"I don't have any regrets because we did our best": ONSIDE Cloudy on playing on the VCT Pacific stage

In the Lower Bracket Round 1 of VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Stage 2 playoffs, ONSIDE GAMING's Cinderella run came to an end as they were eliminated at the hands of Paper Rex. After an impressive campaign through the play-ins, ONSIDE GAMING were the only tier-2 side to successfully qualify for the playoff bracket.

Despite being heavy underdogs, the tier-2 squad pushed the giants to their limits on Abyss before ultimately falling on Ascent. Following the match, THESPIKE.GG conducted an exclusive interview with Gu "Cloudy" Min-jae to discuss their tactical preparation, the stark differences between tier-1 and tier-2 play, and his personal emotional growth under the bright lights of the big stage.

Disclaimer: This interview was conducted with Cloudy in his native Korean. Responses are translated and compiled using a combination of the on-site translator and AI to best represent his thoughts.

No Regrets in the Face of Defeat

Facing Paper Rex is always a daunting prospect. Yet, ONSIDE GAMING did not shrink from the challenge. Cloudy entered the server feeling in peak personal condition, a confidence that translated into a fierce battle on Abyss. Although they ultimately fell short, Cloudy's immediate reflections are not filled with self-reproach, but with deep respect for PRX's adaptability.

"Today I was in my best condition, and I am so sure that our teammates could do their best. I think PRX was really good at making fast adjustments today against us, and it's not that we made a lot of mistakes or we did bad, but they just played so well… And I don't have any regrets because we did our best"

This mature outlook highlights a competitor who measures success by effort and execution rather than just the final scoreboard. While the loss remains disappointing, the absence of regret speaks to the team's belief in their preparation.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Stage 2

Paper Rex

2

X

0

ONSIDE GAMING

Lower Bracket Round 1 of 4, Best of 3 - August 28, 2026 - 8:00AM

13

Abyss

11

13

Ascent

5

Paper Rex

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

f0rsakeN

1.44

243

38/25/23

+13

1.52

80.6%

157.7

40%

50%

4

4

d4v41

1.14

217

35/28/10

+7

1.25

70.8%

137.8

30%

58%

7

5

Jinggg

1.13

223

32/34/13

-2

0.94

76.4%

141.9

31%

38%

3

5

something

1.09

226

34/24/7

+10

1.42

70.8%

147.7

28%

73%

8

3

invy

0.78

154

22/27/13

-5

0.81

72.2%

111.0

26%

0%

0

3

ONSIDE GAMING

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Xiesta

1.26

269

38/32/10

+6

1.19

68.8%

160.5

19%

57%

8

6

Ray

1.11

231

33/30/14

+3

1.10

67.4%

160.9

38%

40%

2

3

Cloudy

0.77

176

25/33/7

-8

0.76

70.8%

118.5

33%

60%

3

2

Hermes

0.74

141

20/35/17

-15

0.57

68.8%

91.4

29%

25%

2

6

Wolverine

0.69

156

22/31/7

-9

0.71

60.4%

96.3

37%

45%

5

6

Preparing for Paper Rex's Chaos

Coming into this matchup, everyone was convinced that Paper Rex were going to win it out, and so they did. Preparing for such a relentless matchup requires a unique mental approach. Cloudy explained that the team anticipated a highly volatile series filled with frequent skirmishes. However, maintaining composure when the pressure mounted remained a massive hurdle. While they held their ground on Abyss, Ascent saw them get swept into PRX's overwhelming pace.

"Prepping against PRX, we definitely knew that they would try to do a lot of mini games, and we also expected the situation to become very chaotic. And on Abyss, I think we were doing okay, but on Ascent, I think they were playing the whole game at their own pace, and we were kind of dragged into it."

Personal Growth Under the Spotlight

The journey to the VCT stage is as much a mental battle as it is a physical or tactical one. ONSIDE GAMING’s run through the play-ins pitted them against tier-1 giants like Team Secret, FULL SENSE, and KIWOOM DRX. This rapid escalation in competition served as a profound mirror. Before stepping onto the grand stage, Cloudy believed he had mastered the art of composure. However, the pressure of the big stage tested his psychological limits in ways he did not anticipate.

"For me it was definitely a great experience to be able to be on this big stage. Before I had this opportunity, I thought I was really good at controlling my own mind, but it turned out different. So I really had to think about how to become more solid as a person to be able to fight on this stage, and I think I learned a lot from that."

The Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Debate

Having played against both types of opposition recently, Cloudy now has a clear perspective on what separates the elite from the aspirants. Tier-1 teams excel at clinical decision-making and risk management.

"Tier 1 teams are definitely better at making decisions in telling if they are in a good or bad situation. And if they need to fight, they are trying to be sure that they are fighting to keep the advantage for the team."

Meanwhile, tier-2 is defined by unpredictability and chaos, which can lead to unexpected variables but lacks discipline.

"However, when it comes to tier 2, I think there are a lot more different variables than in tier 1. There are more unexpected peeks and situations in tier 2.”

Focus on the Horizon

As the VCT prepares for major format changes next year, many tier-2 teams and players are already looking to the future. However, the stress of competing against the tier-1 teams has given Cloudy little time to think about anything else. That being said, he is determined to give his all regardless of what format lies ahead.

You can watch the complete interview with Cloudy below:

While ONSIDE GAMING’s impressive run has come to an end, their historic playoff appearance has provided invaluable lessons in mental fortitude and strategic depth. Cloudy's newly forged resilience proves that this tier-2 squad belongs on the grand stage, signaling a promising rise in the region's evolving ecosystem.

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