"All of us were just playing well together" - DRX sweep T1 to start VCT Pacific Playoffs strong

It wouldn’t be a proper start to the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1 playoffs without a Korean Derby - and once again, DRX reminded everyone why they're still the team to beat. In a clean 2-0 sweep over T1, they not only claimed early bragging rights but also punched their ticket to the Upper Bracket Semifinal against an increasingly dangerous Rex Regum Qeon.

Some rivalries are built on close contests. This one? Not today. DRX made it clear: they still own this house.

After the match, we had the chance to catch up with DRX’s veteran controller player Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan to get his thoughts on the team’s performance.

A New Look, Same Old DRX

Although it was a close game between both teams, with both maps going into overtime, DRX managed to stay composed and in control. They showcased a new composition on T1’s pick of Lotus - something that caught the attention of viewers and casters alike.

Despite the shift, DRX never looked uncomfortable, dictating the pace of the game on both attack and defense. T1 managed to to keep up with the relentless pressure from DRX, but in the end, it wasn't enough.

“We tried countless comps on Lotus, and every comp has its pros and cons... We tried to cater to what our strengths are, and what our weaknesses are.”

After securing a win on Lotus, DRX proceeded to do the same on their pick of Fracture. Pushing yet another map into overtime, DRX secured the victory, and cemented themselves as the best team in Korea (for the moment).

“I'm just happy that we won against T1 yet again, and to be honest, I think all of us were just playing well together, so it was an overall good victory for us.”

The 2-0 victory was a statement, not just to T1, but to the rest of the teams in the playoffs: DRX are here to fight for their spot at Masters.

Estrella Steps Up as the New IGL

There’s another layer to DRX’s evolution that's worth talking about: the leadership shift. During the match, casters pointed out that Park "Estrella" Gun had taken over as primary IGL — and MaKo confirmed it after the game.

On paper, handing the keys to a newer player right before playoffs might sound risky. But DRX made it look seamless. MaKo also added that, realistically, every player contributes to the shotcalling to some extent. It’s not a one-man show, it’s five players thinking and communicating as one.

"It is Estrella on the main caller and me as a sub-caller. But again, if you want to win the game, all five of us have to communicate."

It's a simple truth that many teams aspire to but few actually achieve.

Flashback's Departure: A Topic Off-Limits

Of course, no conversation about DRX leading into playoffs could ignore the departure of Flashback, who was sent back to the academy team a few weeks ago. When asked about it, MaKo politely declined to go into detail, suggesting it was something only Flashback himself should address.

It’s a respectful stance and one that speaks to the professionalism inside the DRX camp, even during periods of internal change.

A Dangerous RRQ Awaits

The reward for today's win? A showdown with RRQ, arguably the biggest risers of VCT Pacific Stage 1. RRQ topped their group for a reason, and if DRX want to keep their upper bracket dreams alive, they'll need to bring the same level of focus against them.

"We don't want to underestimate them. As soon as we get back, we have to prepare. We can't rest."

It’s the kind of professional mindset you'd expect from DRX. But it also underscores that RRQ is not to be taken lightly. If DRX needed a wake-up call to stay sharp, RRQ’s group-stage run should serve as a loud one.

MaKo’s Predictions for Masters Toronto

With Stage 1 playoffs being the gateway to Masters Toronto, we asked MaKo for his thoughts on who else might qualify.

He pointed to Boom Esports and RRQ as teams he could see making the leap. But beyond that? It’s anyone’s game.

"Honestly, anyone in the playoffs are a good fit. They're all good, they're all talented."

And it’s a fair assessment. VCT Pacific Playoffs feels wide open this year, and even thoughteams like DRX and T1 are considered favorites, they’re not invincible.

Final Thoughts: DRX Are Still Evolving

If today’s match proved anything, it’s that DRX aren’t stuck in the past. They’re evolving. They’re trusting new voices like Estrella. They're adapting their comps without losing their identity. And when the stakes are high, they still know how to show up when it matters.

A 2-0 sweep against T1 might not have been expected on paper. But the way DRX earned it should have every team left in the bracket watching their backs.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Riot Games