Paper Rex Advances to Lower Bracket Final of VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 1, Secures Last Masters Slot for Region

The playoffs of VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 1 are nearing their conclusion, and today one of the final matches took place. In the lower bracket semifinals, T1 faced off against Paper Rex, and the series determined the last team from the region to head to the VALORANT Masters London 2026.

T1 vs Paper Rex

The match kicked off on Split, where T1 initially dominated. However, after the sides switched, Paper Rex successfully got back in the game and won with a score of 13:9. On the second map, Ascent, T1 managed to even the series after a 13:10 victory. The third map, Breeze, began with complete domination by Paper Rex, and despite a comeback from T1 in the second half, PRX sealed the match with a 13:8 win.

The standout player of the match was Ilya "something" Petrov, who finished the match with 268 ACS. This figure is 22% higher than his average over the past six months. For more detailed match statistics, you can check the link.

As a result of the match, Paper Rex secures victory, advancing to the lower bracket final to face Global Esports, guaranteeing themselves a spot in the top 1-3 at the event and a slot at Masters London 2026. T1, on the other hand, exits the tournament in 4th place, earning only Pacific Points necessary for World Championship qualification.

VCT 2026: Pacific Stage 1 is taking place from April 3 to May 17 in a LAN format at the Sangam Colosseum in Seoul. Twelve partnered teams from the region are competing for 3 invitations to Masters London 2026, as well as Pacific Points needed for World Championship qualification. You can follow the tournament, news, and match results at the link.