TOKYO, Japan — The grand finals of the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific is happening this weekend in Tokyo, Japan with a regional first — the highest three groups are from Southeast Asia: Thailand’s Talon, Indonesia’s Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) and Singapore’s Paper Rex.
Because the inception of VCT Pacific in 2023, the area has been largely identified for its powerhouse South Korean groups from DRX, T1 and Gen.G however for the 2025 Stage 2 playoffs, the power has shifted to what many individuals thought of the underdogs: Southeast Asia.
“I like seeing [Southeast Asia on top]. We needed to construct a league with variety and a league the place the very best groups are enjoying in opposition to the very best and pushing one another to be higher than they have been yesterday. If we have now one group that is dominating or one area that is dominating, that sort of competitors just isn’t actually taking place,” stated Jake Sin, head of Valorant Esports for Asia Pacific.
Citing RRQ as a major instance, Southeast Asia has been an underdog within the Pacific and all over the world for Valorant, and the highlight is now on the area.
“RRQ was on the [lower half] of VCT Pacific in 2024, and now they’ve develop into champions of our league. And seeing that degree of competitors all the time by no means settle, by no means get snug, you by no means know who’s going to come back after you and take your spot the subsequent day, that degree of competitors is nice to see. And I simply love having SEA illustration on the prime as nicely,” stated Sin.
And Southeast Asia has been making waves since, profitable two main tournaments previously months.
“SEA has been an underdog for such a very long time. I feel the followers deserve a consultant that may win, you recognize? And so they’re lastly getting that with RRQ profitable the final stage and Paper Rex profitable Masters Toronto. The followers are getting rewarded for all of their loyalty and I simply love seeing that,” shared Sin.
The grand finals of VCT Pacific Stage 2 will see Paper Rex in opposition to defending champions RRQ Sunday, August 31, 2 p.m. (Manila time).
