After defeating GIANTX and securing a spot in the VALORANT Champions 2025 playoffs, Paper Rex player Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza sat down for an interview. He was asked about the pressure of carrying the champion title from Toronto, the team’s massive popularity among fans, and his prediction for the upcoming DRX vs. NRG match.

Handling the Champion’s Pressure

When asked about the pressure of carrying the champion status from Toronto, PatMen made it clear that the team prefers to stay relaxed and focus on the game step by step:

Zero pressure, to be honest, about that winning thing. We're not thinking so much about it. We're just having fun, going round by round and game by game, because if we think too much about winning, it's not going to be a good thing for us.

PatMen in post-match interviewHandling the Champion’s Pressure

Popularity and Fan Connection

After talking about pressure, the conversation shifted to Paper Rex’s massive popularity among fans. The team’s jerseys are visible everywhere, and even fellow pros like FNS support them. PatMen explained the reason for this love:

I think because we play very differently and not playing like so much perfect Valorant and me and my teammates is just like vibing and I think that's what people like really most when the team is kind of funny and cured to some sadness when they want to watch us.

PatMen in post-match interview

Looking Ahead

Finally, PatMen was asked to share his thoughts on the next matchup between DRX and NRG. His answer reflected both loyalty and respect:

I'm going to root for Pacific Pride. I'm sorry but I think it's going to be a tough match because NRG is a really, really good team and yeah, I think I'm just rooting for DRX.

PatMen in post-match interview

VALORANT Champions 2025 is taking place from September 12 to October 5 in France. The event features 16 teams competing for a prize pool of $2,250,000. More details about the results and schedule of upcoming matches can be found via this link.