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Paper Rex Record Worst VCT Pacific Finish Since 2025
29 Aug, 2026, 12:05
|Last updated: 29 Aug, 2026, 12:05
In the lower bracket quarterfinals of VCT Pacific 2026 Stage 2 Playoffs, the Kings of Pacific VALORANT, Paper Rex, have been eliminated. After a hard-fought three-map series, VARREL secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paper Rex, bringing an abrupt end to the Singaporean outfit’s playoff run.
This is Paper Rex's worst placement at a Pacific event since VCT Pacific 2025 Kickoff.
The Deciding Battle
The high-stakes series kicked off on Lotus, Paper Rex’s map pick, but VARREL instantly seized control with a dominant 13-6 victory.
Facing early elimination, Paper Rex showed their resilience on Split, VARREL’s own map choice. In a nail-biting overtime, Paper Rex narrowly secured a hard-fought 15-13 win to dramatically tie the series.
However, the momentum shifted once more on the decider map, Sunset. Despite a heroic effort from Paper Rex to keep their tournament hopes alive, VARREL held their nerve in a grueling 13-10 battle, closing out the series and securing the major upset.
A Rare Slip from the Top
With this devastating loss, Paper Rex finishes VCT Pacific 2026 Stage 2 in 5th-6th place. This marks their worst finish in a Pacific event since 2025. Historically, Paper Rex has been the epitome of consistency in Southeast Asia.
Since the VCT Pacific League's inception in 2023, Paper Rex has never finished below the top 4 in any Pacific tournament, aside from this playoff exit and their worst-ever 7th-8th place finish at the VCT Pacific 2025 Kickoff.
| Tournament | Date | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 2 | August 29, 2026 | 5th–6th |
| VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 1 | May 17, 2026 | 1st |
| VCT 2026: Pacific Kickoff | February 15, 2026 | 3rd |
| VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 2 | August 31, 2025 | 1st |
| VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 | May 10, 2025 | 3rd |
| VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff | February 1, 2025 | 7th–8th |
| VCT 2024: Pacific Stage 2 | July 20, 2024 | 3rd |
| VCT 2024: Pacific Stage 1 | May 12, 2024 | 1st |
| VCT 2024: Pacific Kickoff | February 25, 2024 | 2nd |
| VCT 2023: Pacific League | May 28, 2023 | 1st |
Looking Ahead
While VARREL advances to the top 4 and books their ticket to Busan for the lower bracket finals, Paper Rex are not yet out in the long run. Their spot at VALORANT Champions 2026 is already confirmed, and their tickets to Shanghai are booked.
Now, they need to focus on the international stage to make sure they are back in form for the biggest event of the year.
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Featured Image Source: Riot Games
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