PRX and NRG secure first Champions playoff spots

The second week of VALORANT Champions Shangai continued this Tuesday September 29, with two more Group Stage matches. Paper Rex and NRG became the first teams to secure their spots in the Playoffs after defeating G2 Esports and Karmine Corp, respectively.

Paper Rex had to come back against G2 after dropping the opening map, while NRG also recovered from a difficult start against KC to complete the 2-1 victory. Now, there are only six playoff spots still available.

Paper Rex opened the series on Split, where G2 Esports took control and secured a 13-9 victory. The Americas representatives kept the map close throughout the game and managed to establish a lead that forced PRX to respond on the second map.

Haven saw Paper Rex answer back in a similarly tight contest. The Pacific representatives managed to stay ahead in the decisive moments and closed the map 13-11, sending the series to Lotus.

On the decider, Paper Rex found more success with its aggressive approach and control of the map. Despite consistent trades from both sides, PRX managed to maintain the advantage and secured a 13-9 victory, completing the comeback and becoming the first team to qualify for the Champions Playoffs.

Karmine Corp started its series against NRG with a dominant performance on Ascent. The EMEA champions prevented NRG from taking control of the map and quickly built a comfortable lead before closing it out 13-7.

NRG responded on Summit. The Americas team recovered from the opening defeat and kept the second map under control, eventually winning 13-11 to force a decider.

Haven provided another close battle, with Karmine Corp gradually recovering after NRG took the early advantage. Despite KC's resistance, NRG held on in the final rounds and secured a 13-9 victory, completing the comeback and joining Paper Rex as the second team to qualify for the Playoffs.

The remaining six playoff spots will be decided over the next matches. Tomorrow, LOUD will face Team Vitality before FUT Esports take on 100 Thieves. The winners of both series will qualify for the playoffs and continue their fight to remain alive in Shanghai.