The drought is finally over. After six years of competing at the highest level of professional VALORANT, 100 Thieves have hoisted their first S-Tier international trophy. In a grand final that captivated the Paris crowd, the North American squad dismantled regional rivals NRG with a clinical 3-1 victory to claim the Esports World Cup 2026 title.
For a long time, 100 Thieves were seen as a team with high potential that couldn't quite cross the finish line. That narrative shattered in Paris. Led by rookie IGL Jordan “vora” Pulwer and the veteran presence of Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk—who has been with the organization for over five years—the team displayed a level of composure that silenced their critics.
A Masterclass in Paris
The series against NRG was a clash of titans. NRG, the reigning world champions, entered the final as favorites, having dominated their head-to-head meetings throughout the 2026 season. However, 100 Thieves came prepared. They opened the series with a commanding 13-7 win on Breeze, followed by a 13-6 demolition on Sunset.
NRG managed to claw one back on Haven, winning 13-2 and threatening a reverse sweep as they built a 9-3 lead on the fourth map, Ascent. But 100 Thieves refused to break. With Matthew “Cryocells” Panganiban and Timothée “Timotino” Lavigne Dupont leading the charge, they forced overtime and secured a 14-12 win to close the series.
What This Means for the VCT Circuit
This victory is more than just a $600,000 payday; it is a statement of intent. By integrating fresh talent like vora and Timotino alongside established stars like bang and Cryocells, 100 Thieves have proven that their roster construction strategy works. They navigated the "Group of Death" and took down heavy hitters like MIBR and Nongshim RedForce to reach the top.
For NRG, the loss is a bitter pill, but they remain a force to be reckoned with in the MyEsports predictions landscape. As the season continues, the gap between the top teams in the Americas has never been tighter. Keep an eye on our matches page to see how these two rivals fare in their next encounters.
The era of 100 Thieves has arrived, and they are here to stay.