In an epic showdown, Paper Rex emerged victorious as the first-ever VCT Pacific League champions, defeating DRX in a nail-biting 3-2 grand final clash.

The Singaporean-based esports organisation showed incredible resilience, executing an impressive comeback to overthrow their Korean adversaries.

We are the CHAMPIONS of #VCTPacific ?

GGWP & thank you for the fight @DRX_VS ??

Thank you everyone for the support this season! #WGAMING

Fracture: 6-13
Ascent: 14-16
Lotus: 13-3
Pearl: 13-8
Bind: 13-6 pic.twitter.com/j6ovF2MblS

— Paper Rex (@pprxteam) May 28, 2023

Not only did Paper Rex (PRX) secure the coveted grand prize of US$100,000, but they also claimed the top seed in VCT Pacific for Masters Tokyo, set to take place from 11–25 June.

Fueling their grand final triumph was the outstanding performance of Ilya “something” Petrov, who joined PRX midway through the season. something’s exceptional 95/64/25 KDA series earned him the title of match MVP.

The baddest Jett and Reyna of the #WGaming squad.@smthlikeyou11 is the #VCTPacific Finals MVP! pic.twitter.com/9Wwb01fTwE

— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023

Both teams had crossed paths before in the upper bracket final, where PRX dominated with a decisive 2-0 victory. DRX fought their way to the grand final after a gruelling 3-2 win against T1 in the lower bracket final. Here’s a breakdown of the exhilarating grand final clash:

Nail-biting Grand Finals

PRX stumbled in the initial round, suffering a convincing 13-6 loss on Fracture. DRX displayed remarkable precision and tactical prowess, establishing a commanding 9-3 lead at halftime. Rb and stax from DRX effectively countered PRX’s early aggression, catching them off guard. Zest sealed the deal for DRX, disrupting PRX’s attacking momentum. This experienced DRX player denied f0rsakeN‘s Neon from crucial positions on the map and played a key role in thwarting PRX’s advances.

DRX dominates PRX in their own map pick ?

? https://t.co/h4MPtwXkRl#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/HaZZQWtrSU

— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023

DRX further extended their advantage with a hard-fought 16-14 victory on their map pick, Ascent. Zest, Rb, and BuZz delivered clutch performances, securing crucial rounds that propelled DRX to a 2-0 series lead.

BUZZ WITH AN INSANE ACE IN TRIPLE OVERTIME ?

? https://t.co/h4MPtwXkRl@Buzz_kr | #VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/YdWifUhDLH

— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023

Facing a dire situation, PRX rallied back with a stunning 13-3 triumph in the third game. They gained a significant advantage on Lotus, a map that DRX had consistently avoided throughout the VCT Pacific League. PRX’s early first-blood kills set the stage for their remarkable comeback.

Jinggg‘s strategic use of Raze’s Paint Shell grenade prevented DRX from accessing A rubble on Lotus, isolating them and making them easy targets for PRX’s relentless assault.

Paper Rex got it done fast in Lotus ?

? https://t.co/h4MPtwXkRl#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/ot8JXMGNIr

— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023

The momentum continued to shift in PRX’s favor during the fourth map, Pearl. Despite benching their long-time in-game leader, Benkai, PRX made brilliant mid-round calls that shattered DRX’s defense.

With an 8-4 lead at halftime, PRX charged forward, ultimately clinching an impressive 13-8 victory on Pearl, levelling the series 2-2. Notably, it was also the first time DRX tasted defeat on Pearl, as pointed out by shoutcaster Achilios.

WHAT @smthlikeyou11??? ?

? https://t.co/h4MPtwXkRl#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/zYzwbTQ7KR

— VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (@vctpacific) May 28, 2023

Seizing the opportunity, PRX carried their momentum into Bind, the decisive fifth map. This time, d4v41 unleashed his skills, wreaking havoc in the early rounds with a flawless 10 KDA on Skye.

PRX refused to let up, securing a commanding 9-3 lead at halftime. They dismantled DRX’s strategies with calculated pushes led by something.

Whenever PRX stormed either site, DRX found themselves helpless against their relentless onslaught. Ultimately, PRX emerged triumphant, dominating Bind with a resounding 13-6 victory.

With their remarkable run in the VCT Pacific, Paper Rex has firmly established themselves as the region’s top team. All eyes will be on them as they head to Japan for Masters Tokyo, where they will face off against the best teams from international leagues.