G2 Upsets Paper Rex in VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs

On the second day of the playoffs at VCT Masters Shanghai, fans were treated to an electrifying clash between Paper Rex and G2 Esports.

The result was a dramatic 2-1 victory for G2, despite being the underdogs coming into this matchup.

PRX, the top seed from the Pacific League, entered the playoffs with high expectations, having dominated the Pacific Stage. In contrast, G2 had to earn their spot through the rigorous Swiss Round, proving their resilience and determination.

G2 Esports 2-1 Paper Rex

PRX started the series strong on G2's pick of Split, showcasing their trademark W-gaming with an impeccable attack, winning 11 consecutive rounds. G2 struggled and ended the half at 1-11. Despite a fightback, PRX's substantial lead secured them a 13-7 victory.

“First map, we kind of just chalked it. We were not warmed up. And then we started picking it back up.”
-Jonah "JonahP" Pulice

On the second map, Lotus, PRX's pick, G2 staged a remarkable comeback. They started strong on defense, ending the first half tied at 6-6. In the second half, G2's defensive prowess thwarted PRX's attempts to gain momentum, closing out the map 13-10 and leveling the series. This set the stage for an intense decider on Bind.

With the series tied, the final map, Bind, became the decider. G2 delivered a commanding performance, especially during their attack phase, securing a dominant 10-2 lead by halftime. PRX attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but G2's advantage was insurmountable. G2 sealed the victory with a 13-5 win, completing their impressive comeback and securing their place in the next round.

“I’ve always known [that] we’re a capable team. It’s not really shocking to me. It’s not a proving game or a statement victory, at least for myself. Maybe for the outside people”
-Jacob "valyn" Batio after beating Paper Rex

Looking Ahead

With this victory, G2 advances to the upper bracket semifinals, where they will face Team Heretics. Although this fact was not known at the time, Trent "trent" Cairns is confident on his team’s ability to beat their opponents.

“I don’t think we care who we play. I think we’ll be very confident.”

Although it was Paper Rex who chose to play against G2 Esports, coach Alexandre "alecks" Sallé, had higher expectations of his team.

“Turns out they are really, really good. And it was a bit difficult for us. We expected to play better.”

Now, Paper Rex finds themselves in the lower bracket, set to battle EDG in a fight for survival in the tournament.

“I would love to play EDG again. They beat us last time, and now we have a chance to meet them again… hopefully we’re able to be ourselves again for the next match.”
-Khalish "d4v41" Rusyaidee

Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on VCT Masters Shanghai.

Stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

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Featured Image Source: Liu YiCun/Riot Games

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