On April 14, DetonatioN FocusMe and Paper Rex, two teams with the worst records in Group Alpha at VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1, will face off in a crucial match that could boost their playoff chances with a win.
Current Form
DetonatioN FocusMe
DetonatioN FocusMe started the season surprisingly well compared to last year. Their 5th-6th place finish at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff was a pleasant surprise, especially since they managed to defeat Paper Rex. However, their results have since declined significantly.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 05, 11:00 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 0 - 2 | Gen.G Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Mar 30, 14:00 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 0 - 2 | DRX | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Mar 22, 10:10 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 0 - 2 | Global Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Feb 02, 13:00 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 0 - 2 | Gen.G Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
| Feb 01, 14:15 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 2 - 0 | Paper Rex | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
| Jan 27, 13:10 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 2 - 0 | Global Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
| Jan 19, 13:10 | DetonatioN FocusMe | 1 - 2 | Rex Regum Qeon | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
In their last five matches, DFM secured only one win — again, against Paper Rex. All other matches ended in losses to Global Esports, DRX, and Gen.G twice. It’s worth noting that DFM rebuilt almost their entire roster before the season, and while they are gradually improving, three consecutive losses in VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 indicate instability.
Paper Rex
Paper Rex are also going through one of the toughest periods in their history. Their 5th-6th place finish at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff was their worst regional result in the past three years.
| Date & Time | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 06, 11:00 | Paper Rex | 1 - 2 | BOOM Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Mar 30, 11:10 | Paper Rex | 1 - 2 | Gen.G Esports | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Mar 23, 10:00 | Paper Rex | 1 - 2 | DRX | VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 |
| Feb 01, 14:15 | Paper Rex | 0 - 2 | DetonatioN FocusMe | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
| Jan 26, 13:15 | Paper Rex | 2 - 0 | ZETA DIVISION | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
| Jan 20, 13:15 | Paper Rex | 1 - 2 | T1 | VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff |
In their last five matches, PRX have only managed to defeat ZETA Division. In VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1, they currently hold a 0:3 record. Additionally, the team made a temporary roster change — mindfreak took a short break, and newcomer PatMen stepped in, which has impacted their stability.
Map Pool
Expected bans and picks scenario:
- DetonatioN FocusMe ban Icebox
- Paper Rex ban Ascent
Map Picks:
- DetonatioN FocusMe likely pick Split
- Paper Rex likely pick Fracture
Second Ban Phase:
- DetonatioN FocusMe ban Lotus
- Paper Rex ban Pearl
Decider:
- Haven
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between DetonatioN FocusMe and Paper Rex took place three months ago. Back then, DFM pulled off a surprising 2:0 victory — their second win of the season.
Match Prediction
Despite DetonatioN FocusMe's unexpected victory in their previous encounter, Paper Rex remain the favorites in this matchup. The team has significantly more experience, and the return of mindfreak to practice, along with PatMen’s adaptation, should positively affect their performance.
DFM look decent on their Split pick, but beyond that, PRX have many more tools for domination, especially on Fracture. Haven, as the decider, also favors Paper Rex due to their individual skill and player experience.
The match is expected to be competitive, but this time Paper Rex are unlikely to repeat the mistakes of their previous game.
Prediction: Paper Rex to win 2:1
VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 runs from March 22 to May 21 in LAN format at the Sangam Colosseum in Seoul. Twelve partnered teams from the VCT Pacific region are competing for three slots at Masters Toronto and valuable Pacific Points needed for qualification to VALORANT Champions.
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