G2 triumphed over 100 Thieves with a score of 2-0 in the Valorant Champions 2026 Shanghai Upper Bracket quarter-finals, while Vitality battled through a tough three-map series against Nongshim RedForce to secure their advancement. Consequently, both winning teams progressed in the upper bracket, leaving 100 Thieves and Nongshim to continue their journey in the lower bracket, as reported by Insider Gaming.
G2 turn the tables on 100 Thieves
G2 commenced with the first map, Abyss, claiming a decisive 13-5 victory on 100 Thieves’ choice. Nathan ‘leaf’ Orf registered a score of 19/11/6, whereas Trent ‘trent’ Cairns put up an 18/9/2 as G2 established an early advantage in the series.
The competition became more intense on Ascent, yet G2 maintained control to finish with a 13-11 win and complete the sweep. According to the source report, the match served as a test of mental resilience: despite 100 Thieves creating challenges, G2 emerged victorious in the critical rounds, outmaneuvering their adversary.
This victory held additional significance as 100 Thieves had previously defeated G2 in VCT Americas Stage 2. Furthermore, the report indicated that 100 Thieves entered this match after securing a win at EWC along with that regional title, while G2 had been struggling to replicate their domestic success on the international stage. Their performance in Shanghai has presented a resilient counter to this narrative; G2’s prior Champions campaign further contextualizes the tournament’s atmosphere.
Vitality survive Nongshim’s comeback
Vitality began its series with a strong 13-6 victory on Split following a 7-5 lead at halftime. Nikita ‘Derke’ Sirmitev showcased stellar play with 280 ACS during the defensive phase as Vitality dominated the second half, only allowing one round to be lost.
Nongshim responded with determination on Abyss, winning the map 13-4 after achieving a flawless second half. This pivotal change sent the quarter-final to Haven, where Nongshim once again held a lead at the break, sitting at 7-5 before the teams ended up tied at 9-9.
Vitality faced pressure from Nongshim, who pushed to extend the match into overtime. Elias ‘Jamppi’ Olkkonen executed a crucial 1v1 clutch to place Vitality at map and series point; however, Nongshim managed a retake to prolong the map. Derke facilitated another match point, and Timofey ‘Chronicle’ Khromov’s late-game solo performance enabled Vitality to finish the series and advance to the upper semi-final.
Champions Shanghai bracket and next round
The quarter-finals significantly altered both sides of the bracket. The source report outlined that G2, Vitality, NRG, and LOUD remain in the upper bracket, while 100 Thieves, Nongshim RedForce, Paper Rex, and T1 are positioned in the lower bracket. The structure of the Champions Shanghai playoff reveals a broader eight-team competition.
| Bracket | Teams after the quarter-finals |
|---|---|
| Upper bracket | G2, Vitality, NRG, LOUD |
| Lower bracket | 100 Thieves, Nongshim RedForce, Paper Rex, T1 |
G2’s victory is notable in light of the team’s struggle to convert domestic success into international performance. In Shanghai, they combined a robust opening map with more consistent play in the decisive second map. In contrast, Vitality’s path was more circuitous: after facing a substantial defeat on Abyss, they adapted effectively on Haven and concluded the series in overtime.
Both outcomes draw attention to the tournament’s double-elimination bracket, where progress in the upper bracket provides a pathway forward without immediate risk of elimination. The format of the Champions Shanghai integrates these results into that larger framework. Vitality has successfully advanced to the upper semi-final, while 100 Thieves and Nongshim have slipped into the lower bracket; the source report did not provide details on their upcoming opponents or match timings.
