Paper Rex vs EG at VCT Champs: Paper Rex eliminates Evil Geniuses

The Final four teams at the VALORANT Champs are all set for a chance to cement their names in VCT history. The first match at the Kia Forum was between Paper Rex and Evil Geniuses who are in the Upper Bracket Finals. The winner of this match would go ahead to the Grand Finals and await their opponent from the lower bracket. 

Evil Geniuses started on the defense on Ascent but Paper Rex was more than happy to be on offense. The last time they played on offense, they managed only four rounds, which was sub-par for a team that prides itself on its offensive capabilities. However, this time around, Paper Rex had a very dominant start. They relied on hitting the A bombsite repeatedly through the early rounds. Well, until C0m decided to stop them in their tracks.

C0m might have ensured EG won that round, but the next two rounds were also C0m shows. The player was playing very intellectually, often using utilities to ensure Paper Rex cannot be free, but also ensuring his own safety.

Paper Rex stayed true to their traditional style of play - which included an understanding of EG's playsytle. Evil Geniuses rely on set plays, pioneered by Potter, but they are very unique in the way they use utilities. To counter this style of play, Paper Rex would often play back and ensure they are not caught out of position by the EG utilities.

Despite a minor headstart for Paper Rex, EG managed to bring it back to a 8-8 scoreline. Despite having momentum in the 17th round, EG was unable to win the round. They eliminated all Paper Rex members, but Paper Rex still won the round.

However, once again, it was C0m who brought EG back into the mix. While both EG players were busy watching A main, C0m made the move behind them and easily garnered two kills.

Evil Geniuses had several instances of individual performances where the players managed to pull out miracles to win rounds. Evil Geniuses won Map 1, but the overall team performance was not very inspirational. It was just a case of C0m and individual performances.

The second map was not entirely unlike the first one. It was once again the C0m show where the player simply had all the answers that Evil Geniuses needed. EG were also seen playing double flanks, where C0m would come in as the second flank, clearly playing with the Paper Rex understanding of EG gameplay.

Ultimately, Paper Rex managed to bring out more creative ideas. With constant innovation and adaptation to Evil Geniuses' playstyle, Paper Rex was able to take the series to Map 3.

When Pearl was announced as the final map of the series, there was an audible excitement sign from the audience. Neither team is dominant on Pearl and while they are exceedingly good, there was no clear winner. And rightfully so, the map delivered.

Paper Rex started on the attacking side, and they were in tune with their W-key gaming. The team was always pushing and pushing EG to their limits.

Even as Evil Geniuses seemed to have run away with the map, Paper Rex stepped up winning duel after duel. They won three rounds in a row, clearly gaining momentum and potentially scaring EG fans.

This tournament will be the final time the current iteration of Paper Rex will play together. Jinggg is slated to join the military and in the post-match press conference, he said they are just looking to enjoy themselves. If everybody on the team is happy, I am happy is what he said.

Paper Rex now await their opponents in the Grand finals.

Paper Rex topped Group A with a dominant 2-0 showing. They defeated KRU esports and later also took down China’s hope EDward Gaming. Paper Rex’s aggressive playstyle and coordination ensured they were always able to surprise their opponents. Also, a surprise was the team’s playstyle, which relies on the players’ synergy and coordination.

Joining Paper Rex for VCT Champs is Ilya "something" Petrov. He wasn’t on the team during previous events and as such many of Paper Rex’s opponents have to figure out the team’s playstyle at this tournament.

Paper Rex will face Evil Geniuses, one of the best teams in North America. While the roster is definitely full of raw skill, the team’s confidence comes together due to their coach - Christine "potter" Chi. The former professional player brings a lot of experience in her coaching and allows the youngsters on the team to calm their nerves. Evil Geniuses did really well in the Group stage and even in the playoffs, they took down EDward Gaming 2-1 and then they shook DRX down to the lower bracket. 

Both teams rely heavily on their players having fun. While Paper Rex’s playstyle is unique in terms of its composition as well as its mid-round calls, EG relies a bit more on strategy. However, Evil Geniuses players are also always having fun and you can find them shouting across at their opponents on stage. 

VALORANT fans can catch all the action live on Twitch. We have also embedded the stream below for your convenience.

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