The drought is finally over for 100 Thieves. After years of near-misses and roster iterations, the North American organization has officially ascended to the top of the mountain, taking down NRG 3-1 to win the Valorant Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris.
This victory is more than just a trophy; it is a validation of a project that prioritized long-term chemistry over quick fixes. For veteran star Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk, who has been the face of the organization for over five years, the win marks his first major international title. It is the kind of career-defining moment that cements a player's legacy.
The grand final was a masterclass in resilience. 100 Thieves stormed out of the gates, taking the first two maps, Breeze and Sunset, with commanding 13-7 and 13-6 scorelines. NRG, the reigning world champions, looked stunned as they struggled to find answers for the aggressive, coordinated utility usage from the 100T squad.
However, a championship final rarely goes exactly to plan. NRG fought back on Haven, dismantling their opponents 13-3 to keep their hopes alive. The pressure peaked on Ascent, where NRG built a daunting 9-3 lead. With the series on the line, the 100 Thieves roster—led by rookie IGL Jordan “vora” Pulwer—refused to crumble. They mounted a gritty comeback to force overtime, eventually clinching the map 14-12 and securing the $600,000 prize.
This roster, featuring the explosive duo of Cryocells and Timotino alongside the returning bang, has proven that they belong in the upper echelon of the global Valorant scene. By navigating a tournament run that included wins over MIBR and Nongshim RedForce, they have signaled a clear shift in the power rankings.
As the circuit moves toward the next major events, all eyes will be on whether 100 Thieves can maintain this level of dominance. For now, they stand alone at the top. Check out the latest MyEsports predictions to see how the experts view the upcoming schedule.