“You have to beat everyone” - Warbirds eyes global contenders at Masters Toronto
Rex Regum Qeon’s lower bracket victory over Paper Rex may not have been the cleanest affair, but it was a result that showcased the team's mental strength, growth, and tactical resilience under pressure.
In a candid post-match interview with assistant coach Evan “Warbirds” Moormann, we got insight into the team's internal processes, coaching dynamics, and preparation as they brace for a rematch against Gen.G Esports in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 1 Grand Final.
Sloppy Maps, Stronger Minds
The opening sentiment from Warbirds was refreshingly honest. Despite the win, RRQ was far from perfect.
It’s rare for a coach to admit his team got “dumpstered” to start off any interview, but this acknowledgment sets the tone for how RRQ sees themselves - not as flawless favorites, but as fighters. The difference, as Warbirds pointed out, was mental fortitude.
Unlike their last bout with Gen.G, RRQ didn’t let early struggles snowball. The coaching staff’s ability to keep the squad mentally grounded was key, especially as the match progressed and the team began to find their rhythm.
“We really just had two maps that we just couldn't shoot... but the other maps I thought we played fine.”
This Jekyll-and-Hyde performance underscores a recurring issue in RRQ’s campaign - inconsistency. But even amid the chaos, their macro play slowly sharpened. It’s the kind of grind-it-out grit that championship teams are built on.
Preparing for Gen.G Once Again
The upcoming clash against Gen.G is more than a rematch, it’s a shot at redemption. With a full five maps potentially on the table, the coaching staff is leaving no stone unturned.
Warbirds highlighted just how much of RRQ’s prep is internal, about their own growth rather than obsessing over opponents. That’s not to say they’re ignoring Gen.G’s developments, but rather that they’re prioritizing versatility and depth in their own playbook.
"We'll look at our veto versus Gen.G previously, we'll look at what maps we struggled on and did well on today, and adjust the veto accordingly if we need to."
Building the Machine: The Role of Coaching
Since joining in October 2024, Warbirds has been a stabilizing figure for RRQ during a transformative period. But, rightly so, he refuses to take full credit. His role aligns with a broader philosophy of collective effort. It’s about lightening the load and amplifying others
“I would love to say that it's all because of me... but I’m just a cog in the machine. It's just about doing what I can best provide for the team, what I can take off of Ewok's shoulders in terms of responsibility.”
Crazyguy's Arrival
Replacing your in-game leader mid-season is one of the hardest transitions any team can face. It's not just about in-game calls, it’s about shaping the team's entire strategic identity. The synergy between coach and IGL forms the backbone of any competitive system, and breaking that link forces a team to rebuild its foundation.
Yet RRQ made the swap from Park "Estrella" Gun to Ngô "Crazyguy" Công Anh with a long-term view in mind. The addition of Crazyguy has added veteran stability to a young core, with Warbirds noting his experience across CS, League, and now Valorant. The transition wasn’t seamless, but the trajectory has been upward.
“He talks a lot, which helps because we are a younger, more inexperienced team. I think as time goes it's gotten better and better.”
Facing the World Stage
For many of RRQ’s players, the upcoming VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025 will be their first true test. Warbirds' plan is to keep it real, and keep it fun.
There’s no overhyping or pressure-filled narrative. Instead, He encourages his team to embrace the moment, soak it in, learn from it, and grow. As for who RRQ wants or doesn’t want to face at Masters?
“There’s no team you really want to avoid... if you want to win the entire tournament, you have to play everyone.”
RRQ doesn’t fear the giants. Instead, Warbirds welcomes them. Eager to face familiar names from G2 and Sentinels, his mindset goes beyond familiarity and nostalgia. It’s a competitive edge rooted in growth: to be the best, you must play the best.
“I have friends on G2, Sentinels... it helps that they’re good… You want to play versus good teams and you want to have a good showing versus good teams.”
More Than a Moment
RRQ’s win over Paper Rex may not have been their sharpest showing, but it was proof of concept. The coaching staff’s blend of mental preparation, flexible strategy, and humility is laying the groundwork for sustainable success.
As they head into a Bo5 rematch with Gen.G, RRQ isn’t chasing perfection, they’re building a process. And that process may be what ultimately carries them from underdogs to contenders on the international stage.
Check out the full interview with Warbirds below:
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Featured Image Source: Riot Games
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