PRX and NRG First to Qualify for Valorant Champions Playoffs

Today’s winner’s matches at Valorant Champions Paris in Groups A and C saw Paper Rex (PRX) and NRG secure their playoff spots through hard-fought best-of-three games. Both teams lost map one, then went on to make the reverse sweep to win their series and qualify for playoffs as first seed from their respective groups. While PRX were the favorites heading into the event, NRG entered as dark horses after a stunning Stage 2 run at VCT Americas. Both teams showed their trademark resilience under pressure, adapting after shaky starts and producing clutch individual performances to seal their spots in the next stage.

Paper Rex Reverse Sweep GX and Become First VALORANT Champions Playoff Team

Ascent: GIANTX win 13–11

The series opened on Ascent, GIANTX’s pick, and it quickly lived up to expectations of a close fight. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides trading blow for blow, ending 7-5 in PRX’s favor. GIANTX threw themselves into a higher gear on defense after the switch, pulling ahead by leveraging disciplined crossfires and late-round utility. Paper Rex managed to stay within touching distance, bringing the score to 11–12 at one point, one round away from overtime, but GX closed the final round with a dominant mid push.

The standout of Ascent was GIANTX’s duelist ara, who ended the map with 300 ACS, five first kills, and three 3Ks across the board. With the help of his teammates’ util, he ensured GX took the all-important opening map.

Lotus: Paper Rex win 13–10

Needing a response, Paper Rex turned to Lotus, one of their best maps, and they did not disappoint. The early exchanges were again close, but PRX slowly built up a lead, ending their attacking side with the halftime score sitting at 8–4 in their favor. From there, their signature aggression began to pay off. Whether on defense with quick retakes or on attack with well-timed utility bursts, PRX controlled the late game, closing the map 13–10.

Lotus belonged to something, who embodied PRX’s fearless style. He posted multiple first-bloods, 275 ACS, and an ADR around 168, the highest on the server. His FKPR in particular stood out, giving PRX round advantages that translated into momentum.

Sunset: Paper Rex win 13–6

With the series tied, Sunset was the decider, and it was here that PRX reminded everyone why they are considered tournament favorites. They stormed out to an early lead of 6-2, but GX caught up, with the half ending in a close 7-5 scoreline. However, PRX, after winning the pistol, never looked back, coasting through the second  half by winning six out of seven rounds to finish 13–6. Their defense was airtight, and their attacks dismantled GIANTX’s setups before they could come to fruition.

The hero of Sunset was once again something. His Sova util on attack ripped open sites for his team, while his dominance in pistol rounds where he netted a 3K then 4K anchored PRX’s lead. He ended the map with the highest ACS of the lobby and his performance sealed both the map and PRX’s spot in the playoffs.

Across all three maps, something’s impact was undeniable, especially in the pistol rounds, as well as his overall fragging consistency. He was definitely the MVP for PRX this series. On the other hand, for GX, ara was on fire on all three maps, and was the only player to go positive on the GX side while also netting 10 first kills.

NRG Triumphantly Continue Their Cinderella Run

Haven: DRX win 13–4

The opening map of the Group C clash was chosen to be Haven by DRX, and they quickly established dominance from the get-go. With a 4-0 start that the team eventually converted to 8-4, DRX would go on to completely shut down the Americas second seed and win the map 13-4.

The Neon/Waylay combo was lethal, and DRX took full advantage of the utility and speed of these two agents. HYUNMIN and Flashback had 8 first kills between them and an ACS of 281 and 229 respectively.

Corrode: NRG win 13–11

NRG answered emphatically on their pick of Corrode, despite once again suffering from a slow start as DRX climbed to 5-0. They were able to mount a comeback, with heroics winning them enough rounds to end the half with a minor 5-7 defecit. Despite DRX pushing this advantage to get to 11-8, NRG locked in and won the next five rounds to get to 13-11, pushing the series to the decider map.

NRG’s mada was the star of Corrode with an ACS of 239. With high-impact multi-kills, as well as excellent util and spam from teammates like brawk, mada was the tip of the spear in NRG’s win.

Lotus: NRG win 13–11

The series returned to Lotus for the decider, and it seemed like DRX were once again the ones in control with a clean 7-0 start. NRG have proven themselves to be resilient in times of crises, such as their calmness during the 11-2 deficit they had against EDG. NRG were able to win a few rounds in the half to end it 4-8, but the second period changed their momentum. They won the next four rounds to tie things up, then DRX pushed the score to 11-8, leaving them two round wins from playoffs. Similar to map two though, NRG won the next five in a row to deny OT and win the series 2-1.

This time it was NRG’s brawk who rose to the occasion with his Odin skills, netting himself 28 kills and an ACS of 304 for his antics across the map. His disciplined utility usage and the threat of being spammed into oblivion by his Odin anchored NRG’s defense.

The MVP went to mada, whose performances on the second and third maps were critical to NRG’s series win. He ended the series with 55 total kills, of which 13 were first kills. On DRX’s side, Flashback had 66 kills and an ACS of 275, the highest on the server, but NRG as a team looked a bit more stable.

What’s Next: Qualification and Elimination Matches

With PRX and NRG safely into playoffs, the second day of qualifying matches will see Fnatic go up against MIBR, as well as T1 vs Team Heretics. The winners will qualify for the playoffs as their group’s first seed. Afterwards, the elimination matches will begin, with Team Liquid vs EDG, then XLG vs Sentinels. The stakes couldn’t be higher. While PRX and NRG can breathe easier for now, the rest of the field faces the gauntlet to keep their championship dreams alive.