Paper Rex move Mindfreak to reserve roster ahead of VCT Pacific Stage 2

Paper Rex have announced that Aaron "mindfreak" Leonhart, one of their longest-tenured and most respected players, has been moved from the active roster to a reserve role. The announcement came just one day before the start of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 2, signaling a significant shift in the team’s competitive trajectory.

While mindfreak remains under contract, he has been allowed to explore other opportunities as a restricted free agent, effectively opening the door to a possible departure after nearly six years with the organization.

The organization wrote in their statement on X:

“Mindfreak has expressed his desire to continue competing at the highest levels… Paper Rex has allowed him to explore offers and opportunities as a restricted free-agent.”

This marks the first time since the team’s transition from CS:GO to VALORANT in 2021 that mindfreak will not be an active starter for Paper Rex, ending a long-standing run that saw him play a central role in the team's rise to global prominence.

A Storied Legacy with PRX

Mindfreak joined Paper Rex in February 2020 as a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player and became one of the founding members of their VALORANT division a year later. His tenure with the organization spans 11 international events, including three VALORANT Champions appearances and eight Masters events (including Masters Toronto and LOCK//IN), culminating in the historic title win at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025.

Alongside Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto, Khalish "d4v41" Rusyaidee, and coach Alex "alecks" Salle, mindfreak helped define what Paper Rex would become - one of the most daring, entertaining, and successful teams in VALORANT’s early years. Their aggressive, high-tempo style disrupted the meta and inspired a wave of teams across the Pacific region.

The Shift to a Supporting Role

Following a disappointing 7th-8th place finish at the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Kickoff, Paper Rex began reevaluating its lineup. The addition of Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza, a rising talent from the Philippines, created a surplus in the roster, which ultimately pushed mindfreak into a non-playing, coaching-adjacent role during VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1.

According to CGO Harley “dsn” Örvall, mindfreak remained an integral part of the team even from the sidelines.

“Aaron is a fierce competitor and an incredibly cerebral player with a wealth of experience in his roles… most recently working closely with his teammates in his coaching role to take us across the finish line at VALORANT Masters Toronto.”

Behind the scenes, mindfreak helped guide the team’s preparation and strategy, a contribution that head coach alecks publicly credited as a crucial factor in the team's international triumph in Toronto. Even without stepping onto the server, he was a core part of PRX’s championship journey.

Mindfreak’s Statement: A Farewell with Grace

In response to the roster change, mindfreak took to his personal X account to share a heartfelt message with fans.

“Paper Rex have been treating me very, very well and really professional as an org since the first day I joined this team… Many ups and downs we went together as a team and I enjoyed every second playing and working with these people.”

He revealed that his mental state had taken a hit earlier in the year and that his current break is about regaining that competitive edge.

“I'm taking my time here at home to prepare mentally and physically to compete again,” he stated, adding that he’ll be ready to return after Stage 2. Although open to new offers, his bond with PRX remains strong.

“The future of Paper Rex is in great hands, they’re still my boys… I would not be worried and still supporting them till the end.”

Mindfreak also plans to stream more frequently and focus on personal growth during his downtime.

Mindfreak remains a reserve option and could be called up should an emergency arise during Stage 2 or the postseason. For now, though, Paper Rex are moving forward with a retooled starting five focused on reclaiming regional dominance and building momentum toward Champions 2025.

A New Chapter Ahead

If mindfreak signs with a new team, it would mark the first major shift in his VALORANT career and a heartfelt departure from the core that built Paper Rex’s legacy. His exit signals the end of an era that helped elevate Southeast Asian VALORANT to the global stage. From clutch plays to crucial leadership, mindfreak has been central to PRX’s rise.

Now, he begins a new chapter fueled by hunger, growth, and purpose. While he moves forward, the legacy he forged with PRX will continue to influence the team and the Pacific region for years to come.

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Featured Image Source: Stefan Wisnoski/Riot Games