VCT Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs: RRQ reverse-sweeps Talon to force a grand final rematch with PRX

The VCT Pacific Stage 2 lower final delivered high-octane drama, culminating in a reverse sweep as Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) edged out Talon Esports 3-2 in what was arguably the most electrifying series of the playoffs yet. After Talon claimed the first two maps, RRQ battled back with three straight wins, earning a date with Paper Rex in tomorrow’s Grand Final. The result also means DRX, already eliminated live, will qualify for Valorant Champions Paris via Championship Points—while Talon’s run ends here, despite a valiant effort.

The match added another chapter to the budding Pacific rivalry. Since 2023, RRQ and Talon have met three times in VCT Pacific, with RRQ winning two of those series and Talon claiming one. Earlier this year, Talon had bested RRQ, but RRQ’s victory gives them a 2-1 edge. Their matchup history is still developing, but RRQ now has the momentum edge heading into the final.

Talon’s Promising Start on Bind and Haven

The first map, Bind, belonged to Talon from start to finish. They had a strong 9-3 first half, where they found a streak of six rounds in a row before the side swap. The second half was more of the same domination from Talon’s side. JitBoyS as Viper finished with a staggering 300 ACS alongside 19 kills, closely matched by primmie on Yoru with 274 ACS and an identical kill-death spread. Their combined firepower helped Talon dictate pace and position throughout the round, earning them a comfortable 13-4 scoreline.

Haven followed in similar fashion. Again, Talon found a dominant 8-4 first half lead, thanks to the impact of their duelist. Primmie put in a dominant solo effort, racking up 296 ACS with a stat line of 22/13/1, while Crws’ Deadlock utility control helped Talon secure a 13-7 result, advancing them to match point and placing them one win away from Champions qualification—and securing the ticket that would have sent DRX’s chances of Champions into the gutter.

RRQ’s Comeback on Corrode

Facing elimination, RRQ responded with grit on Corrode. Despite Talon opening their map choice with early control and another lead at the end of the half with a score line of 7-5, RRQ’s xffero on Viper popped off with a massive 285 ACS and 25 kills. RRQ looked like a new team after the side swap, where they won five rounds in a row. This was matched later by Monyet’s Neon first picks and space-taking skills. Together, they dismantled Talon’s defense with precision, eventually overturning the deficit and taking the map 13-10, extending the series and giving their fans renewed hope and belief.

Icebox Stuns Talon, culminates in Sunset Nail-biter

Icebox unfolded as another RRQ victory. Their Yoru-Sage duo proved lethal as they dismantled Talon’s setups—Jemkin’s Waylay and xffero’s Killjoy playing pivotal roles. With both players putting pressure on Talon’s defense, RRQ pulled even with a 13-6 finish.

All eyes then turned to Sunset, a perfect decider for a reverse sweep. Talon, perhaps fatigued, struggled to maintain consistency. RRQ leaned on Jemkin’s creative site control and clutch execution, while xffero anchored defense with cost-efficient setups. Ultimately, RRQ edged out a narrow 14-12 victory, sealing an improbable comeback and solidifying their spot in the Grand Final.

MVP Performances and Key Moments

Among Talon’s standout performers, primmie and JitBoyS set an aggressive tone early with both averaging 300 ACS in the first two maps. However, as pressure mounted, RRQ’s defense proved indomitable. Xffero claimed the series MVP title, with a 226 ACS, crucial multi-kills, and consistency across Corrode, Icebox, and Sunset that grounded RRQ’s comeback. He had 86 kills on all five maps, playing Viper, Killjoy, and Cypher.

VCT Pacific Stage 2 Grand Final Preview: RRQ Return to the Arena

RRQ’s victory sets up a rematch with Paper Rex in tomorrow’s Grand Final. PRX reached the final earlier via the upper bracket and have already clinched Champions qualification, but now the trophy is on the line between Asia’s two most dominant teams. Meanwhile, RRQ has clashed with Paper Rex on several occasions, although only once this year so far. In the 2025 Pacific Stage 1 Lower Final, RRQ edged a win over PRX in a close 3-2 series. The two times they faced off in 2024, PRX came out on top both times.

DRX Qualifies via Points, Talon’s Season Ends

Today’s result means that DRX, despite being eliminated earlier, will join Champions thanks to their Championship Points. Talon’s loss has sealed their fate — they fall short of qualifying for Champions. The drama extends beyond the server: Talon’s year closes now, while DRX, who performed steadily all year, reap the benefits of consistency.

The RRQ-Talon lower final was everything you’d expect from a Pacific lower final. RRQ’s comeback has redefined the playoffs narrative: not just surviving, but setting up a blockbuster finals rematch.