Securing their spot in the Masters Madrid bracket stage, VCT Pacific team Paper Rex pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over EMEA’s Karmine Corp. Despite not performing at their peak this season, Paper Rex faced a tough challenge from Karmine Corp during the series. However, a nail-biting overtime win in game three allowed Paper Rex to hold on and eliminate the European contenders.
Following their victory, we caught up with Paper Rex’s in-game leader, Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto.
Credit: Riot Games / Flickr
Lee Jones (Esports.net): Your team started strong in map 1, but Karmine Corp seemed to have the momentum for the rest of the series.
How did you manage to turn things around?
f0rsakeN: I believe it all came down to our mentality. Despite being behind on the third map, we continued to support each other and maintain a positive attitude. We stuck to our game plan, brought positive energy, and focused on playing our best, which ultimately led us to victory.
Lee Jones: This sets up a rematch with Gen.G…
Do you feel more confident this time after the loss in the VCT Pacific Kick-OFF Final?
f0rsakeN: We will certainly give our best efforts against Gen.G for a chance at redemption. While I can’t predict the outcome, we are hopeful for a positive result.
Lee Jones: You previously mentioned that Paper Rex was playing at a six or seven out of ten.
Where do you think you stand now?
Initially, I rated our performance at a 6 out of 10, but I believe we have been steadily improving, and I would now say we are at an 8 out of 10 level.
PRX was 6/10 became 8/10 and going to 10/10
What do you need to do to reach a ten out of ten performance?
f0rsakeN: To reach peak performance, we need to work on refining our map pool and strategies. With three days of preparation, we aim to address any weaknesses and come up with innovative strategies to face Gen.G successfully.
Lee Jones: There was some controversy surrounding the trash-talking during your series with Team Heretics.
What is your take on that debate?
I see trash-talking as part of the entertainment factor in competitive gaming. Personally, I enjoy engaging in banter with opponents as it adds intensity to the competition. In the end, it’s all part of the competitive spirit.
Do you believe that playing in that competitive environment benefits you and your team?
f0rsakeN: Speaking for myself, I see it as a confidence booster. I like to speak up for my team and use trash-talking as a way to fuel my competitive drive. If opponents initiate trash talk, it only motivates me to respond in kind.
Lee Jones: Your versatility and diverse agent pool provide Paper Rex with a unique advantage.
How have you managed to utilize this flexibility so effectively?
Initially, I played as a Duelist, but upon a roster change, I transitioned to a flexible role. With years of experience and trying out various agents, I discovered that my creative approach allowed me to adapt easily to different agents, giving me a diverse skill set that benefits the team.
Credit: Riot Games / Flickr
Do you anticipate more players adopting a flexible playstyle as the game evolves?
Yes, I believe that as the game progresses, having a team with flexible players capable of switching roles can be a game-changer. By exploring different agents and developing creativity, players can enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to the team.
I believe that by expanding their agent pool and being adaptable, players can significantly elevate their gameplay.
Could we expect to see Paper Rex transition to a more flexible playstyle in the future?
It’s a possibility. Perhaps my teammates will follow suit and experiment with different agents and playstyles to enhance our overall performance.
How has your experience been in Madrid? Have you had the opportunity to explore the city?
Our exploration of Madrid has been limited, but we did visit Plaza Mayor once. We took a moment to appreciate the iconic statue, snapped some photos, and enjoyed a meal together. We had a delightful dining experience, especially with the delicious steak we had near Plaza Mayor.
Read next: VCT Masters Madrid 2024 Power Rankings
