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Paper Rex secure Valorant Champions 2023 Grand Finals
After a short break, The Valorant Champions 2023 resumed yesterday with the Upper finals. After not losing a single game, two teams in Evil Geniuses and Paper Rex clashed with each other for the Grand Finals spot. Amongst the present four teams, Paper Rex and EG are one of the strongest contenders to win the Valorant Champions 2023 trophy alongside Fnatic.
Previously, Evil Geniuses took down EDward Gaming and DRX in a pretty convincing fashion. Paper Rex themselves took down FUT Esports and LOUD. LOUD look extremely strong in the playoffs and are making a run for their second consecutive Champions. Paper Rex with their explosive playstyle put an end to LOUD’s dominance.
Starting off the game, EG’s defense was completely shaken from the pure unadulterated aggression from Paper Rex. Despite Ascent being EG’s map pick and it being a strong map for the team, they had a hard time adjusting to the Paper Rex’s playstyle.
“It’s not fun to play against them. They are really good, I will be trying to call something and two of them swing out mid door, we trade and it’s not the best call anymore”
Most EG players started the series really quietly. Despite the slow start, c0m ensured the team didn't fall too far behind. As the side switched, the whole EG squad came online and completely overwhelmed the Paper Rex defense to secure their map pick. The turning point for the game was c0m’s 1v2 where he completely outsmarted the Paper Rex players after being considerably low.
The second map saw EG in better control of the round and the pace of the game. Paper Rex’s attack struggled to find much value. Eventually the half closed on 7-5 after Paper Rex recovered towards the end. EG extended the lead in the second half but Paper Rex were far from done. The proactive defense from Paper Rex gave EG a really hard time. Eventually, Paper Rex came on top, securing a third map in the series.
Both teams have their own style of approaching Pearl and a unique composition. Both worked really well on offense and defense with the regulation concluding with a tie. The teams went into overtime. The teams exchanged the attacking rounds and eventually Paper Rex won a defense round to close the map 15-13 and the series 2-1 securing Grand Finals.
Talking about the comeback losses EG Potter said:
“It seemed like we were overthinking it a little bit as a squad. There were moments where we weren’t decisive enough. If we were to go back and watch this, we would see that we have enough to make some of our execs work. I think we were up 11-9, 11-8, I forgot exactly the round and it came down to that B exec and I believe one of our players had the perfect read. Consistently we were in the right spots, we were getting the right communications in, just a lil bit unlucky”
Similarly, PRX Alecks about the comeback situations the team was in said:
“Having to come back is usually not a good sign in terms of map pool strength. We have a pistol round problem right now, we need to solve that. I wouldn’t say it’s a problem but they are just making some really bad errors and it is costing us some crucial rounds. It makes it really hard to get the feel of the game. That is something we want to address the most. Maybe we need to find a team that just plays 30 rounds of pistols against us. ”
Finally, talking about the team that’d make it out, f0rsaken said:
“I think it has to be Fnatic, I still think they are the best team in the world. So yeah I think it is Fnatic.”
Additionally, Paper Rex mentioned “We have a massive advantage against EG” and they will be the easiest team to face out of the remaining three teams.
Today, Evil Geniuses will face off against LOUD in the Valorant Champions 2023 Lower Finals, With only one team making it to tomorrow to face Paper Rex.
Both teams will be coming in hot for their revenge and it will be a great show at KIA forum.
For more updates on Valorant Champions 2023, follow Valorant Champions tour Twitter.
Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour.
