100 Thieves handle AI scandal and secure playoff spot with 2-0 at VCT Champions Shanghai

100 Thieves found themselves in an unusual dual situation at the end of September: the organisation was in the middle of a backlash over the use of artificial intelligence in merchandise design, while the team simultaneously delivered impressive results on the server at VCT Champions Shanghai 2026.

On the sporting front, 100 Thieves defeated FUT Esports 2-0 and thereby qualified for the playoff phase of Champions 2026. The victory made them the second VCT Americas team to finish the group stage with a perfect 2-0 record.

On the first map, Split, 100 Thieves made a role change for players Asuna, bang and Cryocells — an adjustment that, according to the team's coach Nbs, was made possible by recent balance changes in the game. Timotino dominated with his Neon playstyle and brought the team to halftime with a 9-3 lead. 100 Thieves won the map 13-5. On Lotus, the match was closer: FUT went into the attack side with an 8-4 lead, but 100 Thieves turned it around with a decisive pistol round victory and a 1v2 clutch from bang. After equalising at 10-10, Timotino and Asuna closed out the map with a decisive round on C-site and won 13-10.

The match was not without controversy, however. A technical error in round two on Split meant that FUT player xeus was unable to fire his weapon, potentially costing the team a 3-0 start. The round was not replayed, and FUT player yetujey subsequently refused to participate in the post-match press conference.

At the same time, 100 Thieves faced criticism off the server. The organisation had shared a teaser image of an Old School RuneScape merchandise shirt, where fans quickly spotted incorrect in-game icons — signs of AI-generated design. The image was deleted, and 100 Thieves acknowledged the use of AI while confirming that they continue to work with RuneScape developer Jagex to finalise the collaboration ahead of its launch on 2 October 2026.