"We just feel like we're prepared for anything" - Rb on Nongshim RedForce qualifying for their first VALORANT Champions

VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Stage 2 has delivered some of the most competitive, high-stakes matches in recent history, and the recent clash between Nongshim RedForce and Gen.G Esports was no exception. In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire series, Nongshim RedForce managed to edge out their rivals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory that pushed both teams to their absolute limits.

Following their win, THESPIKE.GG sat down for an exclusive interview with Nongshim’s IGL, Goo "Rb" Sang-Min, to discuss a triumph that was both a grueling trial and an immense relief, cementing the team's qualification for VALORANT Champions in Shanghai.

"It feels like it was a really difficult match, and I'm glad we were fortunately able to win."

The 2-1 triumph over Gen.G marks a monumental milestone for Nongshim RedForce, who have officially qualified for their very first VALORANT Champions event in Shanghai. Behind this victory lies a story of rapid adaptability, extreme mental pressure, and deep-seated confidence in their strategic identity.

*Disclaimer: Rb gave all of his answers in Korean. A mix of the on-site translator and AI was utilized to ensure the most accurate translation."

Playing on Instinct and Zero Preparation Time

In professional esports, anti-prep is a crucial part of how teams prepare against other teams. While some teams find it beneficial to focus on their own game, others thrive when countering their foes on the server.

However, due to a packed tournament schedule, Nongshim RedForce faced Gen.G with virtually no time to prepare specific counter-strategies. The match took place the very day after their intensive clash with Paper Rex.

"We didn't really have separate time to prepare. Because the match was right the next day, we came in today without having prepared anything. Since we know what the opponent is good at, we just went in with the focus of, 'Let's be careful about those things and just do well among ourselves.'"

This focus on executing their own game plan rather than constantly reacting to Gen.G’s setups proved to be the decider. By prioritizing team chemistry and individual focus, Nongshim neutralized Gen.G's explosive strategies and sealed the win.

Rb's Return to Champions

More than just a win against one of Korea’s finest, Nongshim's victory also confirmed their qualification to their first-ever Champions tournament and, with it, a long-awaited homecoming, as Rb is set to return to the VALORANT Champions stage for the first time in three years.

As a seasoned veteran, Rb has long been regarded as one of the region's most versatile and reliable players. For three years, his singular focus has been to reclaim his place among the world’s elite.

"Honestly, I only thought about how much I wanted to qualify for Champions again. Being able to actually make it back like this after 3 years makes me feel very, very good."

After a three-year absence from the absolute pinnacle of VALORANT competition, returning with a new roster in Nongshim RedForce validates the tireless grind Rb has endured.

Conquering the Championship Point Pressure

The road to Champions Shanghai was anything but straightforward. Heading into the final matches of Stage 2, the stakes could not have been higher. With only three qualifying spots remaining for the Pacific region and Paper Rex already securing the first, the margin for error was razor-thin. Teams had to either reach the Grand Finals of the stage or accumulate enough Championship points to secure passage.

For Rb and his teammates, this qualification math became a mental burden as Stage 2 reached its climax. While they tried to block out the noise, the pressure of the point system was impossible to ignore.

"Since there's a rule that you can advance through the point system, honestly I didn't realize it at first, but towards the end I felt quite a bit of pressure. At the same time, it was more like thinking, ‘We don't need to feel pressured, but ah, we need to earn points,’ so it's on my mind a little bit."

The Resurrection of Yoru

Nongshim's journey through Stage 2 was a rollercoaster. The team suffered a noticeable dip in form during the Group Stage, raising questions about their coordination. However, they underwent a massive resurgence during the Play-Ins, showcasing the championship-caliber form that fans had grown accustomed to.

A major catalyst for this turnaround was their bold decision to bring back their signature Yoru-centric composition. While other teams have struggled to integrate the tricky Japanese duelist, Nongshim wielded Yoru with absolute authority. According to Rb, their confidence stemmed from hours of historical practice.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Stage 2

Gen.G Esports

1

X

2

Nongshim RedForce

Upper Bracket Semi Final, Best of 3 - August 27, 2026 - 8:00AM

8

Ascent

13

13

Summit

9

11

Sunset

13

Gen.G Esports

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

t3xture

1.40

287

70/46/10

+24

1.52

75.9%

175.7

24%

68%

19

9

Karon

0.91

174

41/47/25

-6

0.87

80.8%

106.9

43%

57%

4

3

Raxcal

0.89

173

42/43/19

-1

0.98

74.5%

109.7

25%

44%

4

5

Ash

0.82

184

44/54/9

-10

0.81

65.9%

116.0

33%

59%

10

7

Efina

0.78

160

37/50/16

-13

0.74

65.7%

110.9

28%

67%

4

2

Nongshim RedForce

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Rb

1.19

228

55/42/27

+13

1.31

72.7%

138.7

26%

0%

0

8

Ivy

1.12

222

51/48/22

+3

1.06

75.8%

149.8

31%

75%

12

4

Dambi

1.02

215

51/50/17

+1

1.02

73.2%

138.1

30%

30%

6

14

Xross

0.97

183

43/38/20

+5

1.13

74.6%

119.8

27%

60%

3

2

Francis

0.78

178

40/56/15

-16

0.71

61.4%

118.5

22%

28%

5

13

"Personally, within our team composition, we've already prepared and practiced this comp a lot way back in Santiago. Because of that, we were confident and had the conviction that even if we went back to it, we could just do well together."

However, Rb is under no illusions about the stability of the competitive landscape. With rapid updates constantly shaking up the meta, he warns of turbulent times ahead. "And since the meta has also suddenly changed recently, I think it might become a dizzying period again," he noted.

Solving the Map Pool Puzzle

The abrupt changes to the map pool right before Stage 2 forced teams to completely rewrite their strategic playbooks in a very short window of time. While many professional players and coaches have expressed frustration regarding the rapid pace of these map and agent updates, Nongshim has built a culture around embracing the chaos.

Rb admitted that things like patch notes and meta changes are inevitable. Rather than complaining about the hand they are dealt, Nongshim view updates as puzzles to be solved as quickly as possible. By dedicating their energy to rapid adaptation, they stay a step ahead of their competitors.

"Of course, in those situations, it seems most people express a lot of negativity. But for us, rather than being negative, when something new comes out, we tend to intensely focus our thoughts on how to immediately resolve it. Because we concentrate on that, no matter what situation arises, we just feel like we're prepared for anything."

You can watch the complete interview with Rb below:

Looking Forward

As Nongshim RedForce prepares to pack their bags for Champions Shanghai, they do so not just as qualifiers, but as a dangerous, highly adaptable threat to the international crown. With a Masters Santiago trophy already in their cabinet, and a seasoned veteran like Rb leading the charge willing to master any meta, Nongshim RedForce is prepared to face whatever challenges await them on the biggest stage of the year.

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