"I want to test ourselves against the best” - PRX alecks eyes G2 ahead of Masters Toronto

Paper Rex’s run through VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1 was anything but easy. But in the end, their journey came to a close with a hard-fought third-place finish after falling to Rex Regum Qeon in the Lower Bracket Final.

It was a loss that stung but didn’t devastate. With a seat at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025 in hand and a strong foundation reestablished, head coach Alex "alecks" Salle took a moment to reflect on the journey so far. Speaking candidly in a post-match interview, alecks gave us a glimpse on what’s changed behind the scenes and what lies ahead.

"We Are Extremely Exhausted": The Toll of the Lower Bracket

After a brutal Bo5 that saw both teams push each other to their limits, alecks acknowledged that Paper Rex simply had nothing left in the tank.

“I think we expended as much energy as we could. We are actually extremely exhausted. I think RRQ deserve to be in the grand finals… They won more crucial rounds, more important rounds. And they had a player that was on fire.”

It was evident that the lower bracket run, along with their recent dwindling performances, that Paper Rex were tired out. Fatigue quietly crept in, but even then, they managed to give everyone a show.

In terms of the veto process and map selection, alecks spoke looked like he had calculated every possibility, but was ultimately handcuffed by time.

“We pretty much knew… they were either gonna ban Split or Lotus… We have not lost Lotus since we changed to Double Duelist… We really had no time to rest. There’s nothing we could do.”

Despite this, Paper Rex still managed to demolish RRQ on their own map pick of Fracture, just proving that even a small mistake from their opponents is enough for the dinosaurs to strike.

“They chose Fracture… They should not have because those were the maps we prepared for DRX. That means we didn't have to do much prep on it.”

The Tejo Dilemma: Balancing the Meta

The interview then shifted toward broader topics, including Riot’s impending nerf to agent Tejo. The current meta had stirred debates across the pro scene, with many considering Tejo a must-pick. But according to alecks, the nerf may have gone too far.

“I think they over-nerfed him… I feel like it's in [Riot’s] design philosophy to have an initiator with regenerating utility… They should have given him a regenerating missile like the old Skye… It gives you a lot more space.”

He even offered a subtle critique of the current meta’s passive tendencies, about how some rounds boil down to pressing a button from safety, rather than earning map control through risk and timing.

Wrapping up that topic, alecks shares his thoughts on the downside of their philosophy in a constantly shifting meta. While Paper Rex’s experimental nature allowed them to stray from the meta, it also exposed them to a strategic disadvantage.

With other teams were forced to innovate and conceal new ideas, PRX's strats became predictable. Their previous comps become tools for opponents, limiting the element of surprise. It’s a unique dilemma - being too prepared, too early.

“We’re probably a team that needs to change the least… but in the end the fact that everyone has to change except us is a bit of a disadvantage… we have to use things that we’ve shown already.”

From Slump to Surge: Turning the Tide

The conversation turned to PRX’s recent form. After a rocky start, the team showed clear signs of resurgence in Stage 1. alecks acknowledged the slump, and what helped them get back on track.

“We took a map off every single team we played that we lost… After Boom Esports, we hired a performance coach… Internally, I think we just needed to get a win under our belt.”

The addition of a performance coach marked a turning point for PRX, with mental support becoming a key factor in their renewed confidence. Behind the scenes, alecks also sought advice from former Fnatic coach Jacob "mini" Harris, whose guidance during their rebuild offered a rare look at the quiet alliances that exist within the VALORANT competitive scene.

The PatMen Effect: A New Era of Paper Rex

Even though historically Paper Rex has been a roster that makes very few changes, alecks challenges the sentimentality of long-standing rosters. He is an advocate for change over comfort.

In VALORANT’s constantly shifting meta, he sees adaptability as essential, warning that too much stability can lead to stagnation rather than success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“It’s my personal belief that I think you need to change the roster more often. It’s very easy to stagnate in this game… sometimes you just cannot keep it up because you’re hanging on to past glory.”

Of course, no resurgence story is complete without a new face. Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza, PRX’s newest addition, has seamlessly slotted into the roster. And alecks detailed exactly why the choice felt right.

“I wanted to find someone with a sports background… He fit the bill. He was self-sacrificial… has great game sense… and his first FPS is VALORANT.”

The decision to bring in a player without a legacy FPS background is telling. alecks believes in the rise of the "purebred" VALORANT player, those unshaped by the habits of past titles, who can fully embrace the game’s unique style and mechanics.

In PatMen, PRX found someone with both the mechanical skill and the psychological wiring to serve as a cultural fit. His varsity basketball experience brought leadership, composure, and team-first instincts, qualities that transcend games.

A Return to the International Stage

With a Masters berth secured, the pressure of qualification has lifted, but the fire to compete remains alive.

“We’re very, very happy to be flying to another event… Ideally, I’d like to play someone new… If not, I hope we play against G2.”

alecks is constantly on the lookout to test his team against unfamiliar opponents. But failing that, he wants a go at the hottest team in the world. G2 has been on a tear, and PRX wouldn’t mind being the ones to stop that streak. For a team that thrives on challenge and chaos, the international stage is the perfect is the proving ground.

A Team That Refuses to Fade

Paper Rex’s third-place finish may not have brought a trophy, but it reignited something within the team. Through smart changes, emotional reset, and bold experimentation, they’ve rebuilt a foundation with global potential.

At the heart of it is alecks, the steady force guiding Paper Rex. As they prepare for Masters Toronto, one thing is clear: no slump, no meta shift, and no setback can hold this team back for long.

Watch the full interview with alecks below:

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