Paper Rex, one of the Pacific region’s top Valorant teams, has punched their ticket to Valorant Champions Shanghai after securing a top-three finish at Masters London. The achievement marks the first time a Pacific squad has reached the podium at a major international tournament this year, giving the region a much-needed boost in the global competitive scene.
How They Got There
Paper Rex earned their spot at the Masters London event through strong performances in the Pacific league. At the tournament, they fought through a tough bracket to land among the top three teams — a finish that also secured an automatic qualification for Champions, Riot’s annual world championship. The team’s consistency across multiple rounds showed they could hang with the best from other regions.
A Top-Three Finish
The Masters London tournament brought together the best teams from around the world. Paper Rex went up against squads from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, often playing in front of sold-out crowds. While they didn’t win the whole thing, their top-three placing is the best result for a Pacific team at a Masters event in 2025. It’s a clear sign that the region is catching up to the traditional powerhouses.
Paper Rex’s success is already rippling through the competitive Valorant scene in the Pacific. More teams and players in the region now see a real path to international success. Local tournaments are drawing bigger audiences, and sponsors are paying closer attention. For a scene that has often been overshadowed by Europe and North America, this kind of result matters — it proves the talent is there.
The team’s qualification for Champions Shanghai also means the Pacific will have representation at the biggest stage of the year. That could inspire a new wave of players and fans in Southeast Asia and beyond.
What’s Next
Paper Rex now turns their focus to Valorant Champions Shanghai, set to take place later this year. They’ll need to refine their strategies and adapt to the evolving meta if they want to go all the way. For now, the region gets to celebrate a moment that’s been a long time coming — and look ahead to what could be their best shot at a world title yet.
