Nongshim RedForce vs Paper Rex Prediction VCT Masters Santiago 2026 Grand Final

Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex face off on March 15, 2026, in the Grand Final of VCT Masters Santiago 2026 at Espacio Riesco in Santiago, Chile. The winner claims the first Masters title of the 2026 season and a $350,000 top prize. This is the first time in VCT history that a Grand Final features a Pacific derby — two teams from the same region meeting on the global stage. VCT Masters Santiago 2026 is the first international Valorant event of the 2026 season, held with a $1,000,000 prize pool. The Grand Final is a Best-of-5. Nongshim RedForce arrive in the Grand Final undefeated through the entire Upper Bracket — their last 5 results: W W W W W. They won VCT Pacific Kickoff to qualify for this event, then swept NRG 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Final to earn a direct Grand Final spot. Their defining strength at this tournament has been defensive discipline — Nongshim have posted an 84% round win rate in defensive halves across Masters Santiago, the highest of any team in the field. Their structured, coordinated playstyle has given every opponent problems and no team has found a consistent answer for it. Paper Rex arrive through the Lower Bracket after an early loss — their last 5 results: W W L W W. After losing in the Swiss Stage, PRX fought back through multiple elimination matches to reach this Grand Final — defeating NRG 3-1 in the Lower Bracket Final on March 15. Something has been their standout performer throughout the Lower Bracket run, recording 14 first bloods in the Lower Bracket Final alone. This is Paper Rex's fourth time reaching a global Grand Final — their experience on the biggest stage in Valorant is unmatched. Head-to-head: Paper Rex lead Nongshim RedForce 3-2 in all-time series. PRX's aggressive W-gaming style has historically caused problems for structured, defense-first teams — but Nongshim's 84% defensive round win rate at this tournament suggests they may finally have the answer. EsportScanner AI gives Nongshim RedForce a 55% win probability based on their undefeated Upper Bracket run, 84% defensive round win rate, and the psychological advantage of coming in fresh against a Paper Rex side that has played 3 more maps across the Lower Bracket. What to Watch Nongshim's defense vs Paper Rex's first bloods Nongshim's 84% defensive round win rate is the best stat of the entire tournament. Paper Rex's something recorded 14 first bloods in the Lower Bracket Final alone — first bloods are the primary way aggressive teams like PRX break down defensive structures. If something can replicate that first blood rate across a Bo5, PRX have the tools to crack Nongshim's defense. If Nongshim neutralize him early, PRX lose their biggest win condition. PRX's Grand Final experience vs Nongshim's fresh legs Paper Rex are appearing in their fourth global Grand Final — they know how to handle the pressure of a Bo5 on the biggest stage. But they have also played significantly more maps than Nongshim across this tournament due to their Lower Bracket run. Nongshim arrive fresher, more rested, and with the confidence of an unbeaten run behind them. In a 5-map series, physical and mental freshness can be the difference in Maps 4 and 5. Make your prediction on EsportScanner and earn Scanner Points.