Paper Rex takes down Team Liquid to open VALORANT Champions bid in Shanghai

Paper Rex kicked off VALORANT Champions in Shanghai, China with a nail-biting performance, securing a hard-fought 13-4, 7-13, 13-10 victory over Team Liquid in the first match of the group stage, Thursday at the Jing’an Sports Center.

In Ascent, PRX finished the first half attacking against TL, gaining 8-4 by halftime. 

TL was unable to win the last five rounds as PRX was winning consecutively, clinching the final score of 13-4.

PRX had a difficult time in Haven, as they struggled to attack against TL, closing at 5-7 by halftime. 

They won two rounds in the second half, but TL responded to a three round-win, concluding the second map by 7-13.

In Lotus, PRX had a strong start in the first half, concluding at 9-3 by halftime. 

TL opened the second half by winning the pistol round and dominating it by 6 more rounds. But PRX recovered quickly, ending the last map by 13-10

With the win, PRX will now advance into the winners’ match bracket, facing the winner between TYLOO and G2 Esports. 

Meanwhile, TL will have another chance in the elimination bracket. This is their third head-to-head match since Valorant Masters Toronto 2025 and Valorant Champions Istanbul 2022.