The drought is finally over for 100 Thieves. In a performance that will be etched into the organization's history, the North American squad captured their first-ever S-Tier international trophy at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris.
Facing off against reigning world champions NRG in a high-stakes Grand Final, 100 Thieves delivered a 3-1 masterclass. The series was a rollercoaster of momentum, proving that this new-look roster has the mental fortitude to perform on the biggest stages.
The series began with 100 Thieves dictating the pace. They dismantled NRG on Breeze with a 13-7 scoreline, followed by a clinical 13-6 victory on Sunset. While NRG managed to claw back a map on Haven, winning 13-3, the fourth map, Ascent, provided the ultimate test. NRG held a commanding 9-3 lead, looking poised to force a deciding fifth map. However, the 100 Thieves core—anchored by long-time veteran Asuna and guided by rookie IGL vora—staged a stunning comeback to force overtime and eventually close the map 14-12.
This victory is a massive validation for the team's project. After years of near-misses, the decision to integrate rookies alongside established talent like Asuna, bang, and Cryocells has paid dividends. For vora, stepping into the IGL role on such a massive stage was a gamble that clearly paid off, as his tactical leadership under pressure proved to be the difference-maker.
For NRG, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, marking their third consecutive international tournament without a title since their 2025 Champions win.
As the dust settles in Paris, the landscape of the Americas region looks more competitive than ever. With this win, 100 Thieves aren't just contenders; they are the team to beat heading into the final stages of the season.
Check out the latest MyEsports predictions to see how the power rankings shift following this historic result.