Hype for an additional thrilling chapter of one in all VALORANT’s closest rivalries was shortly extinguished as Paper Rex comfortably dealt with fellow Pacific rep DRX on the VALORANT Champions Tour Masters Tokyo on June 17.
When the playoffs bracket for VCT Masters Tokyo was revealed on the conclusion of the group stage earlier this week, followers everywhere in the world had been shocked to see a rematch between two of VALORANT’s largest rivals, DRX and Paper Rex.
After the groups confronted off within the VCT Pacific grand finals on the finish of Could, they had been each on the receiving finish of speculations concerning the roster they’d subject in Tokyo. Nevertheless, their assembly at the moment was marred by points, with PRX compelled to play sixth man Patiphan “CGRS” Posri instead of Ilya “one thing” Petrov, who has been having visa issues. On the opposite facet, DRX went again to their unique five-man roster with Kim “Zest” Gi-seok as a substitute of Jung “Foxy9” Jae-sung.
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Sadly for the Korean staff, PRX not solely had a greater learn general on their techniques, however their substitute CGRS majorly stepped as much as the plate resulting in a 2-0 win over their regional rivals.
The opening map of the day was Break up, the place each groups entered with new compositions. PRX went again to a basic look of theirs that options Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto on Jett, with CGRS filling in on Skye. Not solely did CGRS fill in on this position, however he was additionally the in-game chief for Break up, as revealed by f0rsakeN within the post-game press convention.
DRX tried to make use of a composition that has repeatedly carried out effectively for them, however one they’ve by no means used on Break up. Their double-duelist setup featured Goo “Rb” Sang-min on Neon—the most effective brokers in his huge pool.
Each compositions appeared oriented extra towards offense, so DRX was at an obstacle from the start beginning on protection.
Whereas f0rsakeN dashed round on Jett, Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie flew across the map on Raze, with Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart following up with Astra utility. Although he isn’t their standard Skye participant, CGRS racked up 15 assists throughout the map, exhibiting he was clearly doing his job as each an initiator and in-game chief.
PRX took Break up in shut vogue 13-10 after DRX threatened a comeback on their attacking facet. It was a unique story on Bind, the place it felt like PRX was studying DRX’s engagements like a e book, and when caught without warning the gunfights appeared to by no means go the Korean staff’s approach. On high of all of it, their new composition let CGRS shine on Gekko.
From the usage of Wingman to safe spike crops to getting kills with the Mosh Pit, CGRS’ mastery of VALORANT’s latest agent was on full show. As a consequence of one thing’s dominance within the roster, he by no means actually had the prospect to play the agent by means of the common season. Nevertheless, within the post-match press convention, PRX coach Alexandre “alecks” Sallé talked about that having the unpredictability of CGRS helped the staff within the match at the moment.
Regardless of the beginnings of one other second-half comeback, DRX misplaced Bind to PRX 13-10—however don’t let the scoreline idiot you. A majority of DRX’s rounds had been unsalvageable early, with disciplined economic system administration their solely saving grace.
PRX will now transfer on within the higher bracket whereas DRX will now must make a run by means of the decrease bracket and keep away from elimination from Masters Tokyo.
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Within the post-match press convention, the general sentiment from DRX was that the staff is wanting towards Champions on the finish of the season. Kim “MaKo” Myeong-kwan talked about the staff wasn’t of their greatest situation at the moment, and Byung-chul “BuZz” Yu spent a lot of the press convention together with his head in his arms, wanting down on the desk.
DRX will face Americas powerhouse NRG tomorrow, June 18, at 1am CT. PRX will face Fnatic the next day, with the winner guaranteeing a top-four end and a shot at a grand finals look.
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