"I work much harder than I did at PRX" - Monyet talks growth, pressure, and RRQ’s rise

Rex Regum Qeon’s run at VCT Pacific Stage 1 has been nothing short of historic for Indonesian VALORANT. Though their Upper Bracket Final loss to Gen.G was a tough blow, the team has already secured qualification to Masters Toronto, their first international LAN together.

After the match, we spoke with RRQ’s star player Cahya "Monyet" Nugraha to reflect on the loss, the current meta, and the road ahead.

Outplayed in the Upper Bracket Final

RRQ struggled to get into their rhythm against Gen.G for a spot at the Grand Finals. For Monyet, it was a matter of being forced into someone else’s game plan.

“We just played bad today and Gen.G played really well. They made us play their own game, basically. So that’s why it was kind of hard to win.”

Despite the disappointment, RRQ's qualification for Masters is a silver lining - and a sign that the team is still on an upward trajectory.

The Rise and Fall of Tejo

The recent meta has revolved heavily around Tejo, the new initiator whose utility enables aggressive, coordinated attacks. We highlighted how crushing his pickrate was over the course of VCT Americas Split 1. RRQ, like many teams, leaned into his strength, but upcoming nerfs are set to change the game.

“I think it’s nice to have a new meta. The 2023 meta shifted because of the Skye nerf. Then in 2024, people used Fade and Sova a lot. Now Tejo came in… I think it’s pretty good, like a new thing to do.”

While the impending nerf to Tejo threatens to shake up team compositions across the board, RRQ is in no rush to overhaul their approach just yet. Monyet acknowledged the agent's central role in their current strategies and hinted that any changes would come only after the dust settles from Stage 1. The team is choosing to stay focused on the immediate competition before committing to a post-nerf direction.

“We don’t really know yet. We use Tejo quite a lot. So we just need to wait until Stage 1 is done, then we’ll think about it for prep for Masters Toronto.”

Growing With the Team

RRQ’s qualification for Masters marks a major moment not just for the organization, but for the region. For Monyet, who has international experience with Paper Rex, the difference in team dynamics has been a defining factor in his evolution.

“It feels pretty nice because I feel like when I played with RRQ, we grew up together as a team. Trying to be top four in Pacific - it’s actually crazy, you know, the hard work that we’ve been through.”

Reflecting on his time with Paper Rex compared to his current stint with RRQ, Monyet revealed a personal transformation shaped by the demands of his new environment.

At PRX, his experience was defined by a more relaxed atmosphere - one where he could enjoy the game with fewer pressures. But at RRQ, that sense of ease has been replaced by a deeper commitment and work ethic, driven by the shared ambition of a growing roster.

But more importantly, his comparison isn’t a critique of his former teammates. Instead, it reflects how different team cultures can shape a player’s mindset. The shift, he clarified, isn’t rooted in conflict but in the contrasting philosophies that define each organization.

“PRX was more chill compared to RRQ. It’s not bad blood. Just the environment is different. That’s it.”

No Fear of Old Rivals

At the time of the interview, the lower bracket clash between DRX and Paper Rex was still underway, with us wondering if Monyet would prefer a rematch against his former team. Calm and measured, he didn’t show any signs of leaning one way or the other, instead offering a neutral and respectful take on both sides.

“Both teams are good... I just want to play anyone who wins. I support both teams.”

Since then, Paper Rex has emerged victorious, setting up a showdown with RRQ in the lower bracket final. But for Monyet, the opponent hardly matters. His mindset, shaped by experience and confidence, remains unchanged heading into both the Pacific decider and Masters Toronto.

Steering Clear of the VCT Pacific Drama

The VCT Pacific Stage 1 Playoffs have not only been filled with intense matches but also marred by controversy, particularly the online drama involving DRX coach termi, TALON coach Frost, and accusations tied to scrim sharing in the region. We wrote a piece on Gen.G's t3xture and his take on the matter so make sure to check it out.

When asked about the situation, Monyet made it clear that he preferred to stay focused on the game rather than get involved in off-server conflicts.

“I don't really know what the issue is, but I assume it's like the scrim leaks… We've been trying to avoid, like, scrimming Korean teams if we’re playing them next week. Same with Japanese teams. I think it's pretty normal - it's just being cautious, you know?”

Monyet also acknowledged that other teams, including DRX, likely follow the same principles when arranging scrims. In his view, the accusations flying around were not unexpected, but also not worth dwelling on.

“I think Termi also said they’re cautious picking scrims. I think it goes for everyone as well. I don't really care about the drama honestly… I’m not surprised if there is drama, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

Looking Ahead to Toronto

With a ticket to Masters in hand, RRQ now has the chance to compete against the world’s best. While others may have specific matchups in mind or opponents they fear, Monyet is more focused on preparing himself and his team to perform, regardless of the bracket draw.

“I think it’s nice to play against good teams like G2, for example… I want to play against anyone. I don’t really care.”

This unwavering mindset, forged in a more demanding environment, may be the foundation RRQ needs to succeed on the international stage.

Indonesia’s Moment Arrives

RRQ’s qualification to Masters Toronto is a milestone not just for the players, but for the entire Indonesian VALORANT community. While their loss to Gen.G was a setback, their story is far from over. With a battle-tested roster, a hard-working mentality, and a star like Monyet leading the charge, RRQ is poised to make an impression on the global stage, and perhaps, rewrite the script altogether.

Watch the full interview below:

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Featured Image Source: Riot Games