Monyet: “Even Team Secret can come back—why can’t we?” – VCT Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs Interview

Cahya “monyet” Nugraha has built his reputation as one of VCT Pacific’s most fearless duelists. Known for his raw aim, aggressive entries, and knack for clutching big moments, he’s been central to RRQ’s biggest wins—and comebacks. Today, RRQ were a map down in their VCT Pacific Stage 2 elimination game against Gen G. and 2-10 down on map number two. However, they were able to make an insane comeback to win the map 13-11, then eventually lock up the series with a resounding victory on map three, keeping their playoffs run and Champions hopes alive. Fresh off a high-stakes victory over Gen.G, monyet talks about that wild map two turnaround, the team’s progress since Toronto, and the opponents he’s hoping to see at Champions.

Hotspawn: How does it feel to beat Gen.G and keep your Champions run alive?

monyet: “Unbelievable. That’s the only word I can say. It was a really hard match, especially coming back from 2-10 to 13-11. The third map, we knew what they were going to do and just executed it well.”

That map two comeback—what kept you going at halftime?

monyet: “We just said we still need to believe—it’s not over yet. Jemkin told us something funny at the time: even Team Secret can come back, so why can’t we? I found it funny, but it also made sense.”

What about those final rounds?

monyet: “When it was 12-11 or 11-11, I was praying. I made a mistake at 12-11, and I was just praying that we could close it out. I prayed twice in those rounds—please win this round, win this round.”

Sunset seemed rough at first. Why?

monyet: “They hit really nice shots in the first half, and we were a bit slow to adapt. Window was the solution, but we only realized it towards the end of the half. It was tough and a bit unlucky.”

Stage 1 was strong, but Toronto was difficult. Why?

monyet: “We were adapting to the meta really slow. We didn’t realize our strengths going into it. We worked on it in Toronto, in EWC, and even in Stage 2. After the first week, we figured it out, and it turned out pretty nice, even if it wasn’t as good as Stage 1.”

Is the lower bracket a big pressure point for you?

monyet: “Not really. We’ve been there before, many times. At this point, we’re used to it.”

You’ve played for PRX and RRQ. How do they differ?

monyet: “Controlling the pace is better in RRQ. Back then on PRX, it wasn’t fixed—it was hard because all of us were aggressive. When four players are aggressive and one is not, it’s really hard to control.”

Who are your biggest rivals at Champions?

monyet: “Everyone. Every match is going to be hard in Champs.”

And the one team you’d love to face?

monyet: “Fnatic. I want to play Fnatic again.”

Favorite food?

monyet: “Babi guling—roasted suckling pork.”

Favorite player?

monyet: “I used to learn a lot from how MaKo plays, but now no one in particular.”

Valorant GOAT?

monyet: “Chronicle. He’s always at the top and performing really well.”

How have you evolved since Madrid?

monyet: “I know how to control my playstyle better as a duelist. I’m calmer in making decisions and I can read the game faster.”

What’s your routine like?

monyet: “If we have a late match, I go to the gym in the morning at 10 or 11, then shower, warm up at 2, and start practice at 3 or 4 until 9 or 10 PM. After that, I play VALORANT until midnight or later—more than 12 hours a day sometimes.”

How do you feel about your next opponents, DRX?

monyet: “We lost 2-0 against them before in a close match where we had a mental block and didn’t shoot well. This time it will be close—it depends on who’s more lucky.”

Hotspawn: Thank you so much for your time and I hope you had a little bit of fun in the interview. Congratulations again on your win today, and good luck towards your Champions journey!

From grinding 12-hour days to fighting through intense comebacks, monyet thrives in the chaos of competition. Whether it’s a Pacific rival or a possible matchup against Fnatic at Champs, he keeps the same mindset: believe, adapt, and take every chance—because if Team Secret can come back, so can RRQ. And more than that, it’s never over until it’s over, as evidenced by today’s 2-10 comeback win and reverse sweep.