Paper Rex Crowned Valorant Masters Toronto 2025 Champions: A Historic First for Southeast Asia

This isn’t just a tournament win. It’s the culmination of years of grind, heartbreak, and relentless belief by a core group of players who refused to give up on their dream.

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AoD

6/23/20252 min read

Toronto, Canada — In a moment cherished across Southeast Asia, Paper Rex claimed their first international trophy at Valorant Masters Toronto 2025, overcoming European contender Fnatic 3–1. This marks the first time a SEA team has lifted a Valorant Masters title, a victory years in the making by a roster defined by unity and resilience.

Southeast Asia’s Moment Arrives

Since Valorant’s inception, Southeast Asia has been seen as a region of raw talent but inconsistent performances. Paper Rex’s triumph changes that perception.

Head coach alecks reflected on the long-awaited breakthrough, saying, “Job's not done, we really need to win a trophy eventually, hopefully this is the one”. His words underscore the determination and patience that guided the roster through close defeats—including runner-up finishes at Masters Copenhagen 2022 and Champions 2023.

The Core That Never Let Go

ESports often sees teams rebuilding after setbacks, but Paper Rex made a different choice: they stayed together—and it paid off.

  • f0rsakeN, d4v41, and mindfreak have anchored the lineup since early 2021.

  • Jinggg returned this year after mandatory military service, rejoining a team brimming with chemistry.

  • something, who joined in 2023, has quickly become a pillar—his mechanical precision and impact duels seamlessly integrated into the team’s identity.

  • Coach alecks maintained their course, backing the players through every hurdle.

Together, this core weathered crushing defeats — 2nd place at Masters Copenhagen 2022, 2nd at Champions 2023, and multiple heartbreaks in between

PatMen: The New Spark

What tipped the scales in Toronto may well have been the arrival of Patiphan “PatMen” Mendoza — the newest addition to the PRX lineup, and a rising star from the Philippines.

Joining earlier this year, PatMen’s aggressive playstyle and mental resilience added new depth to an already stacked roster. He impressed throughout the tournament with crisp aim, high-impact opening kills, and excellent synergy with the team’s tempo.

In a post-match interview, PatMen credited his teammates for building his confidence:

Alecks and all of the boys told me it’s really important to be confident,” he said. “That helped me a lot going into these matches.”

In just his first Masters event, PatMen showed he belonged on the international stage.

The Grand Final — Map by Map

  1. Sunset (13–11 PRX) – Strong entries by f0rsakeN and PatMen set an early tone.

  2. Icebox (17–15 FNC) – Fnatic forced overtime and leveled the series.

  3. Pearl (13–10 PRX) – Strategic mid-round control restored PRX’s lead.

  4. Lotus (14–12 PRX) – A tense overtime finish saw PRX finally claim the title.

f0rsakeN was named MVP, but PatMen’s aggressive utilities and early kills, combined with something’s mechanical prowess, proved vital.

Beyond the Trophy

The victory earned Paper Rex US $350,000 and 7 VCT points, solidifying their position ahead of Valorant Champions 2025 in Paris.

But the win goes beyond rankings or prize pools. It’s validation for SEA players and fans who have waited years for this moment. It's proof that a team built on chemistry, long-term development, and smart roster additions can reach the very top — even in an era dominated by superteams and constant rebuilds.

What Comes Next?

With their long-awaited Masters title secured, Paper Rex now turn toward Champions with renewed momentum — and the belief that they can do it again.

They’ve inspired a region, made good on years of potential, and most of all, shown that you don’t need to change everything to win — you just need to believe in what you’re building.

PS. Congrats alecks its good to see you become Best in the world since your participation in our inaugural Testament Cup 10 years ago cheers!!

images from twitch.tv/valorant & x.com/ValorantEsports & x.com/valorant