Following their shocking loss to T1, Paper Rex is one loss away from being eliminated from VCT Pacific Kickoff 2025. Their challenger? The formidable Zeta Division. Can they continue their run through the lower bracket, or do they face an early elimination? Let’s find out in our preview.
Paper Rex vs Zeta Division VCT Pacific Kickoff Preview
Image Credits: Riot Games
Since the launch of the partnered VALORANT Champions Tour in 2023, T1 has lost seven matches to Paper Rex in a row and failed to win a single map against them. During the VCT Pacific Kickoff 2025, T1 finally broke the streak and secured their first win against Paper Rex, which resulted in Paper Rex being dropped to the lower bracket.
During the series, Paper Rex played quite well but couldn’t capitalize on certain rounds due to incredible flashes of brilliance by players in T1. The game did go to the decider map, which ended with a scoreline of 13-11 in favor of T1.
Regarding Zeta Division, the Japanese team couldn’t keep the lead during both matches against the newly promoted Nongshim RedForce team. They lost the series 2-0. This was quite an upset, as Zeta Division is known as one of the best defense teams in the VCT Pacific league.
Series Breakdown
Paper Rex looks more in form if we examine how the two teams performed in their previous matches. This is due to their comeback during the second and third matches. There was a point during the decider map that Paper Rex was 7-4 down. They could keep their nerves in check and got the scoreline back to 11-11. Due to an incredible ace by Meteor during round 23, Paper Rex lost the series as a whole.
If Zeta Division wishes to win this series and avoid elimination, it must ensure it can stop Paper Rex from planting the spike. This is because PRX has several unorthodox strategies during the post-plant phase.
Even in the execution phase, due to its unique team composition, it’s one of the toughest teams to predict. Ideally, suppose Zeta Division puts in an additional effort to secure the first kill during each round. In that case, it only stands a chance of causing the biggest upset within VCT Pacific and eliminating PRX.
Our prediction for this VCT Pacific Kickoff match is that Paper Rex will win by 2-0. There’s a lot at stake as elimination rules out any chance to qualify for the VALORANT Masters Bangkok.