Paper Rex keeps their throne but it’s still a historical moment for Southeast Asian VALORANT.
The W Gaming train just keeps on going as Paper Rex runs over their competition to become the VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 1 champions. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, bore witness to Paper Rex’s dominance as they swept both the lower and grand finals.
It looked like just another VCT Pacific season for Paper Rex as they finished at the top of their side of the Group Stage. However, an upset win by Global Esports in the upper bracket semifinals threw a wrench at their dominant season.
Undeterred, they would storm their way to the lower bracket finals. They eliminated T1 and DRX, South Korea’s best teams, for a rematch with Global Esports. There, Paper Rex reminded everyone why they’re the best team in VCT Pacific as they easily served their revenge to Global Esports with a 3-0 sweep.
With momentum that strong, there really was no stopping the W Gaming train. Paper Rex would meet upstarts FULL SENSE in the grand finals and while the young team put up a fight, they were no match for a team of Paper Rex’s caliber. Despite being 3-0 swept, FULL SENSE really put pressure on the Masters Toronto champions. Every match nearly went to double digit rounds for both teams, showing just how close these two teams are.
But Paper Rex’s victory was inevitable. With perseverance and adaptability, they outpaced all other teams to earn themselves another VCT Pacific championship.
Southeast Asia On The Rise
While Paper Rex take their fourth VCT Pacific trophy, the real winners this season is the SEA region itself. The top three teams will represent the Pacific in Masters London later this June. And with the conclusion of Stage 1, there will be no South Korean teams being sent to Masters London.
Paper Rex is based in Singapore and the team is a combination of SEA’s finest. FULL SENSE is an all Thai team that shocked the whole league with their prowess. And Global Esports is based in India with a blend of strong players all over the Pacific.
It’s a breath of fresh air for VCT Pacific and shows just how competitive the region is. It’s not just the South Koreans taking all the glory this time – every team is as fierce as the other. Every victory is earned in the Pacific and that’s what makes it exciting.
Banner image from VCT Pacific on X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paper Rex won the VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 1 championship by executing a dominant lower bracket run and securing a 3-0 sweep against FULL SENSE in the grand finals. Held in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, this victory marks Paper Rex’s fourth VCT Pacific trophy. The win solidifies their position as the region’s top seed heading into Masters London.
The three teams qualifying for Masters London from VCT Pacific Stage 1 are Paper Rex, FULL SENSE, and Global Esports. These top three finishers will represent the Pacific region in the international tournament this June. Notably, this marks the first time that no South Korean teams will represent the region at a Masters event.
Paper Rex reached the grand finals through a resilient lower bracket run after an early upset by Global Esports in the upper bracket semifinals. They eliminated South Korean powerhouses T1 and DRX to force a lower bracket rematch with Global Esports, whom they swept 3-0. This momentum carried them directly into the grand finals against FULL SENSE.
Three Filipino VALORANT players secured qualification for Masters London during the VCT Pacific Stage 1 tournament. Adrian “invy” Reyes qualified with the championship-winning Paper Rex squad, becoming the second Filipino to lift the Pacific trophy. He is joined by Global Esports’ Xavier “xavi8k” Juan and Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza, rounding out the historic regional representation.
The VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 1 results are historic because Southeast Asian and South Asian organizations completely locked out South Korean teams from Masters qualification. With Singapore-based Paper Rex, Thailand’s FULL SENSE, and India’s Global Esports taking the top spots, the tournament proved a massive shift in regional power. It showcases the growing depth, fierceness, and competitive parity across the entire Pacific ecosystem.
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