The epic finale of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific kicked off today with two of the biggest Pacific team, DRX and Paper Rex, fighting for the top spot in the Pacific region. The matchup between these two teams is a bittersweet reunion at best, with Paper Rex being the team that sent DRX to the Lower Bracket of the tournament.
The Grand Finals began on Fracture as Paper Rex’s first map pick. Right off the bat, the South Korean team presented a hyper-aggressive playstyle. Site entries were quick with rapid follow-ups from teammates, making trades with the opposing team. It was obvious that Paper Rex were struggling despite having taken their first tactical timeout.
DRX weren't fazed as their relentless assault was unforgiving, forcing Paper Rex to commit to a second tactical timeout mere rounds after their first. The match ended with a score of 9-3 going in favour of DRX. Despite looking optimistic in the second half, Paper Rex failed to slow down DRX’s momentum as the South Korean team took the first match with a score of 13 to 6.
The teams headed to Ascent with Paper Rex looking to equalise the score. Paper Rex returned the favour, matching the aggressive start of the previous game. Paper Rex managed to score four rounds of their own before DRX bounced back. The Southeast Asian team had to take a tactical timeout to collect their bearings. DRX managed to equalise the score at 4-4, leaving the Southeast Asian fans on tenterhooks.
In the second half, Paper Rex continued their relentless push, forcing DRX to take their first tactical timeout. DRX managed to pull off massive plays to level the score at 9-9. The match was intense, as it was going back and forth between the two teams. Paper Rex held the point lead but DRX clinched the last few rounds to force the game into Overtime.
An intense Overtime ensued with the score seesawing both ways. DRX called for a timeout to break the pattern. It was literally anybody’s game as this point. DRX managed to exploit Paper Rex’s reckless plays and ended the second match with a 16-14 score.
The third game on Lotus was a do-or-die mission for Paper Rex as their adversaries needed just one more win to seal the deal. Paper Rex started the match strong, forcing DRX to resort to an early tactical discussion.
The Singaporean team seemed to have found their tempo as they managed to extend the lead and finished the first half with nine rounds against DRX’s three. Paper Rex dominated the match, ending match three with a score of 13-3, paving the way for what would be an epic comeback.
Match four brought us to Pearl; the stake was just as high for Paper Rex as they needed another win to drag DRX to fifth and deciding game. Paper Rex seemed to have everything under control in the first half, but DRX were hot on their heels.
PRX managed to secure the first half with a confident 8-4 scoreline. Paper Rex then extended their lead, forcing DRX to call for a tactical timeout. Ultimately, Paper Rex ended the game with a 13-9 score, instilling new hope and vigour in the Southeast Asia team.
In the fifth and final game on Bind, Paper Rex demonstrated pure dominance in the first few rounds, securing six rounds against DRX, who had yet to win a single round.
MAKO IS FEELING IT 😤
What an ace clutch!!
— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023
The South Korean team resorted for a timeout and a change in pace, which resulted in them winning the next two rounds. Despite a few sketchy rounds, the Singaporean team wrapped up the first half with a score of 9-3.
This is your moment, Paper Rex 🏆#VCTPacific
— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023
It was looking tough as Paper Rex stumbled a few rounds, but ultimately, Paper Rex closed out the Grand Finals with a score of 13-6, and were crowned the Pacific Champions.
Paper Rex#WGaming
— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023
CHAMPIONS 🏆#VCTPacific
During the post-match interview, Paper Rex coach Alexandre "alecks" Sallé said praised DRX for their performance despite having to go through a marathon.
“It was difficult for DRX to go through five maps yesterday then five maps today. I think it’s a marathon and they ran out of stamina. So props to them, and I think they’re hiding something for Masters,” said the coach.
Alecks also gave props to his team for mounting a stunning comeback, saying games two and three were pivotal moments for the squad.
“We knew if we got our game going on Lotus, we have a chance in the series.
“Nobody has ever seen DRX’s Lotus team composition, so the fact that we managed to do well against them, I think it was a big scoreline and gave us a bit of confidence, and that carried us through the rest of the series.”
Both DRX and Paper Rex will be flying to Tokyo for the VCT Masters in June, where DRX will possibly be matched up against T1 and Paper Rex, setting the stage for more exciting matches.
