Nongshim RedForce and T1 have ended their runs in the VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 1 playoffs after suffering defeats in the lower bracket. Meanwhile, TALON and Paper Rex continue their battle for slots at Masters Toronto 2025 and the Esports World Cup 2025.

Nongshim RedForce vs. TALON
Nongshim RedForce fell to TALON in a 1:2 series (Haven 9:13, Pearl 13:7, Ascent 9:13) in the first round of the lower bracket. Despite the loss, the match MVP went to NS player Dambi , who tallied 50 kills, dealt 152 average damage, and posted a 227 ACS. Full match statistics are available via the link.

Paper Rex vs. T1
Paper Rex defeated T1 in their lower bracket opening match with a 2:1 scoreline. All three maps ended in dominant fashion — Fracture 3:13, Ascent 13:4, Lotus 13:2 — with the final moment especially memorable as Paper Rex , left in a 5v1 situation, decided to finish the match with a knife kill. Notably, T1 are the reigning champions of Masters Toronto 2025 and were considered one of the strongest teams in the world coming into the event. Full match statistics are available via the link.