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Mindfreak and Paper Rex Part Ways Ahead of VCT Pacific Split 2
The Indonesian controller-main Aaron "mindfreak" Leonhart has decided to explore his options outside Paper Rex.
Mindfreak is now a restricted free agent, concluding a five-year relationship that started in 2020 with Counter-Strike.
Pacific's Best
Mindfreak, along with the rest of Paper Rex, transitioned to VALORANT in February 2021. Quickly rising up the ranks, they qualified for Masters 2021 Berlin. They couldn’t get past the group stage and later failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2021. The squad made their name in 2022 after a 4th place finish at Masters Reykjavik, followed by a 2nd place finish at Masters Copenhagen. Unfortunately, they blew out of the VALORANT Champions group once more later that same year. The team had another disastrous run at VCT Kickoff 2023, kickstarting a call finally for a roster change.
After VCT Pacific was established in 2023, Paper Rex was considered the second-best team behind DRX. But with the roster change, they dominated competition—winning the inaugural title and being crowned Pacific Champions. The team’s explosive firepower and indomitable aggression were balanced by mindfreak’s steady anchoring. Despite Jinggg, something, and f0rsaken’s highlight reels, many recognized the calming presence of d4v41 and mindfreak.
Never the Bride
Many expected Paper Rex to tear through the competition at the following Masters, but they placed 3rd behind Fnatic and EG. They reached the VALORANT Champions 2023 Grand Finals but lost to EG once more.
2024 wasn’t much different. After losing the Pacific Kickoff title to Gen.G, they missed the Grand Finals after falling to Sentinels in the lower bracket finals. A Pacific Stage 1 victory was followed by a poor Masters Shanghai performance (by PRX standards). The disappointment continued further as they were the first team to be eliminated from VALORANT Champions 2024.
The Final Chapter
Despite the disappointments of 2024, the Paper Rex squad remained unchanged for 2025. This shocked fans, especially since their individual performance had dwindled. Mindfreak, who was once considered the solid anchor, struggled with consistency.
Expectedly, Paper Rex bailed out of Pacific Kickoff 2025. Still, no changes were made. During 2025 Pacific Split 1, the team was on the verge of missing another international event. This result was the final straw, and as a way to salvage the split, Paper Rex called upon Patman to replace mindfreak.
A Bittersweet End
The new squad was aided by mindfreak as their assistant coach. And from the verge of elimination, Paper Rex came back—securing a Masters Toronto spot as the Pacific #3. At Toronto, no one expected them to make a deep run.
But shockingly, they qualified for the Playoffs and made an undefeated run to the Grand Finals—lifting the trophy after taking down Fnatic 3-1.
The much-deserved trophy for Paper Rex was bittersweet for mindfreak, who failed to secure it on two different occasions.
Next Chapter
Failing to lift the trophy as a player must’ve played a part in mindfreak’s decision to continue being a player. To pursue that dream, today, July 14th, mindfreak and Paper Rex have announced their decision to part ways.
Many Pacific squads will benefit from mindfreak’s experience and his ability to adapt to various situations. For now, one of the best controller players in the Pacific is up for grabs.
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Feature image credit: Esports World Cup
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