VCT Masters Tokyo lower final: EG defeated Paper Rex to secure grand final spot

The lower bracket finals of VCT Masters Tokyo have been concluded. Evil Geniuses defeated Paper Rex and secured their slot in the grand finals of VCT Masters Tokyo. With this win, Evil Geniuses created an interesting record by eliminating all number-one seeds from EMEA, America, and the Pacific region that is Team Liquid, LOUD, and Paper Rex. Here is Evil Geniuses vs Paper Rex match recap and overall results.

Evil Geniuses vs Paper Rex

Following were map pool for the EG vs Paper Rex matchups:

• Fracture (EG)
• Lotus (PRX)
• Split (EG)
• Pearl (PRX)
• Ascent (Decider)

Fracture

In the opening map of the intense best-of-five series, the battleground was set on the challenging Fracture. Despite Paper Rex’s previous successes on this map, Evil Geniuses displayed their dominance and secured an impressive 9-3 lead in the first half. Although Paper Rex showed a brief glimmer of hope with a pistol round victory in the second half, EG swiftly retaliated, squashing any chance of a comeback.

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— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

The match concluded with a comfortable 13-7 victory for EG, driven by a stellar team performance, with Max “Demon1” Mazanov standing out as the MVP, boasting an impressive 18 kills.

Lotus

Despite starting the series with a loss, Paper Rex demonstrated their resilience and determination in their map pick, Lotus. The match was fiercely contested, with a close score of 14-12 in favor of Paper Rex. Although EG initially struggled, trailing 8-4 in the first half, they made a strong comeback in the second half.

“@Jingggxd IS A MONSTER!”

He delivered a 4K in the final round of Lotus! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/kDVDjjpPEJ

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

It was a nail-biting affair as EG came close to securing the map, but Paper Rex showed incredible composure and managed to even the score at 1-1. Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie’s outstanding performance was pivotal for Paper Rex, leading the team with 28 kills and an impressive average combat score (ACS) of 225.

Split

In the third map on Split, there was a complete reversal of fortune for both teams. Starting on the attacking side, Paper Rex struggled to find their footing and could only secure a total of four rounds. However, the tides turned in the second half as Paper Rex mounted an impressive comeback, winning five consecutive rounds and putting pressure on EG.

.@jasonsusantoo making it look easy with the Marshal! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/xWnsZlgRWt

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

While EG managed to win a few rounds, it was predominantly Paper Rex’s dominance on defense that led them to secure the map in their favor. Khalish “d4v41” Rusyaideed and Jason “f0rsaken” Susanto stepped up with 19 kills each, contributing significantly to Paper Rex’s victory. With this win, Paper Rex took a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Pearl

Despite Paper Rex’s early lead in the series, their hopes of closing out the match on their own map pick, Pearl, were dashed by Evil Geniuses’ strategic prowess. EG once again showcased their strength by securing a 7-5 score in the first half, setting a solid foundation for their gameplay.

Another 3K! @Boostio is STEPPING UP for EG! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/0kfsdoaqHB

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

Although Paper Rex showed resilience in the second half, EG seemed determined not to repeat their previous mistakes. They adapted their strategies, resulting in a convincing 13-6 victory on Pearl, equalizing the overall score to 2-2. With the series now tied, both teams prepared to face off in the decider map to determine the second finalist.

Ascent

Paper Rex started the decider map strong, winning three consecutive rounds and showing promise. However, Evil Geniuses swiftly turned the tide in the 4th round, securing a series of victories that heavily favored their side. As the first half progressed, EG maintained its dominance, leaving Paper Rex struggling to find a response. The pressure on Paper Rex intensified as EG won the pistol round in the second half, further solidifying their advantage.

“@Demon1___ IS OUT FOR BLOOD!” #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/fyGU0rIoRe

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

Max “demon1” Mazanov, in exceptional form, proved to be a formidable force, annihilating opponents with an astounding 28 kills, boasting a 1.64 KD ratio and an impressive 44% headshot rate. Ultimately, Paper Rex found themselves unable to counter EG’s attacking duo, resulting in a 13-8 defeat on the decider map.

GRAND FINALS BOUND.#VALORANTMasters | #EVILEXHIBITED pic.twitter.com/pbiRp6MAlo

— THANK YOU MIBR (@EvilGeniuses) June 24, 2023

Evil Geniuses has qualified for the grand finals of any major VCT for the first time. They will meet against VCT LOCK//IN champions Fnatic on June 25 in VCT Masters Tokyo Grand Finals.

We asked @jawgemo about his upcoming rematch against FNATIC! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/eNprTufWC4

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) June 24, 2023

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