Nongshim RedForce signs UdoTan for 2027 VALORANT roster
Nongshim RedForce has officially announced the signing of Go "UdoTan" Kyung-won for their 2027 VALORANT competitive season. The 22-year-old South Korean Duelist joins the squad as their primary spearhead, stepping in to fill the vacancy left by star Duelist Lee "Dambi" Hyuk-kyu.
A New Chapter Following Dambi's Historic Departure
The roster shift marks the end of an iconic era for Nongshim RedForce. Under Dambi's explosive entry play on Neon, RedForce executed a historic 2026 run, winning VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Kickoff.
They then went on to lift the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Masters Santiago 2026 trophy following a 3–0 grand final sweep against Paper Rex, becoming the first Ascension team to win an international VALORANT event.
However, following the organization's omission from the VCT 2027–2028 Partnership Program, Dambi announced he was exploring free agency options for 2027, prompting the Korean organization to seek a high-caliber successor.
Bringing Explosive Firepower from Global Esports
To maintain their competitive trajectory, Nongshim RedForce secured UdoTan, one of the Pacific region's most dynamic Duelists. UdoTan spent the 2026 season with Global Esports, where he played a central role in their legendary 3–2 reverse-sweep victory over Nongshim in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Stage 2 Grand Finals and had an impactful run at VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Champions Shanghai.
Following Global Esports' complete exit from competitive gaming to transition into an AI-focused studio venture, UdoTan entered free agency as a prime target.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 VCT Season
With UdoTan leading the charge, Nongshim RedForce aims to build upon its sustained success while navigating the restructured VCT landscape. In his initial team interview, UdoTan expressed enthusiasm for joining the Nonghsim RedForce banner and taking on the responsibility of driving the frontline.
As the Masters Santiago winners prepare for the new format change of 2027, UdoTan's sharp mechanics and proven international experience position the team to remain a formidable contender.
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: Riot Games
I'm Kaustavmani Choudhury, or KC for short, or Zaibatsu, if you want. I'm an esports writer and enthusiast who's been working in the scene for 2 years now. Covering a range of games such as Counter-Strike, VALORANT and Rainbow Six Siege, among others, I believe I bring my own blend of expertise, storytelling, and insights into the world of Esports.
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