100 Thieves and NRG to face off at EWC 2026 Grand Finals
The semifinals of the EWC - Esports World Cup 2026 delivered a resounding statement for North American VALORANT, as 100 Thieves and NRG dispatched Nongshim RedForce and BBL Esports, respectively, to book their tickets to the Grand Finals. For the first time, fans get an all-NA showdown for the EWC 2026 title.
100 Thieves Survive a Scare from Nongshim
100 Thieves opened strong, dominating on Nongshim's pick of Ascent with a lethal attack side before locking down the defense to close 13-6. Nongshim, fresh off their Masters Santiago title run, roared back on 100T's pick of Lotus, finding their rhythm and steamrolling the NA side 13-7 to level the series.
Haven proved the ultimate decider. Nongshim raced to an 8-4 halftime lead on the strength of their attack, but their defense crumbled, managing just 3 rounds in the second half. 100 Thieves capitalized fully, completing the comeback to win 13-11 and punch their Grand Finals ticket.
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Timotino
NRG Overcome a Shaky Start Against BBL
NRG's road was rockier. The reigning world champions were blindsided on their own pick of Haven, as BBL dismantled them 13-4. On BBL's map, Breeze, the EMEA side looked poised to seize control, but NRG clawed back on defense to reach map point first. BBL pushed it to overtime, yet NRG held firm, closing it out 14-12.
By Lotus, BBL's confidence was visibly shaken. NRG dominated defense with an 8-4 first half and suffocated BBL in the second, allowing just two more rounds to seal the series 13-6.
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_1771594272496.png&w=48&q=75 "NRG")
_1743609889685.png&w=96&q=75 "BBL Esports")
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_1771594272496.png&w=96&q=75 "NRG")
Keiko
A Blockbuster NA Finale
100 Thieves and NRG will now clash in a best-of-five Grand Final for $600,000 and 1000 EWC Club points. Meanwhile, Nongshim RedForce and BBL Esports will meet in the third-place decider, competing for $220,000, 500 Club points, and a podium finish to salvage their EWC campaigns.
With an all-NA finals, EWC 2026 is set to crown a champion from the region for the first time, cementing NA VALORANT's resurgence on the global stage. All eyes now turn to 100 Thieves and NRG as they battle for the title, the money, and bragging rights as the best team in the world.
For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.
Featured Image Source: Esports World Cup
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