VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 Play-In continues on August 21 with DRX vs Sharper Esports and T1 vs Nongshim RedForce.
VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 Pacific Stage 2 Play-In enters the third and final round on Friday, August 21, when Sharper Esports take on DRX, and T1 face Nongshim RedForce for two direct invites to the playoffs.
Esportbet brings you VALORANT betting predictions and free expert picks for the two games, with odds from the top-rated bookmakers for esports gamblers.
DRX have looked like an entirely different beast in VCT Pacific Play-In compared to the DRX from the group stage.
They long struggled with roster stability and player roles, but that seems resolved, leading to much improved performances.
Across the last two outings, DRX have beaten ONSIDE GAMING and ZETA DIVISION, proving they can handle mid-tier VCT teams and one of the stronger Challenger squads.
However, even with all those inspiring results, DRX appear overrated at the -227.27 price tag.
Sharper Esports were a bit of an enigma ahead of the Play-Ins, but have quickly proven their worth, beating Rex Regum Qeon and DetonatioN FocusMe.
While neither game was a stomp, Sharper have performed well, showing a well-structured approach to their matches with clear goals for what they want to accomplish.
Even though DRX have been improving, they are unlikely to have an easy time against Sharper Esports, who are an excellent bet at outsider odds.
Sharper Esports to win
Nongshim RedForce have beaten T1 twice this season, but according to the best VALORANT bookmakers, they are underdogs for Friday’s game.
This comes as no surprise, as T1 have been playing much better this entire stage.
They placed third in Group Omega and have since handled FULL SENSE with ease, proving that T1 have retained some of the momentum from the group stage.
Nongshim RedForce placed fourth in Group Alpha with two wins, and they have since beaten Team Secret in a fairly one-sided game.
It is, however, worth noting that Nongshim RedForce have played a few close matches against some of Alpha’s top teams, so their 2-3 group record does not tell the whole story.
T1 should be favoured to win, but Nongshim RedForce deserve some respect too, despite being somewhat volatile.
Over 2.5 maps
Mark Prezelj
Esports Betting Analyst
Mark Prezelj is a Slovenian esports betting analyst with over 3,500 articles at EsportBet and the founder of Lines64.com — someone who has been reading odds longer than most readers have been watching esports.
