The Final Challenger: Paper Rex vs. Evil Geniuses to Clash at VCT Masters Tokyo
After two intense weeks of Valorant, we are in the last stages of the VCT Masters Tokyo. Three of the twelve challengers stand atop the world of Valorant and have set their eyes on the VCT Master Tokyo Trophy. On the 21st, we saw Fnatic take down EG, followed by Paper Rex's triumph over NRG. Tomorrow Paper Rex will take on Evil Geniuses at the VCT Masters Tokyo Lower Finals. The winner of the game will face Fnatic the day after. Let's preview the teams before we watch the lower finals tomorrow.
Paper Rex - The Kings of Chaos: 
After a poor showing at the VCT LOCK//IN and a stumbling start at VCT Pacific, Paper Rex didn't seem like the powerhouse they were in 2022. But it all changed with the arrival of something or what people think. What changed with Paper Rex is their approach towards the game as an individual. For the majority, Paper Rex's playstyle was aggressive and worked for them, but the problem with the team was the team's mental, which dwindled, affecting their performance. Throughout the VCT Pacific, Paper Rex worked on it. Worked on being more stable as a team, along with something Paper Rex learned to play under pressure.
The team made a comeback in VCT Pacific, defeating DRX thrice. And they lost to Fnatic in Tokyo but defeated NRG and EDward Gaming to reach the lower finals. While analysts can gauge what the team is doing on the server, Paper Rex has improved out of the server. And right now, even with a sub, a player who hasn't played a lot of professional Valorant and had ten days of practice, Paper Rex won over three strong teams. This is the new Paper Rex. Even if they lose tomorrow, The team's strength is undeniable. They are truly the #1 Pacific team.
Evil Geniuses - The Cinderella themselves:
After beating Heretics but losing to Talon, Evil Geniuses had high expectations around them coming into VCT Americas. But a bad start at VCT Americas made them a center of criticism and trash talk. Especially the team's coach Christine "Potter" Chi. An FPS legend in herself, people threw a lot of shade on Potter's ability and made a mockery out of EG.
But the Evil Geniuses turned everything around, making a questionable roster move. EG turned the tables around on everyone. They qualified for Tokyo over Cloud9. And at Tokyo, they went ballistic. EG did not drop a single map until Fnatic. The team defeated FUT, DRX, LOUD and Team Liquid. In the Fnatic series, EG got close to victory, but Fnatic clinched a 50-50 win. The picture-perfect game style of Evil Geniuses has made everyone eat their criticism. Their impressive comeback and incredible run have truly made Evil Geniuses a Cinderella.
The VCT Pacific Lower Finals:
Both teams are different and yet similar in terms of playstyles. Relying on Proactive setups, both teams have their distinct flavor of Valorant. While EG relies on slower-paced rounds and insane setups, Paper Rex is much more explosive on offense and defense. A big part of EG's success also comes from the team being able to read what the opposition has in store, which is hard with Paper Rex, especially with the sub. Nevertheless, with the momentum and current form, they are a strong team and have a higher chance of winning the game.
The Evil Geniuses - Paper Rex will start at 12:00 PM JST and Riot will broadcast it on Twitch and Youtube. You can follow the VCT Twitter for all the updates regarding VCT Masters Tokyo.
Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour
You can also followVCT Masters Tokyo on Strafe.