PRX invy: “We really wanted revenge, it feels really nice” – VCT Pacific Stage 1 interview

Hotspawn had a chance to chat with invy after Paper Rex defeated Nongshim RedForce in their first ever rematch at Week 1 of VCT Pacific Stage 1. The win comes as not just Nongshim RedForce’s first defeat this year, but also avenges the 3-0 loss that the Korean squad had dealt to Paper Rex in the grand final of Masters Santiago.

Hotspawn: Firstly, congratulations on your victory.

How does it feel to get revenge against Nongshim after that Santiago loss?

Invy: “It feels really nice. Coming into this match, we were all just fired up. We really wanted revenge, so it feels really nice to get revenge.”

Hotspawn: Historically, Fracture and Lotus have been strong maps for you.

Do you think the veto made a difference today?

Invy: “Yeah, I think the veto was really good for us. On the first map we started slow and didn’t close it out, which was kind of a waste because we’re very good on Fracture. But overall, the veto was really good for us.”

Hotspawn: You made a huge comeback on the first map but couldn’t close it out.

What was going through your minds?

Invy: “Even though we were down 8-4, we were still fighting for the map. We didn’t give up. We stayed calm and did our best. But our communication was a bit rubbish—we were all over the place and a bit tense. After map one, we fixed that issue and did a reverse sweep.”

fracture zipline incident in the big 26 #VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/QvhJkXIgRI

— Paper Rex (@pprxteam) April 4, 2026

Hotspawn: How did that zipline moment feel?

Invy: “Honestly, that felt really nice. After they killed d4v41 at B main, I had a feeling they would take ropes. I checked and they were there. If I had a better gun, I think I would’ve killed them all, but I only had a Guardian so it was hard.”

Hotspawn: What was the biggest difference on Split compared to Santiago?

Invy: “I think it’s a mix of things. We’re much more well rested now compared to Santiago, where we had a really tough lower bracket run.

“We also had more prep time and knew what to expect from Nongshim. And with the meta changes, and no more Yoru, we’ve figured out how to play without it.”

Hotspawn: How do you stay adaptable despite constant meta and map pool changes?

Invy: “We talk a lot and discuss the meta and what we want to do. We spend a lot of time practicing and brainstorming together. Everyone is very creative and has good ideas, so that’s why we adapt well.”

Hotspawn: Who has the wackiest ideas on the team?

Invy: “Jason (f0rsakeN). He has the most unique and creative ideas. Sometimes you think, ‘Is this going to work?’ but most of the time it works really well.”

Hotspawn: You looked very prepared, especially on Split and Lotus.

How did you prep for Nongshim?

Invy: “Our coaches did most of the prep and told us their tendencies. We kept that in mind and played our own game. Compared to the finals, we weren’t as lost. We had more energy, better communication, and better planning. We also slowed the game down more.”

Hotspawn: Since joining Paper Rex, where have you improved the most?

Invy: “Mentally. There was a lot of criticism, and I turned that into motivation. It helped me play better and more confidently. My team and coaching staff also helped me feel more comfortable.”

Hotspawn: How has the team helped you settle in?

Invy: “Everyone is really close and made sure I felt comfortable sharing my ideas. Even in serious discussions, I can speak up. Alecks especially made me feel comfortable when I first joined, which helped a lot.”

Hotspawn: How was your experience at Santiago, making a grand final in your first international event?

Invy: “It was really fun. Meeting other pro players at the hotel and venue was a great experience. We played against strong teams like NRG and G2 and learned a lot. Making the grand final felt amazing, even if we didn’t win. We just go next and hopefully win the next one.”

Hotspawn: You played a lot of rematches at Santiago.

Was that stressful?

Invy: “Yeah, it was stressful. When you play the same team multiple times, you have to keep adjusting. Teams like NRG and G2 are very smart and experienced, so you have to keep bringing new ideas. But we learned a lot from it.”