Paper Rex Reportedly Set to Add Invy to Roster, Patmen Out

Paper Rex Reportedly Set to Add Invy to Roster, Patmen Out

Foo Zen-Wen

3 Dec, 2025, 15:10

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Last updated: 3 Dec, 2025, 15:18

After an extremely successful year for the Southeast Asian powerhouse, Paper Rex is set to make a late off-season roster change, replacing newest member Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza for longstanding Team Secret player Adrian “invy” Reyes. Invy has remained one of the VCT Pacific’s strongest prospects throughout his time on Team Secret, and the move is considered a strong bolster to an already powerful lineup. The move was first reported by insider Tanmay Mhatre.

The Spotlight Turns to Invy

Team Secret’s longest-standing player, invy’s time on the roster found mixed results throughout his three-year tenure with them. For most of 2023 and 2024, Team Secret placed as a mid-table team within VCT Pacific, garnering domestic wins here and there. However, 2025 showed the team’s biggest dip since joining the league, with finishes near the bottom. Despite their best efforts, the team has never qualified for an international tournament since the inception of the league – with the exception of LOCK//IN back in 2023.

In PatMen, Paper Rex lose a flex/controller hybrid, but will gain an exceptional initiator in invy. His three most played agents of all time by far are Breach, KAY/O and Sova, making him potentially incredibly potent as a setup for Paper Rex’s gamestyle. Where he may fall short is certainly in his experience against a wider array of opponents, but joining Paper Rex, who are no strangers to qualifying for international events, makes this an interesting match for both.

Team Secret Invy
Invy has long been one of Team Secret's strongest pieces. With Paper Rex, he might finally soar. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Paper Rex Make a Pre-Emptive Move

While 2025 was undoubtedly Paper Rex’s most successful year to date, this move is uncharacteristically pre-emptive of them. Historically, fans have noted that Paper Rex tend to value roster synergy, being one of the rosters with the least roster moves despite having never lifted an international title until Toronto. Teams have been split apart for less. And while PatMen stepped into a roster teetering along the edge and was a key player in stabilizing the roster towards the end of Stage 2 and heading into Masters Toronto, invy is undeniably a massive talent pickup that will make the W-Gaming even more deadly to face.

Paper Rex Reportedly Set to Add Invy to Roster, Patmen Out
Champions in Toronto, Top 4 in Paris. Undoubtedly Paper Rex's best year to date, but they look determined to maintain momentum with this move. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Check out Strafe Esports for all the latest VALORANT news and our X account for the latest content and coverages. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games


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