It was a day of surprises at VALORANT Masters Toronto as the undefeated Sentinels were handed their first loss by Pacific powerhouse Paper Rex. The tournament, already buzzing with upsets, saw another major twist as the VCT Americas favorite fell in a high stakes match that could shape the rest of the competition.
Paper Rex came into the match with momentum, and from the very first map, they showed no signs of slowing down. Playing on Split, they dismantled Sentinels with a fast and aggressive playstyle that caught their opponents off guard. Sentinels tried to hold ground with a double initiator setup but were overwhelmed by PRX’s flawless site executions. The first half ended in a dominant 10 2 lead for Paper Rex, and with a second pistol round win in hand, they closed the map 13 3 with confidence and control.
The second map, Sunset, was a more closely contested battle. Both teams had a strong history on this map, and early rounds showed just how evenly matched they could be. Sentinels started strong on defense, securing a series of retakes that hinted at a possible comeback. But PRX adjusted quickly. With explosive entries from Wang Jing Jie, also known as Jinggg, on Raze, they managed to build momentum and keep the pressure on. What followed was a string of intense rounds where individual plays made all the difference. Despite Sentinels’ efforts, Paper Rex managed to edge out the map 13 11 and secured a 2 0 series win, knocking Sentinels down the bracket.
Earlier in the day, another upset set the tone for what became a thrilling matchday. Wolves Esports from VCT China stunned fans with a convincing 2 0 victory over Gen.G Esports, one of the tournament favorites. On their map pick Split, Wolves struggled initially, securing just three rounds on attack. But a strong showing on defense turned the tide. They held control of mid, anchored sites efficiently, and stormed back to win the map 13 11, silencing critics and fueling their confidence.
The second map, Lotus, marked Wolves’ debut on the map during the tournament. Although their defense started slow with only four rounds won, they came alive on attack. With smart rotations and clear reads on Gen.G’s setup, Wolves tore through the defense and finished the map 13 9. The performance was not just a showcase of mechanical skill but also a reflection of sharp coaching decisions. Head Coach Fayde used timeouts effectively to adjust strategy, which played a key role in Wolves’ comeback on both maps.
These results are shaking up the landscape of VALORANT Masters Toronto. Paper Rex now moves one step closer to the Grand Final, while Sentinels will need to recover quickly if they hope to stay in the race. Wolves’ rise has also thrown the bracket into chaos, proving once again that no team is untouchable.
As the tournament continues, the pressure only builds. Fans can expect more surprises, bold plays, and teams hungry to make their mark on the international stage.
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