GenG vs Paper Rex: GenG win VCT Pacific Kickoff

GenG and Paper Rex had already secured their Masters Madrid slot when they reached the Grand Finals of the VCT Pacific Kickoff. But the Grand Finals match between these two teams is more than just for glory. The winner receives three VCT points that will be useful later in the year just before VCT Champs 2024. 

In a surprising twist, GenG took down Paper Rex 3-1 in the Grand Finals. With this 3-1 victory, GenG are the VCT Pacific Champions and earned 3 VCT points. The VCT points will be useful in the future when Riot starts handing out invites for VCT Champs.

The first map of Ascent was GenG's map of choice. Paper Rex started with the pistol round win, but GenG's defense on Ascent meant they were able to win seven of the next ten rounds. At the end of the first half, GenG had a 7-5 lead, a small lead but something.

The real story unfolds in the second half when GenG's attack ran through the Paper Rex defense. Getting a hold of entry frags early on and thereby ensuring that they can capitalize on the early lead, GenG seemed to have a complete read of the Paper Rex defenses.

T3xture had a particularly strong performance with 23 kills to his name on Ascent. The young Korean player ended Ascent with a 335 ACS signifying his importance to the quad.

But Paper Rex were not one to lie down. The team bounced back phenomenally on Split winning six straight rounds to take an early lead. The team limited GenG to just four rounds in the first half, and in the second half, they did not allow GenG a single-round victory.

The team's aggression on Split and their execution was a key reason for their dominance. In turn, GenG did not look like they preferred playing on Split at all. The 4-13 loss is something that GenG fans had to take in their stride for the series.

Lotus was a much more close affair compared to the first two maps. Lotus is a relatively attacking-favored map and it was evident in todays' series as well. Paper Rex won seven rounds on their attacking side, with something and D4v41 coming out ahead when it came to close angles and strategic positioning.

But once the teams switched sides, GenG's attacking side was equally impressive. The team would no tlet Paper Rex get any streak of round wins going in their favor, always winning two or three rounds in a row. Ultimately, when it was 12-9 in favor of GenG was when Paper Rex managed to string together two rounds to take it to 12-11.

However, GenG won the final round to win the map and take a lead in the series for the first time. They were one map win away from securing series victory.

And victory came in the form of Bind for GenG. Bind was Paper Rex's map pick and despite this, GenG clearly had the momentum after a very close Lotus map where it went the distance. GenG played aggressively on Bind, taking round wins where their usual playstyle might not have secured them a win. T3xture looked in fantastic form, but equally impressive were Meteor and Karon. The trio were able to constantly catch Paper Rex players off-guard and secure a 8-4 first half lead.

The second half saw GenG put up a walled defense and Paper Rex's aggression was unable to crack through. GenG won all the defensive rounds ending the map with a 13-4 victory and the series with a 2-1 score.

Paper Rex’s presence in the Grand Finals is not really a surprise. The team has been one of the most dominating rosters in the Pacific region. Not only do their results speak for themselves, their playstyle also leaves fans and viewers extremely impressed. The aggressive playstyle that looks quite confusing has a very strategic insight to it. The playstyle builds on the players’ results has helped Paper Rex dominate the region.

Meanwhile, GenG’s victory over DRX was a complete surprise for VALORANT fans. DRX has been one of the traditional dominant rosters in the region. The team’s strategic insight and their focus on execution has made them a roster to dread. However, after a few changes to the active roster, DRX have obviously needed some time to adjust. DRX will not be attending the Madrid Masters, and GenG have a chance to prove themselves in this match. 

While the outcome of this match seems to favor Paper Rex, it will be interesting to see how GenG has prepared for one of the most aggressive playstyles in the game. 

You can catch up on the GenG vs Paper Rex match on Twitch. We have embedded the stream below for your convenience. 

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