DRX MaKo reflects on triumph over Paper Rex: "Fate's on our side today"

In a dramatic lower bracket semifinal at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions, DRX stunned audiences by dispatching Paper Rex in a match many had predicted to go the other way. Entering as underdogs, DRX delivered an incredible performance, securing the series in a convincing 2-0.

After the game, we had a chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan, DRX’s in-game leader. He opened the interview with humility and pride in the team’s ability to overcome predictions.

“I think today was definitely going to be a 2-0 game and it was anyone’s game. When we first took that map, I was like ‘Hey, the fate’s on our side today.’”

The Map Veto

The series began with PRX’s ban of Abyss, one of DRX’s best maps, while DRX themselves opted to ban Sunset, which was one of Paper Rex’s best. The Abyss ban could have easily rattled lesser teams, but not this iteration of DRX. The real story here was the level of calculation in DRX’s approach.

“We’re aware that other teams also know our Abyss is really good, so we thought, let’s divide and conquer. Let’s cover all the other maps we want to be more confident on, and we’re fully prepped for all maps in the veto.”

Instead of letting PRX control how the match would go, DRX took charge, showing they could handle any situation and adjust their strategies when needed. Their careful planning showed that they were ready for anything, and their own hard work and practice, not just luck, would decide the outcome.

Comparing Champions Runs

The lower bracket win marked DRX’s return to VALORANT Champions’ top three for the first time since 2022, an achievement that stirs nostalgia for MaKo. Back in 2022, he was the rookie, feeling miles apart from his veteran teammates – a sense of distance he described as “an invisible wall.”

Fast forward to today, and MaKo stands as the team’s leader, determined to break down those barriers for the next generation.

“Because I’ve been through that, I know what it feels like to be a rookie… I don’t want my teammates to feel like they have to blindly follow my lead. I want them to chime in and say their share so we can fight this journey as a team.”

This change goes beyond just tactics. MaKo’s growth as a leader has helped create a team where everyone feels they have a voice. His path from being the quiet rookie to an open, supportive captain reflects how DRX has become a closer, more communicative group, giving them more confidence to face anything on the international stage.

NRG in the Grand Finals

Facing NRG in the grand finals, DRX is up against a tough and experienced opponent. MaKo gave credit to NRG’s IGL and former Champions winner Ethan "Ethan" Arnold and acknowledged their strong track record, but flipped the pressure narrative.

“They actually have more to lose than us. We’re the underdogs, we’ve continued this journey with nothing to lose, so the pressure is a little bit off for our side. If we continue what we’ve been doing, then all will be well.”

This underdog mindset is what keeps DRX going strong, driving them to keep fighting and prove people wrong time after time.

Rematch with Fnatic

Before DRX can reach the grand finals, they have one tough obstacle in Fnatic – a team they've faced repeatedly over the years and earlier in this tournament. For MaKo, this rematch is about making up for lost chances and correcting past mistakes.

“That last match against them, we could have won, we totally should have won, but we let our guard down and let them take that win.”

His belief in a comeback is clear: this time, DRX aims to flip the script and claim victory.

Closing Thoughts

To end the interview, we asked MaKo to distill his journey as an IGL from 2024 to 2025 into one word. “Reset,” he replied, encapsulating both the mental transformation and the conscious shift in leadership style that DRX has embraced.

MaKo’s insights reveal a team ready to challenge the world’s best through preparation, unity, and an underdog spirit. As DRX prepares to face Fnatic once again, their journey at VALORANT Champions Paris 2025 is characterized by tactical mastery and the emotional maturity of their leader.

Whether this reset leads to the ultimate victory remains to be seen, but DRX has already proven their capacity to defy the odds, one calculated step at a time.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games