Nexon announced on the 1st that the 'KingZero' team clinched victory in the first cycle of The Finals Grand Major Online Series (hereafter TGM26 Online Series) APAC League. This tournament, which underwent a global integrated league system in April, boasts a total prize pool of $200,000. The TOP8 finals of the first APAC cycle were broadcast live globally on May 30th.

The Grand Major Online Series is conducted across three regions: APAC, North America, and EMEA. Participating teams accumulate points through four cycles annually, which determine qualification for the TGM Grand Finals 2026, an international tournament scheduled for 2026. The TOP8 finals for the first APAC cycle featured eight teams: South Korea's 'Highbu' and 'Ace Scrimmer', China's 'KingZero', 'DRG', '4AM', Japan's 'Mame', a South Korea-Australia combined team 'Mokhuaso', and Australia's 'Weekend at Bernie's'. The broadcast was helmed by commentator Jang Ji-soo.

In the early stages of the matches, 'Mokhuaso' secured a spot in the finals by defeating 'DRG' through stable gameplay utilising 'Winch Claw'. Subsequently, in the winner's bracket, 'DRG' advanced to the finals by overcoming 'Mame' – who fielded a large, medium, and small class composition – on the 'Sis Horizon' map with their superior engagement power from a large, medium, and small class setup. Following this, 'KingZero' and 'Highbu' also secured their tickets to the finals in the remaining two rounds.

The first match of the finals took place at 'Fortune Stadium', pitting 'Mokhuaso', 'DRG', 'KingZero', and 'Highbu' against each other. From the outset, 'DRG' and 'KingZero' displayed exceptional gameplay, with only a narrow $1,000 difference, advancing to the next match. 'KingZero's player 'UQI', playing the small class position, effectively flanked 'DRG', while 'Agan' contributed to the team's victory with superb movement and survivability, ultimately leading 'KingZero' to claim the championship.

The victorious 'KingZero' team received 100 points, crucial for qualifying for the TGM Grand Finals 2026 later this year, along with a prize of $2,000. The runner-up, 'DRG', secured 75 points and $1,000, while 'Mokhuaso' and 'Highbu' were also awarded points and prize money on a tiered basis.

Meanwhile, Nexon is now recruiting teams for the second cycle of the TGM26 Online Series APAC League. Applications are open until June 13th, 9 AM, with teams able to register up to four players, including one substitute, via the official organiser's website, Faceit.