirmed that Nongshim intends to continue its VALORANT project in 2027, although the organization will need to adapt to the new competitive and financial landscape.

Which organizations have secured a VCT partnership for 2027? Check out our complete VCT 2027 partner teams tracker for the latest confirmed teams, reported selections, and updates across all four international leagues.

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