Evil Geniuses obliterate DRX, while reigning champions LOUD are defeated by Paper Rex - Highlights of the Valorant Champions 2023 Semifinals

We continue to track the playoff stage of Valorant Champions 2023, during which two exciting matches took place. In the first one, Evil Geniuses confirmed their dominance over DRX, while in the second, the unexpected top team from the Pacific region defeated LOUD.

The first match was between the current world champions LOUD and the Singaporean team Paper Rex. Despite the Brazilians being favorites, due to their current title and a victory over Fnatic in the first round, the outcome was quite unexpected. On their choice of map, Lotus, the Brazilian champions put up a good fight, but on the opponent's map, they were decimated by Paper Rex, only securing 2 rounds. The situation on the final map, Peral, was evenly matched, but in the end, the Singaporeans closed the game with a victory, even without extra rounds.

The second match was between the notorious Evil Geniuses, whose infamy often precedes them, and DRX, and it ended quite quickly. The Korean team, even though perceived as the underdogs, was predicted by our editorial team to win. However, the Koreans lost overwhelmingly to the "Geniuses," ending the second map with a crushing score of 4-13.

We recall that EG is known for their controversial statements and trash-talking opponents, which we have written about in our material. Before the current match, the "Geniuses" also claimed they would annihilate their opponents and, in the end, lived up to their words. The victory wasn't without toxic remarks, as Demon1 on his Twitter account mentioned the match was very easy, thus showcasing unsportsmanlike behavior.

Following the matches, LOUD and DRX drop to the lower bracket, where they will face off against other losers EDward Gaming and Fnatic today, competing for the right to continue their journey in the tournament. On the other hand, Evil Geniuses and Paper Rex advance to the upper bracket final, where they will clash against each other on August 24 for the first slot in the championship grand finale.

Also read: Details about the new Valorant map: Release Date, Name, and Location.