The intensity of VALORANT Champions 2025`s playoff bracket reached a fever pitch as two titans from the Pacific region, Paper Rex and DRX, navigated the treacherous lower bracket to secure their continued participation. In a day marked by high-stakes skirmishes and tactical masterclasses, these teams delivered performances that not only kept their championship dreams alive but also sent their formidable opponents, Team Heretics and MIBR, packing. The global stage witnessed a definitive statement from the Pacific, proving their mettle under immense pressure.
Paper Rex`s Unyielding Momentum Halts Team Heretics` Valiant Stand
The clash between EMEA’s Team Heretics and Pacific’s Stage 2 champions, Paper Rex (PRX), was nothing short of a tactical chess match that ultimately saw PRX emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Team Heretics, with their back against the wall, fought with commendable ferocity, but found themselves attempting to halt a train that, once on track, rarely sees fit to slow down.
The series commenced on Ascent, where Heretics initially seized momentum, leveraging an early economic advantage to establish a significant lead. PRX, typically known for their aggressive flair, seemed to stumble, falling behind 4-8. However, the narrative shifted dramatically on their attack side. Exhibiting a “mid-round calling masterclass” and an uncanny ability to win chaotic team fights, PRX, with a double-sentinel composition, clawed their way back, securing the map 13-11 against all odds. Khalish ‘d4v41’ Rusyaidee was a pivotal figure, making clutch calls and winning crucial duels that underscored his team`s resurgence.
Haven saw Heretics respond emphatically. Despite PRX gaining an early economic lead, Heretics demonstrated methodical site attacks and strong ultimate usage, stabilizing their defense for a respectable 5-7 half. As the map progressed, Heretics found their rhythm, dismantling PRX`s explosive site bursts with calculated precision, eventually leveling the series with a 13-9 win. This showed a different side of Heretics, one capable of adapting and outmaneuvering even the most formidable opponents.
The decider on Lotus was where PRX truly asserted their dominance. Coming off a disheartening twelve-round attack streak loss on this very map in a previous upper bracket match against Fnatic, there were whispers of history repeating. Yet, after an early tactical timeout, PRX recalibrated. Their initial indecisiveness evaporated, replaced by their signature early aggression that left Heretics reeling. Despite Heretics’ own attempts to regroup, the relentless pressure from PRX, particularly d4v4i’s massive impact, proved insurmountable. PRX closed out the map with a commanding 13-4 victory, flipping the script and securing their playoff survival with an impressive twelve-round win streak of their own.
DRX`s Calculated Comeback Overwhelms MIBR`s Aspiring Run
The second elimination series pitted two dark horses against each other: Pacific’s DRX and Americas’ MIBR. What unfolded was a testament to resilience, as DRX overcame a slow start to win 2-1, continuing their journey through the playoffs.
MIBR chose Sunset, a map previously banned by DRX, aiming for an early advantage. For a while, it seemed like a misstep as DRX’s defense was “astonishingly well-coordinated,” with No ‘freeing’ Ha-jun and Cho ‘Flashback’ Min-hyuk dismantling MIBR’s assaults. DRX notched a convincing 9-3 lead by half-time, igniting hopes of a swift victory.
However, the infamous “9-3 curse” — where a dominant first half often leads to a collapse — reared its head. MIBR, rallying on their defense, delivered a near-flawless performance. DRX`s attack looked disjointed, struggling against Erick ‘aspas’ Santos, who wielded a deadly Operator with lethal precision. MIBR locked down Sunset 13-10, demonstrating that individual brilliance coupled with solid team play can indeed overcome a significant deficit. For a moment, it seemed aspas was personally attempting to carry MIBR on his back, a feat impressive in its ambition, if ultimately insufficient in the long run.
The series moved to Ascent, where aspas continued his sniper masterclass on defense. Despite MIBR’s efforts, DRX managed to secure seven attack rounds through efficient ultimate cycling and well-executed site entries. On their defense, DRX tightened up, making it difficult for MIBR to establish map control. It took an incredible quadruple kill from aspas to force overtime, showcasing MIBR’s fighting spirit. Yet, DRX, fueled by hero plays and clutch pistol round conversions, ultimately persevered, closing out Ascent 15-13 in a nail-biting finish.
The deciding map, Bind, saw DRX capitalize on their double pistol win to maintain control. The first half was a tense game of cat and mouse, with DRX`s Flashback holding deep map space with his Operator, while MIBR probed for reactive pushes. After an even 6-6 half, DRX took firm control. The Korean roster exploited free space in A-showers to initiate a snowball effect, and in-game leader (IGL) Kim ‘MaKo’ Myeong-kwan confidently navigated post-plant situations. While aspas delivered another hero play and some misused ultimates from DRX offered a glimmer of hope for MIBR, it could only delay the inevitable. DRX clinched Bind 13-10, confirming their survival and cementing the Pacific region`s dominant day.
The Road Ahead: A Pacific Showdown and Grand Finals Aspirations
With Team Heretics and MIBR now out of the running, the VALORANT Champions 2025 Playoffs shrink further. The lower bracket, however, promises a thrilling regional showdown as DRX and Paper Rex, having survived elimination, will face each other in the Lower Bracket Semifinal next Friday, October 3rd. This guarantees at least one Pacific team a deep run, potentially even a Grand Final berth, a testament to the region`s rising power in the global VALORANT scene.
Before that highly anticipated clash, the Upper Bracket Final on October 3rd will feature an epic battle between EMEA’s formidable Fnatic and Americas’ powerhouse NRG. The victor will secure a direct ticket to the Grand Final on October 5th, while the loser will drop to the Lower Bracket Final, facing the winner of the Pacific regional derby. The stakes have never been higher, and every round will count.
As VALORANT Champions 2025 hurtles towards its climactic conclusion, fans worldwide can continue to follow every explosive moment via VCT’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. The stage is set for a weekend of unparalleled competitive VALORANT, where legends will be made and champions crowned.
Callum Darby