Paper Rex Defeats NRG 2-1 to Secure VALORANT Masters Santiago Playoffs

Day 3 of VALORANT Masters Santiago delivered a blockbuster matchup as the 2025 Champions, NRG, squared off against the 2025 Masters Toronto winners, Paper Rex, for the first playoff spot. 

Despite a draw fiasco the previous day that forced PRX into a sudden schedule change to face NRG, the Pacific powerhouse remained completely unfazed. Proving their chaotic mettle, the Princes of the Pacific dismantled the reigning Champions, securing a hard-fought series victory and cementing their status as tournament favorites.

A Grueling Back-and-Forth Battle

The series kicked off on PRX’s map pick of Split, followed by NRG’s selection of Pearl, leaving the historically NRG-favored Haven as the decider. From the very first pistol round, the series was an absolute slugfest. Paper Rex claimed Split with a 13-10 scoreline, but they had to fight tooth and nail for every single round against a stubborn NRG defense. Despite the heavy resistance, PRX’s signature aggression made them look a class apart from the competition.

NRG refused to go down quietly, managing to halt PRX’s momentum on Pearl. They tied the series with their own 13-10 victory, though Paper Rex’s relentless pressure ensured it was never an easy win for the Americas squad.

The tension peaked on Haven, where Paper Rex unleashed a blistering attack half, stringing together a massive 6-round streak to secure an 8-4 lead at the switch. NRG fought valiantly to claw their way back, but PRX reached map point by round 19. f0rsaken finally decided to end the map and did so in spectacular style, as he got an ace to close out the map 13-11, taking the series 2-1.

New Boy Invy Shines on Stage

Throughout the intense series, PRX’s newest addition, Adrian "invy" Jiggs Reyes, proved his worth. He was a constant thorn in NRG’s side, dropping 20 kills on Split (second only to f0rsaken), topping the leaderboard on Pearl with 21, and finishing second again on Haven with 19 crucial frags.

Beyond securing their playoffs spot and the bragging rights of going 2-0 against Americas teams, they also earn three days of well-deserved rest and practice.

On the other side, NRG finds themselves on the brink of elimination, joining their regional rival G2 Esports. With their elimination-match opponents still undecided, the clock is ticking for the defending Champions to find their footing.

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Featured Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games