The first serious test of the group stage at VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai is done: Paper Rex defeated Team Liquid 2:1 in the opening match, securing their first important victory at the $2.25 million season finale. As announced in our tournament kick-off report, this is the last Champions tournament in its current format – and the opening encounter immediately delivered the perfect dramatic tension.
How Did Paper Rex Secure the 2:1 Victory Against Team Liquid?
Paper Rex started dominantly, securing the first map, Ascent, with a clear 13:4 score. Team Liquid then found their footing and equalized on Haven with a decisive 13:7, forcing the decision to a third map. On Lotus, it was a close race until match point, when Paper Rex secured the decisive round with an ace from d4v41, winning the map 13:10. This means the team advances as one of the first into the next round of the group stage, while Team Liquid heads directly into their group's lower bracket. The current schedule and all results can be followed live on VLR.gg.
What Other Group Stage Matches Took Place on September 25th?
Beyond the opening match, the group stage in Shanghai was in full swing on Friday. In Group D, Karmine Corp convincingly defeated Xi Lai Gaming 2:0, while Nongshim RedForce – the current Masters Santiago champions – also decisively beat defending champions NRG 2:0. Further group stage encounters will follow in the coming days, with official dates and broadcasts listed on Riot Games' official VALORANT Esports page.
To put it in perspective, it's worth looking at the form of both teams: Paper Rex has consistently been one of the most stable international top teams in recent Splits and enters this last Champions tournament in the old format as one of the co-favorites. Team Liquid, on the other hand, has been in a period of adjustment since the roster changes in their European squad – but the close fightback on Haven shows that the team is competitive despite the opening loss. As Champions 2026 is also the final tournament before the announced VCT format reform, every single match will likely be imbued with additional symbolic significance – an early misstep in the GSL group stage can quickly lead directly to the lower bracket.
With their opening victory, Paper Rex has certainly secured a more comfortable starting position in Group C, while Team Liquid is already under pressure in their next match. How both teams fare and whether Nongshim RedForce can confirm their strong Santiago form will become clear in the coming days of the group stage.
Source: Insider Gaming, VLR.gg
Are you following VALORANT Champions 2026 live – and do you believe Paper Rex can take the title in the last tournament of the old format? Let us know in the comments!
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