LOUD have made a strong start to the VALORANT Champions 2026 playoffs after defeating Paper Rex 2-0 in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals. The result sends Paper Rex into the lower bracket, while LOUD move forward to the upper-bracket semifinals.
Paper Rex Take Early Control on Split
Paper Rex appeared to have the advantage on their own map pick, Split. The Pacific side built an 8-4 lead during the first half and looked set to take control of the series.
However, LOUD produced a major turnaround in the second half. The Brazilian team won nine of the next ten rounds to complete the comeback and close Split 13-9.
LOUD Survive Overtime on Sunset
The second map, Sunset, was even closer. Paper Rex again started strongly and held a 9-3 lead at one point.
LOUD refused to let the map slip away, fighting back to force overtime. They eventually secured the map 15-13, completing a 2-0 series victory and eliminating Paper Rex from the upper bracket.
The result is particularly notable because Paper Rex entered the playoffs among the tournament favorites after finishing first in their group. The team had also reached the final at both Masters events earlier in the 2026 season.
Paper Rex Now Face T1 in Lower Bracket
Paper Rex's Champions campaign is not over yet, but their margin for error has disappeared. The team now moves into the lower bracket, where they are scheduled to face fellow Pacific representatives T1.
For LOUD, the victory sets up an upper-bracket semifinal against defending champions NRG.
Paper Rex will now need to recover quickly if they want to make another deep international run. After two strong starts against LOUD ended in defeat, the Pacific giants have no room for another mistake at Champions 2026.