The Evolution of Paper Rex: From Southeast Asia to Global Valorant Favorites
Valorant’s esports scene has grown at an incredible pace since its inception, with teams from all corners of the world stepping up to make their mark. Among these teams, one group has captured the attention of the global audience not only with their achievements but also with their unique and fearless approach to the game—Paper Rex. Based out of Southeast Asia, Paper Rex has evolved from a regional contender to a fan-favorite on the international stage. In this article, we delve into the origins of Paper Rex, their rise in the competitive Valorant world, and how their signature playstyle has inspired a new generation of gamers.
From Humble Beginnings to Regional Dominance
Founded in early 2021, Paper Rex emerged on the Valorant esports radar as an ambitious team with aspirations to be more than just another regional competitor. Based in Singapore, Paper Rex began with a roster that boasted a mix of talent from various esports backgrounds. The initial lineup included players with experience in other FPS games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and it was clear from the start that the team possessed not only raw skill but also a hunger for victory.
Paper Rex’s co-founder, Harley “dsn” Örwall, a legendary figure in the Counter-Strike scene, provided a strategic backbone for the team. His insight into competitive play and emphasis on honing mechanical skills was evident in how Paper Rex approached the early stages of Valorant competition. The team set out to make a name for itself in the Southeast Asian region, competing in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) for the first time in 2021.
Paper Rex’s rise to prominence wasn’t without its challenges. The Southeast Asian competitive environment was filled with skilled teams like X10 Esports and BOOM Esports, and regional tournaments were hotly contested. Despite the tough competition, Paper Rex steadily improved, showing that they were unafraid to experiment with unorthodox agent picks and aggressive strategies that defied conventional meta.
Their breakthrough moment came during the VCT 2021 SEA Challengers Playoffs, where Paper Rex managed to secure a spot in the Valorant Masters Reykjavik, making them one of the first Southeast Asian teams to do so. This marked the beginning of their journey on the international stage, and their relentless pursuit of success would soon make them a force to be reckoned with.
A Unique Playstyle and the Rise to Global Stardom
What sets Paper Rex apart from many of their competitors is their distinctive and unpredictable playstyle. Dubbed by fans as “hyper-aggressive,” their strategy is centered around pushing the limits of what is considered safe or conventional in Valorant. Instead of opting for the slow, methodical, and default-heavy approaches that many teams favor, Paper Rex relies on explosiveness, creative agent compositions, and lightning-fast decisions.
The core members of Paper Rex—such as Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto, Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie, and Benedict “Benkai” Tan—have become well-known for their fearless executions and synergy. F0rsakeN, in particular, is famous for his duelist plays that often seem reckless but result in incredible multi-kills, catching opponents off guard. Jinggg’s relentless entry fragging and Benkai’s cerebral leadership combine to create an atmosphere where every round is a spectacle of daring plays and unexpected maneuvers.
During the VCT Masters Copenhagen in 2022, Paper Rex showcased exactly why they had become global favorites. Their matches were a testament to their fearless approach; they demonstrated that they were not just playing to win but also playing to entertain. This blend of skill and showmanship resonated with audiences around the world. The team quickly became beloved for their willingness to push limits, often opting to take high-risk plays that made their games exhilarating to watch. In one memorable instance, their infamous “five-man rushing” strategies and aggressive retakes left audiences at the edge of their seats.
Their journey in Copenhagen saw them face some of the world’s top teams, such as Fnatic, OpTic Gaming, and DRX. Despite facing formidable opponents, Paper Rex’s unyielding spirit was evident as they made it to the grand finals of the event. Though they narrowly lost to FunPlus Phoenix, Paper Rex had proven that a Southeast Asian team could compete at the highest level—and more importantly, they did it on their own terms.
The team’s success can be attributed not only to their incredible skill but also to their adaptability and strong mental fortitude. Unlike teams that buckle under the pressure of international events, Paper Rex seemed to thrive, often appearing calm and collected even during the most intense matches. Benkai, the team’s captain, became a fan-favorite not only for his performance but also for his lighthearted demeanor, often donning costumes and making humorous gestures that brought much-needed levity to high-stakes environments.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Players
Paper Rex’s success story has had a significant impact on the Valorant scene, particularly in Southeast Asia. Historically, the region has often been overlooked in global esports, with most of the attention focused on North America, Europe, and South Korea. However, Paper Rex’s achievements have shone a spotlight on the untapped potential of Southeast Asian players and the unique flair they bring to the game.
The aggressive playstyle of Paper Rex has not only captivated audiences but also inspired a wave of new players to adopt a more daring approach to Valorant. For many aspiring players, Paper Rex’s matches have become a masterclass in thinking outside the box, demonstrating that it’s possible to win games by breaking the norms and trusting in your individual abilities as well as team coordination. Their style embodies a spirit of creativity and freedom, encouraging players to experiment and take risks rather than sticking to rigid playbooks.
Beyond just their gameplay, the personalities within the team have had an inspirational impact. Benkai’s humorous approach to competition, whether by arriving on stage wearing a costume or through his light-hearted interviews, has shown that esports can be competitive and fun at the same time. This positive approach has contributed to reducing the stigma around esports as being overly serious or stressful, attracting more young talent to pursue gaming professionally without fear of burnout.
Another aspect of Paper Rex’s influence is their emphasis on resilience and teamwork. Throughout their journey, the team faced numerous setbacks, including losses on big stages, but their persistence has been key to their growth. The camaraderie displayed by Paper Rex, even in the face of defeat, highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy team dynamic, which is an invaluable lesson for any aspiring esports professional.
In addition, Paper Rex’s multicultural roster, featuring players from different parts of Southeast Asia, underscores the strength of diversity in building a successful team. This diversity has allowed them to develop unique strategies and leverage different perspectives, further inspiring teams across the region to recognize the benefits of bringing together talent from varied backgrounds. This inclusive philosophy has helped reshape the competitive landscape, making it clear that success in Valorant is not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries.
Looking Forward: Paper Rex’s Future and Legacy
As Paper Rex continues to compete on the international stage, they have solidified their place as a cornerstone of Valorant’s evolving esports scene. Their journey from a regional underdog to a global powerhouse stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a willingness to break from tradition.
Looking ahead, Paper Rex is well-positioned to continue their success. With each passing tournament, they refine their strategies while retaining the aggressive core that has become their hallmark. Their adaptability ensures that they are capable of keeping up with the evolving meta, while their fearless mindset guarantees that they will always be a threat to even the most disciplined of teams.
The legacy of Paper Rex is already being felt not only in Southeast Asia but globally. They have set a precedent that teams outside the typical esports powerhouses can rise to the occasion and succeed at the highest levels of competition. Moreover, they’ve shown that the path to victory doesn’t have to be rigidly defined—playing with passion, creativity, and joy can be just as effective, if not more so, than adhering strictly to meta strategies.
For fans and players alike, Paper Rex represents the thrilling unpredictability that makes Valorant such a captivating esport. They are a reminder that in a game where precision and tactics are key, sometimes the boldest and most unconventional plays are what capture our imaginations and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Whether they are rushing into a site with little regard for caution or pulling off miraculous retakes, Paper Rex embodies the idea that the best way to play Valorant is to make it your own. As they continue to evolve, there is no doubt that Paper Rex will keep entertaining, surprising, and inspiring the global Valorant community for many seasons to come.
