100 Thieves Crowned Esports World Cup 2026 VALORANT Champions

100 Thieves are the new Esports World Cup 2026 VALORANT champions after defeating fellow VCT Americas representative NRG Esports 3-1 in Sunday's grand final in Paris. The victory earned the North American organization $600,000 in prize money and 1,000 Club Championship points, adding another major title to the organization's growing trophy cabinet.

The championship also marked a career-defining moment for several members of the roster. Veteran Peter "Asuna" Mazuryk finally claimed his first international title after spending more than five years with 100 Thieves, while rookie in-game leader Jordan "Vora" Pulwer lifted his first major trophy after guiding the team's rebuilt lineup through an unbeaten tournament run.

100 Thieves Complete Unbeaten Run in Paris

100 Thieves entered the grand final looking every bit like the tournament favorite after cruising through the group stage and playoffs without dropping a series. The team swept through its opening matches before eliminating MIBR in the quarterfinals and Masters Santiago champions Nongshim RedForce in the semifinals to book a meeting with NRG.

The grand final looked set for a quick finish after 100 Thieves comfortably secured the opening two maps. NRG fought back by taking Haven and appeared on course to force a deciding fifth map after building a commanding 9-3 lead on Ascent.

Instead, 100 Thieves produced one of the tournament's biggest comebacks. Led by Vora, the squad erased the six-round deficit, forced overtime, and eventually closed out the map 14-12 to complete the 3-1 victory. The win capped off a flawless campaign, with 100 Thieves finishing the Esports World Cup with a perfect 7-0 match record.

Asuna and Cryocells Reach Career Milestones

The championship carried extra significance for Asuna, who joined 100 Thieves as a 17-year-old and has remained with the organization throughout his professional VALORANT career. After years of roster changes and international disappointments, the veteran finally lifted his first major international trophy.

"We have a great coaching staff and an excellent in-game leader, and the chemistry between the players was fantastic," Asuna said after the victory. "It took us some time to really hit our stride, but I'm glad we were able to perform at our best when it mattered most."

Meanwhile, Matthew "Cryocells" Panganiban was named the tournament's Sony MVP after starring throughout the event. The North American duelist delivered another outstanding performance in the grand final, recording 65 kills and 25 assists against NRG.

Despite earning MVP honors, Cryocells admitted the title meant more than individual recognition after previously struggling with self-confidence.

"It feels great, but I still don't think I reached the level of performance I expected from myself," he said. "I've faced a lot of self-doubt throughout my career because I hadn't lifted a trophy in so long, but this proves you should never stop believing in yourself and the people around you."

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Club Championship Race Begins to Take Shape

Beyond the VALORANT trophy, the victory gives 100 Thieves a valuable boost in the Esports World Cup Club Championship, earning the organization 1,000 points alongside its $600,000 prize.

Earlier in the day, Nongshim RedForce defeated BBL Esports in the third-place match to secure the bronze medal, while BBL's young standout Yusuf "Lar0k" Kanber continued his breakout tournament with another impressive performance despite the loss.

With the first Esports World Cup titles now being decided, the Club Championship standings are beginning to take shape as organizations continue chasing points across the remaining tournaments in Paris.