The clash between Nongshim RedForce and BOOM Esports in the first round of the lower bracket will determine who continues their journey and who finishes last in the tournament. In this article, we’ll review the teams, analyze their map choices, and provide predictions based on this data.

Current Team Form

Nongshim RedForce

After a significant roster overhaul during the offseason, Nongshim RedForce appears as a young but promising team. Their participation in the VALORANT Challengers 2024 Korea: Split 3 concluded with a triumph—1st place. However, in the VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff, the team has faced challenges, losing their upper bracket series to ZETA DIVISION and now fighting to survive. Despite their lack of stability with the new roster, Nongshim showcases potential and solid gameplay preparation.

BOOM Esports

After a strong showing in Pacific Ascension, where they finished 2nd, BOOM Esports has struggled to maintain consistency. Their most recent tournament, the Predator League Asia-Pacific 2025, ended in disappointment with a 5th–6th place finish, highlighting difficulties against second-tier teams. Their recent best-of-one record is also unimpressive, with only two wins out of their last five matches.

Team Map Pools

Nongshim RedForce

This team boasts a strong map pool, excelling on Lotus (85% win rate) and Abyss (80%). However, they frequently ban Fracture. Given their current form, the following map scenario is likely:

• Ban: Fracture (Nongshim RedForce)
• Pick: Ascent (Nongshim RedForce), where they have a 71% win rate across 98 matches.

BOOM Esports

BOOM Esports tends to avoid playing on Split due to inconsistent results. Their strengths lie in Bind (75% win rate) and Abyss (80%). A probable scenario for them:

• Ban: Split (BOOM Esports)
• Pick: Bind, where the team displays confident gameplay.

Decider

If the match goes to a decider, Haven is a likely choice. Nongshim RedForce has a 57% win rate on this map with significant experience (82 matches), while BOOM Esports rarely plays it, giving Nongshim a slight advantage.

Head-to-Head Record

In the past six months, Nongshim RedForce and BOOM Esports have not faced each other in official matches. This makes analysis difficult and the upcoming match unpredictable. Both teams have strong points on different maps, emphasizing the importance of map pool strategy.

Match Prediction

Based on the teams’ current form and map pools, Nongshim RedForce appears to have a slight edge due to their more consistent form and high win rates on key maps (Lotus and Ascent). BOOM Esports, on the other hand, will need to capitalize on their strengths on Bind to neutralize Nongshim's advantage.

Prediction: Nongshim RedForce to win 2–1.

This match will be a serious test for both teams, with much depending on how they perform during crucial moments of the game.