RRQ rise above the rest to claim first-ever VCT Pacific Stage 1 championship

RRQ defeated Gen.G, 3-1, in the VCT Pacific Stage 1 grand final on May 11, 2025, securing their first-ever VCT Pacific Stage title.

With this victory, RRQ has solidified its status as a rising powerhouse in the Pacific Valorant scene. Together with Gen.G, they will represent the region at Masters Toronto in June.

RRQ’s stellar run during VCT Pacific Stage 1 playoffs

After gaining momentum by defeating Paper Rex in the lower bracket final, RRQ carried their hot streak into the championship match and secured their first major title in the region after a thrilling victory over tournament favorite, Gen.G.

Although they dropped the opening set on Haven with a score of 8-13—where Gen.G’s Kim “Karon” Wontae made a strong impact with Omen—they quickly adjusted and dominated the remainder of the series, winning three consecutive maps to seize the crown at the Sangam SOOP Colosseum in Seoul.

In the second set on Ascent, RRQ came out of the gate blazing, winning the first nine rounds and setting the tone of the series. Despite Gen.G staging a late-game rally to bring the score to 10-11, they held firm and secured a 13-11 victory, tying the series 1-1.

Momentum stayed firmly with RRQ in the third set on Lotus. After trailing 5-7 at halftime, they surged back by winning five straight rounds.

Critical plays included two 4-kill rounds from Maxime “Jemkin” Batorov on Yoru and another 4K from David “xffero” Monangin on Viper. RRQ closed out the map 13-9, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

In the fourth and final set, RRQ went blow-for-blow with Gen.G, ending the first half tied 6-6. Although they fell behind early in the second half after losing the pistol round, RRQ’s resilience shone through.

They flipped the script with a clutch late-game surge, claiming rounds 12 through 14 to win 13-11—and with it, the championship.

This marks a historic milestone for the organization, as it was their first time reaching the final since joining VCT Pacific. They overcame one of the region’s strongest teams, Gen.G, proving themselves not just as a dark horse but as a new powerhouse in the scene.

With their VCT Pacific Stage 1 title secured, RRQ now sets its sights on Valorant Masters Toronto, kicking off on June 7. As the top team from the Pacific region, they begin their campaign from the Swiss Stage, where they’ll face international competition.

Looking ahead: VCT Pacific Stage 2 Groups announced — and RRQ lands in ‘Group of Death’

Following the conclusion of the finals, the draw for VCT Pacific Stage 2 was held. RRQ was placed in the Alpha Group, which has already been dubbed the “Group of Death” due to its heavy concentration of elite teams.

Based on Stage 1 rankings, the top six seeds were drawn into separate groups, with each seed placed differently than in Stage 1. As a result, RRQ (the top seed) was placed in Alpha Group, while BOOM Esports (second seed) was placed in Omega Group.

Paper Rex and Nongshim RedForce (both top-four finishers), along with Team Secret and DetonatioN FocusMe, were also placed into different groups from before.

VCT Pacific Stage 2 Groups

Alpha Group, in particular, is stacked with three Korean teams, featuring the champion, runner-up, and fourth-place finisher from Stage 1, earning it the label of the tournament’s toughest group.

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