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VALORANT Masters Toronto Grand FInal: Fnatic vs Paper Rex Preview and Prediction
The final chapter of VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025 is upon us. After weeks of high-octane action, upsets, redemption arcs, and breakout performances, only two teams remain in the race to lift the trophy. In one corner stands Paper Rex, the Pacific juggernaut on a resurgent upper bracket run. In the other, Fnatic, the kings of comebacks, surging from the depths of the lower bracket yet again. This isn’t just a battle for a trophy; it’s a showdown between two of the most influential VALORANT teams.
Paper Rex Return to Form
Paper Rex’s road to the Grand Final has been nothing short of spectacular. Marching through the upper bracket, the team has taken down some of the tournament's biggest names - Team Liquid, G2 Esports, and Sentinels - while dropping only a single map, a narrow loss to Gen.G in the group stage.
But this isn’t the same PRX that fans saw struggle in the latter half of 2024. With the addition of PatMen, the team has found not only a new identity but a renewed sense of cohesion. His transition into the support role has been seamless, delivering clutch utility and stabilizing the team’s tempo in chaotic moments. Still, PRX’s strength lies in their collective prowess. No single player has carried the team; rather, each member has delivered, displaying a different version of “W-gaming”.
Fnatic’s Lower Bracket Legacy
For Fnatic, international tournaments and lower bracket runs seem to go hand in hand. But this time, the story runs deeper. Since being sent down by Gen.G, Fnatic have fought tooth and nail, eliminating giants of their own in Sentinels, G2 Esports, and Wolves. This run marks the deepest lower bracket march in the org’s history, and perhaps their most impressive yet.
What makes this iteration of Fnatic unique is their adaptability. Swapping out their star duelist for a rookie was a bold risk, and bringing in Crashies, a former Masters champion himself, to fill in for Leo was another masterstroke. Crashies has added tactical depth and sharp utility to Fnatic’s play, while Alfajer, despite not being the primary duelist, has been absolutely electric, delivering highlight after highlight. It’s a team that has always shown that diamonds are made under pressure.
Map Veto:
The map veto will play a critical role in shaping the series. As the team coming from the upper bracket, Paper Rex will hold a 2-map ban advantage in the Bo5 final. Their permanent ban, Haven, will be the first off the table, with Ascent likely to follow. These bans allow PRX to guide the series towards maps where they feel most comfortable.
Fnatic, on the other hand, will need to maximize their own map selections to offset PRX’s veto advantage. With a deep map pool and plenty of international experience, Fnatic are capable of winning on any map, but the pressure will be on to make their picks count.
Head-to-Head
The last time these two titans clashed was at Masters Tokyo 2023, where Fnatic convincingly swept Paper Rex 2-0 in the upper bracket semifinals. Much has changed since then: rosters, strategies, and stakes. But the tension remains. PRX will be hungry to avenge that loss and finally secure their long-awaited international title. Fnatic, meanwhile, are aiming to solidify their legacy with a third international trophy.
Final Verdict: Fnatic 3-2 Paper Rex
While Paper Rex have looked dominant and composed, history favors Fnatic in high-pressure moments. Their ability to adapt mid-series, play off of each other’s strengths, and dig deep in the face of elimination is what has defined their rise to the top. With multiple titles already in their cabinet and the likes of Alfajer and Crashies performing at peak levels, Fnatic have the edge, but just barely. We’re predicting a nail-biting 3-2 win for Fnatic, based on their experience and tactical depth.
VALORANT Masters Toronto couldn’t ask for a more fitting Grand Final. Two juggernauts, both with something to prove, both capable of explosive brilliance. Whether it's PRX finally breaking their curse or Fnatic cementing a dynasty, fans are in for a spectacular finale. Buckle up. It’s going to be a wild ride.
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Featured Image Source: Riot Games
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