Paper Rex eliminated from VCT Masters Shanghai by 100 Thieves
In a dramatic showdown at VCT Masters Shanghai, Paper Rex faced off against 100 Thieves in the second round of the lower bracket. This elimination match was a battle of wits and skill, with both teams giving their all to stay in the competition.
Ultimately, 100 Thieves emerged victorious, sending Paper Rex home after a gripping 3-map series.
Journey So Far
Paper Rex's journey in the tournament had been a rollercoaster. They were initially sent to the Lower Bracket by G2 in Round 1 of the Upper Bracket. Despite this setback, PRX bounced back by eliminating EDward Gaming, the top-seeded Chinese team. This win kept their hopes alive and set up a clash with 100 Thieves.
100 Thieves, on the other hand, had a brilliant start with a dominant win against FUT Esports in the Upper Bracket Round 1. However, their momentum was halted by Gen.G in a closely contested match, pushing them into the Lower Bracket where PRX awaited. Both teams were fighting to keep their tournament dreams alive, leading to an intense encounter.
100 Thieves 2-1 Paper Rex
The series kicked off on Breeze, chosen by 100 Thieves. PRX's lack of experience on this map was evident as 100T took an early lead, ending the first half 8-4. Maintaining their dominance, 100T closed out the map 13-5, giving them a strong start in the series.
Sunset, picked by PRX, saw a different story. PRX came out strong, winning the first six rounds and finishing the half at 8-4. Despite a fierce comeback from 100T, PRX held their ground and won the map 13-10, tying the series 1-1.
The deciding map, Icebox, was a nail-biter. 100 Thieves' strong defense saw them lead 7-5 at halftime. The teams exchanged rounds in a tense back-and-forth, with PRX managing to push the map into overtime at 12-12. However, 100T's composure in the crucial moments led them to win both overtime rounds, closing the map 14-12 and the series 2-1.
Post-Match Talks
After the match concluded, both teams sat down with the press in separate press conferences.
On talking about Paper Rex’s inability to close out the match on Icebox in regulation time, coach Alexandre "alecks" Sallé thinks it was a mix of both nerves and 100T just being better in the matchup.
“Probably a bit of both. I think [100 Thieves] won a lot of very crucial rounds. And they made it very difficult for us. So kudos to them.”
Before parting ways with the team, we asked Paper Rex about their expectations from Stage 2, and if they wanted to give a message to the fans. And coach alecks had a few words to say.
“We’re going to take a short break. It’s been a long season so far. It’s strange, half the year has gone by already. And to the fans, we want to apologize. We really wanted to be in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. But it is what it is. I think today the better team won… Hopefully we make it to Champs, and hopefully we get a rematch. It’ll be our home ground, technically. So we’ll try our best.”
This was the third time that Kelden "Boostio" Pupello has faced off against PRX, and is also the third time the North American IGL has eliminated PRX from an international tournament.
The last time being at VALORANT Champions 2023, where Boostio, leading a now disbanded Evil Geniuses roster, beat PRX in the Grand Finals to claim the Champion's trophy.
On asking him about comparing the matchup against PRX between EG and 100T, he had a few thoughts to share.
“I think overall, as a team, we probably match up better than EG did. This match was very scrappy… but it was probably easier this time to be honest. I had more confidence going into the match this time than I did with my old team.”
The clash between Paper Rex and 100 Thieves at VCT Masters Shanghai was a testament to the high level of competition and skill in the VALORANT esports scene. Despite their valiant efforts, PRX fell just short in the deciding moments on Icebox.
While PRX's journey in Shanghai ends here, they leave with valuable experience and the determination to come back stronger in VCT Pacific Stage 2.
Meanwhile, 100 Thieves continue their lower bracket run, eyeing their next challenge against Team Heretics.
Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on VCT Masters Shanghai.
Stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
You can also follow the VALORANT Champions Tour official X account for recent updates.
Featured Image Source: David Lee/Liu YiCun/Riot Games
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