It looks like ValorINTEL became the first domino to fall on Twitter, tweeting “The internet is going to break when they match up at Champions” alongside an image with hype, and within moments, the Valorant community lit up in response. This is the excitement building for a potential DRX vs Paper Rex clash at Valorant Champions, and the players could not be more divided on the anticipated result, to say the least.
As mentioned, there is the potentially massive matchup of DRX and Paper Rex. Both teams are two of the biggest teams in the APAC region, but their rivalry has a bitter edge to it that just quite doesn’t go away. Every time they face off, the chat ramps up wildly. The conversations? The take is insidiously savage.
To begin with, a strong fraction of the community is completely ignoring the idea that DRX will even make it to the tournament. @navvy__7 said “drx aint getting out of groups bro,” which in all honesty is a little brutal. To add on @navvy__7’s take on DRX, @NeOHReign said, “make sure that drx can get out of groups first lol.’ The vibe between these two picks up on the notion that DRX just might not survive the opening rounds of the tournament. Adding to this, another user, @_Gh0steyy, chimed in with “DRX about to get grouped by MIBR 🥀,” which just drags the tone down a little further.
Even with the chatter ramping up on one edge on who would win and the other spiking with doubt, DRX still does not get any love. Several users take to the conversation to show full support for PRX. PRX fans surged with @blankrex saying, “We’re not in 2023, prx will beat them as usual😭,” and @drizzlynnx saying, “Nah, PRX clears DRX easy.” It gets more specific as well. @nashtyfr_ gets overly detailed with “13-0 13-0 PRX 2-0 DRX,” which is… detailed.
But wait, some history is now being mentioned. Responding to someone, @MercilesPity took the opportunity to say, “they only played once b4 2023 btw,” and later added, “and it’s been 6-3 since 2023.” So it looks like PRX has been winning a majority of contests between them, which makes sense for the collective counting DRX out.
The most passionate take came from @NeilRichmond20 who went on a full rant: “what a joke 🤣 DRX absolutely sucks at this game. Them changing their bangkok roster was the biggest mistake they made, now they face the consequences 😂. Talon deserved the spot much more, but its alright. Itll be PRX carrying APAC as usual 😂.” So there’s some real drama about roster changes and which teams deserved to qualify.
For the most part, people are hating on DRX with red reactions. @vygna32 said triggering, ‘They can literally start that same bangkok roster tho 😭,’ which might be to say the prior roster could’ve been better. @ishizaki_fpl said, ‘No longer the old drx,’ which inferes, for better or worse, they are no longer the team from before.
People are either done or don’t care about the entire region matchup hype. “No one cares about regional matchups” from @keqing_gi was an educative take, and following the hype, @SacasticDude answered with “Not gonna happen tho.”
Moving to silly replies. So many of us can relate to @Suka_val who said “One thing that will break for sure is my monitor” discussing how we watch intense games, then, without the same charm, @shur1ken11 said, “Internet not easy to break,” as it is true.
Oh and @kafkahi8 asked “Apa yang spesial?” which means “What’s special?” in Indonesian, indirectly questioning the hype behind this matchup.
While a DRX vs PRX match would be insane to watch, most Valorant fans feel PRX will come out on top, and there is doubt that DRX can even progress to have this matchup. It seems like the roster changes have caused DRX to lose respect.
With APAC showcasing stronger competition, DRX and PRX are list top storylines to look out for in Valorant Champions. This possible matchup is one of the most hyped rivalries within the scene. Even with the negative outlook on DRX’s chances, everyone would watch the showdown.
The excitement in these comments perfectly captures the essence of the Valorant community. They’re deeply invested in these teams and their drama; and while some fans believe DRX will shock everyone and others are confident PRX will continue their dominance, all are aware this matchup in Champions will cause an eruption on Twitter — maybe not literally break the internet, but definitely a worldwide trend for a brief moment.
It is interesting how the storylines of teams are changing because of changes in rosters and form. The region previously had a giant in DRX which is now faced with the question of advancing past groups, while PRX continues operating as the favorites in the spotlight. Such evolution in teams is the reason following esports gets a little more satisfying.
Maybe DRX has what it takes to prove all the doubters wrong. Maybe PRX continues their winning streak. Regardless, I’m certain the Valorant community will be tuned in and probably bickering about it on Twitter the entire time.
