South Korea have returned to the top of the Overwatch World Cup for the first time since 2018.
South Korea are once again Overwatch World Cup champions after defeating Saudi Arabia 4-1 in the 2026 Grand Final on Sunday (13 September), securing the country's fourth title and ending an eight-year wait for another championship. Kim "Simple" Ji-sung was named MVP of the series.
The victory caps off a strong tournament for the Korean national team, who came through a much tighter semifinal before taking down the defending champions in the title match.
South Korea's Overwatch World Cup 2026 knockout stage run
South Korea opened their knockout stage run with a dominant quarterfinal performance against the United States, sweeping them 3-0 to advance.
Their semifinal against France proved considerably tougher. France had swept Australia 3-0 in their own quarterfinals and pushed South Korea all the way to five maps, but the Korean squad eventually closed out the series 3-2 to book their place in the Grand Final.
On the other side of the bracket, Saudi Arabia defeated Spain 3-1 before sweeping Sweden 3-0 in the semifinals to set up the title match against South Korea.
South Korea then defeated Saudi Arabia 4-1 in the Grand Final to reclaim the Overwatch World Cup crown. France later beat Sweden 3-1 in the third-place match.
South Korea's Overwatch World Cup record after the 2026 finals
South Korea's latest championship brings their overall tally to four titles and five medals, the most of any country in the competition's history. The country dominated the early years of the Overwatch World Cup, winning the first three editions in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Their victory in 2026 therefore marks their first World Cup championship in eight years.
In interviews reported by Inven Global following the final, Choi "MAX" Su-min celebrated being able to lift the trophy while representing South Korea. "It feels amazing to represent our country together and win," MAX said. He also had a rather blunt message about their opponents: "Saudi Arabia isn't all that."
Simple said reclaiming the championship had been a goal he felt strongly about heading into the tournament. "I felt a strong sense of duty to reclaim our position as Overwatch World Cup champions," he added. “Achieving that goal at last feels incredibly rewarding and meaningful.” Simple also thanked the fans who continued to support the team, South Korea, and the opposing teams they faced throughout the tournament.
Sung "CH0R0NG" Yu-min, meanwhile, credited WDG, Nexon, and Crazy Raccoon for their support of the national team. "I think we were able to win like this because WDG, Nexon, and Crazy Raccoon provided so much support," CH0R0NG said. “Thank you so much to the fans who travelled a long way to be here.”
