On March 23, the champions of VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff, DRX, return to action to defend their title as the strongest team in the Pacific region at VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1, facing Paper Rex in their opening match. In this article, we will try to predict the winner of this intense matchup based on the teams' form and achievements.

Current Form of the Teams

DRX

DRX started the season with a confident victory at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff, going undefeated throughout the tournament. As a result, the team qualified for Masters Bangkok 2025, where they showed a weaker performance and were eliminated in the 5th-6th place stage by T1, a team they had previously defeated twice in the regional event. Out of their last five matches, DRX has won three, demonstrating stable form.

Before the 2025 season, the team had a successful transfer window, signing three newcomers: freeing, HYUNMIN, and BeYN. These changes significantly improved their results, elevating DRX from a mid-tier team in the Pacific region to a high-level contender. Moreover, they secured their first trophy in two years—VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff.

Paper Rex

Paper Rex started the season with an appearance at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff, finishing 5th-6th place—their worst result in regional tournaments over the last three years. The team has played only three official matches in 2025, winning just one—against ZETA Division—while losing the other two.

For the past two years, the team did not make any roster changes, but their poor performance at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff forced management to sign PatMen. He is currently playing as a sixth player, as the team has yet to decide who will be replaced.

Map Pool of the Teams

Expected Map Picks

Bans:

• DRX bans Pearl.
• Paper Rex bans Haven.

Picks:

• DRX picks Lotus.
• Paper Rex picks Fracture.

Second Ban Phase:

• DRX bans Split.
• Paper Rex bans Icebox.

Decider:

• Ascent.

Head-to-Head Record

These teams have not played against each other with their current rosters. However, three months ago, with a lineup close to the current one, Paper Rex defeated DRX 2-1. The overall head-to-head record between these teams is 7-3 in favor of Paper Rex.

Match Prediction

DRX looks significantly stronger this season, delivering an impressive performance at VCT 2025: Pacific Kickoff. They have found their rhythm and strengthened their roster, which has helped them reach a new level.

Paper Rex, on the other hand, is experiencing a rough patch—they haven't changed their roster in two years, but now they are forced to test a new player, which could impact their synergy.

Considering the recent match results and current form, DRX has a higher chance of winning. However, Paper Rex is an experienced team, and if they prepare well, they could pose a serious challenge.

Prediction: DRX wins 2-1.

VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 will take place from March 22 to May 21 in a LAN format at Sangam Colosseum in Seoul. The twelve partnered teams of VCT Pacific will compete for three spots at Masters Toronto, as well as valuable Pacific Points, which are crucial for qualifying for the upcoming World Championship.