The air crackled with anticipation. A hushed silence fell over the press room as the first question about Paper Rex was asked. You could feel the collective shift in energy as every player and coach braced themselves to address the elephant in the room: How do you even begin to strategize against PRX?
The VCT Pacific 2026 season is almost here, and one clear consensus emerged during the VCT Pacific Kickoff Press Conference. Like last year, one team is feared in the APAC region. When pros were asked to name the teams they expect to dominate VCT 2026, one name kept popping up: Paper Rex (PRX).
The respect for Paper Rex wasn’t just hype. It felt real, born from tough battles and the knowledge that the Pacific region is a serious gauntlet. With more teams and a longer season on the horizon, PRX isn’t just a contender; they’re the team everyone is hunting.
The Santiago Masters Frontrunners: Why PRX Leads the Pack
Think about the most unpredictable person you know. Someone who can turn any situation on its head with a single decision. That’s Paper Rex. In the first press conference of the VCT 2026 season, pros were asked a simple question: “Name one team, besides your own, that’s a favorite to win the Kickoff.“
The answer was resounding. DRX’s rookie, free1ng, immediately pointed to PRX. He also noted that GenG and T1 were strong contenders for the Santiago Masters title.
DRX has clashed with Paper Rex repeatedly in recent years for regional dominance. As free1ng listed his top three, DFM’s yatsuka added with certainty:
“Paper Rex is a team we need to watch out for. With the current meta, I think Paper Rex is going to thrive.”
This highlights what other players think about the 2025 Masters Toronto champions. When discussing Paper Rex, the same problem came up time and again: preparation. While teams like DRX and RRQ were also mentioned as strong contenders for VCT 2026, the conversation always circled back to PRX. But why?
Why Is Paper Rex So Difficult to Play Against?
Imagine trying to predict the weather a year in advance. That’s what prepping for a match against Paper Rex feels like to their opponents. A recurring theme among APAC pros was PRX’s sheer unpredictability. While teams like GenG and DRX are known for their solid fundamentals, PRX and T1 disrupt the status quo with their unorthodox strategies.
How does Paper Rex’s unique playstyle impact their opponents?
Global Esports player Autumn noted Paper Rex’s dominance in 2025, culminating in their Radiant International Invitational victory. He elaborated:
“They’re pretty tricky to play against… yeah, they’re just Paper Rex.”
As Pacific Valorant teams enter VCT 2026 with less pressure, the competition intensifies. Despite new teams joining and a revised format, players anticipate that core playstyles will remain consistent. Yet, the threat of Paper Rex looms large for every team.
These comments highlight a key element of PRX’s identity. They’ve cultivated a reputation for unpredictability and confidence-fueled decision-making. Even when opponents anticipate aggression, Paper Rex finds new ways to apply pressure. And they didn’t exactly invent the ‘W’ key meta in pro Valorant, but they sure did popularize it.
This high-risk, high-reward approach demands trust, mechanical skill, and commitment. And, of course, those infamous desk slaps from Alex. This might make PRX even more dangerous in VCT 2026’s high-stakes meta.
Can Paper Rex Maintain Their Status as the VCT Pacific “Final Boss”?
Think about a chess grandmaster who is always three steps ahead. PRX’s 2025 Pacific and Global performance solidified this perception. They dominated the region, won the Masters, and many believed they’d conquer VCT. While PRX hasn’t yet triumphed at the Champions event, the fear they inspire makes them impossible to dismiss.
Paper Rex consistently remained near the top, qualifying for events and staying competitive while other teams underwent roster changes and identity crises. While others struggled to adapt, PRX maintained their core approach and continued to succeed. This consistency is what their opponents seem to respect most as they approach 2026.
What strategies can teams use to counter Paper Rex’s aggressive playstyle?
How important is mental fortitude when facing a team as dominant as Paper Rex?
As VCT Pacific 2026 prepares for its most competitive season yet, PRX enters as a benchmark (or a feared “final boss”). This isn’t due to self-doubt from other teams, but rather an understanding of what it takes to beat the region’s best.
What role does coaching play in preparing a team to face Paper Rex?
Entering this year, Paper Rex stands as a reminder: the only way to overcome fear is to confront it head-on, but do any of the challengers actually have what it takes to dethrone the kings of controlled chaos?