After years of waiting, it has finally happened: Global Esports have qualified for the VCT Pacific playoffs. This is the first time since the start of the partnership program that GE has managed this feat.
In the eyes of fans, it would mean quite a bit as the team has a chance to make it to VALORANT Masters London. But, their journey until here and going into the playoffs hasn’t been easy sailing.
Image credit: Riot Games
Prior to the start of VCT Pacific 2026, Global Esports completed its roster with the signing of John Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza. This signing, according to many within the VALORANT community, was the signing of the season.
The player was unceremoniously removed from Paper Rex after helping them win VALORANT Masters Toronto. Following the signing of PatMen, Global Esports were a different beast.
They defeated the likes of Gen.G and Varrel Esports, two teams that no one expected them to defeat.
Sadly, they lost to Paper Rex twice with a scoreline of 2-1, resulting in the team being eliminated at VCT Pacific Kickoff 2026.
In a podcast by VALORANT India and South Asia, Frost stated that the goal for the team was to reach VALORANT Masters London. Global Esports have built on that promise by winning their first two matches in a row against Gen.G and Team Secret.
In their following matches, they lost to Kiwoom DRX and Paper Rex. The loss to Paper Rex must have felt like a stab in the heart for the squad, as it does feel like PRX is truly their kryptonite.
Following Nongshim RedForce’s win against Team Secret, though, Global Esports secured qualification to the playoff stage.
As stated earlier, PatMen has been one of the most instrumental signings for Global Esports. In the match against Gen.G, he was one of the de facto players alongside Kale “autumn” Dunne.
In multiple matches, Autumn has showcased performances like those of an MVP. Due to him being able to rotate from a Sentinel to a Duelist role, it has allowed the team a lot more flexibility.
A major reason for Global Esports’ dominance is their win rate on pistol rounds. As of writing this article, it sits at 61%. In their match against Kiwoom DRX, they won all four pistol rounds.
One player to keep an eye on and give credit to is Ko “UdoTan” Kyung-won. Since last season, he has been quite the explosive duelist that Global Esports needed in their team. The one aspect about this team that must be noted is their bond off the server. One can see it in interviews and content pieces that the team is quite in tune with each other.
In the upcoming match, Global Esports faces off against the VALORANT Masters Santiago champs, Nongshim RedForce. The winner of this fixture will secure their spot in the upper bracket of the playoff.
If we take a look at early odds, Nongshim RedForce are the clear favorites to win the upcoming fixture. Now, it’s all on the shoulders of Global Esports if they can deal with the pressure, prove the world wrong, and defeat Nongshim RedForce and write their own history.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
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