Paper Rex and NRG became the first teams to qualify for the VALORANT Champions Shanghai playoffs, securing hard-fought comeback victories over G2 Esports and Karmine Corp, respectively. Following the group stage matches held on Tuesday, September 29, only six spots remain available for the next stage.
Paper Rex's path to the playoffs proved challenging. The Pacific representatives lost to the Americas' G2 Esports on the opening map, Split, with a score of 9-13. However, the team managed to turn the tide, snatching a victory in a tight battle on Haven (13-11). On the deciding map, Lotus, Paper Rex relied on an aggressive playstyle and map control, allowing them to win 13-9 and complete the comeback.
NRG's match against EMEA champions Karmine Corp unfolded under a similar scenario. After a dominant victory by the European squad on Ascent (13-7), NRG managed to recover and equalize the series on Summit (13-11). On the final map, Haven, despite KC gradually closing the gap, the Americas team held onto their early advantage in the final rounds to close the series in their favor, 13-9.
The fate of two more playoff spots will be decided in the upcoming matchups. LOUD will face Team Vitality, while FUT Esports will play against 100 Thieves. The winners of these series will secure their advancement to the next stage and continue their fight for the championship in Shanghai.
As a Reminder, Unreal Tournament 2003 — How Epic Games Brought Players Back to the Arena
