The team Paper Rex of VCT Pacific has conquered its first international title after defeating EMEA’s Fnatic 3-1 at VALORANT Masters Toronto. The Pacific team’s win ended their infamous run as runners-up after delivering a grand performance throughout the playoffs and Grand Final.
PRX Dominates Sunset Despite Fnatic’s Strong Start
Map 1: Sunset – Paper Rex 13-11 Fnatic
| Team | Player | Agent |
| Fnatic | Chronicle | Viper |
| kaajak | Neon | |
| Boaster | Omen | |
| Alfajer | Cypher | |
| crashies | Sova | |
| Paper Rex | PatMen | Viper |
| something | Sova | |
| d4v41 | Sage | |
| f0rsaken | Omen | |
| Jinggg | Raze |
The Grand Final started with Paper Rex taking advantage in the upper bracket. They chose to veto Haven and Ascent and picked Sunset – arguably their best map. Fnatic stunned observers with a great defensive start, taking the opening pistol despite their history of poor performance on it.
Despite this, Paper Rex adapted very quickly and nullified Fnatic’s aggressive flanking attempts, taking eight attacking rounds in a row. The second pistol was seized by Fnatic in the second half as they powered through across the map. Paper Rex managed to deny their opposition the overtime hopes with a Sage wall plan, taking the map 13-11.
F0rsaken had an exceptional outing on Sunset, leading his team in stats and making several important plays that made a difference in both halves.
Fnatic Finds Their Rhythm on Icebox
Map 2: Icebox – Fnatic 17-15 Paper Rex
| Team | Player | Agent |
| Fnatic | Chronicle | Sage |
| kaajak | Jett | |
| Boaster | Omen | |
| Alfajer | Killjoy | |
| crashies | Sova | |
| Paper Rex | PatMen | Viper |
| something | Jett | |
| d4v41 | Killjoy | |
| f0rsaken | Sova | |
| Jinggg | Omen |
Icebox map redeemed Kajetan Kaajak Haremski after quiet start in the match. The eleven opening kills he registered helped Fnatic recover after a rough start on the attack, with the team managing to equalise the score at 6-6 after going down 4-0 to Paper Rex. Pacific teams had a strong prep against Fnatic’s Sage gameplan
Fnatic demonstrates knowledge in post-plant retake the second half. Due to the timing of Paper Rex’ map point and kaajak’s lethal Operator positioning, pressure mounted. The Pacific squad then switched to their classic explosive site executions, taking Fnatic off guard 5 rounds in a row to push into OT.
The prolonged fight displayed remarkable performances and tactical blunders from both teams under pressure. After few tense moments and mechanical failures, kaajak delivered the final blow to make the series 1-1 with a 17-15 victory.
Paper Rex Steals Pearl from Fnatic’s Grasp
Map 3: Pearl – Paper Rex 13-10 Fnatic
| Team | Player | Agent |
| Fnatic | Chronicle | Killjoy |
| kaajak | Yoru | |
| Boaster | Astra | |
| Alfajer | Neon | |
| crashies | Sova | |
| Paper Rex | PatMen | Fade |
| something | Yoru | |
| d4v41 | Vyse | |
| f0rsaken | Astra | |
| Jinggg | Raze |
Fnatic surprised everyone by putting up an impressive display on Pearl, which is actually their permanent ban. The series momentum swung back. Paper Rex struggled against Emir Alfajer Beder’s confident Neon gameplay in the opening half. Fnatic wrapped their attack phase at 7-5, despite the Pacific roster cleverly using different utilities.
After winning the pistol rounds, we thought that the EMEA representative would at last win Pearl internationally. Yet Fnatic’s defensive structures slowly fell apart due to Paper Rex’s superior macro decision-making. While Alfajer didn’t have as much impact in the second half, Wang Jinggg Jing Jie was playing creatively with our Judge placement. Paper Rex defeated EMEA supporters’ hopes with Pearl 13-10.
The Train Reaches Its Final Destination on Lotus
Map 4: Lotus – Paper Rex 14-12 Fnatic
| Team | Player | Agent |
| Fnatic | Chronicle | Viper |
| kaajak | Raze | |
| Boaster | Omen | |
| Alfajer | Killjoy | |
| crashies | Fade | |
| Paper Rex | PatMen | Fade |
| something | Yoru | |
| d4v41 | Vyse | |
| f0rsaken | Omen | |
| Jinggg | Raze |
Lotus, a map generally good for both teams, began in tumult as Paper Rex secured the first pistol before Fnatic replied with an anti-eco win. Paper Rex later on took control back by putting up good defense and controlling C-site. Ironically, it was the tournament’s most methodical attacking squad who mimicked the speedy site executions of Paper Rex.
After the awful 5-7 first half, Fnatic needed another pistol round win to stay alive. In spite of this, Paper Rex were able to keep momentum and reach their first ever international title. By keeping their fearless yet disciplined approach, Paper Rex secured match point on attack. Fnatic’s last stand was filled with some incredible individual plays and amazing aim duels that took it to even more overtime.
Paper Rex’s championship train was once again untrammeled, cruising through the detour smoothly. Just like in the classic Paper Rex style, the Pacific champions topped off the series with a jaw-dropping 2-versus-4 post-plant victory on Lotus en route to a 14-12 win on the map.
MVP Performance Caps Historic Victory
F0rsaken was titled the Masters Toronto MVP and earned a tournament bracelet for his play. With 81 kills and 75 deaths, and a 223 average combat score, his overall stats showed how important he was in Paper Rex’s historic win.
Looking Ahead in VALORANT Esports
Just now Masters Toronto is ended and now VALORANT Champions Tour is heading towards the final regional tournaments of 2025 season. Next month, all teams around the world will get one last chance to qualify for the season-ending international tournament VALORANT Champions, with the beginning of VCT Stage 2.