FunPlus Phoenix Emerges as Champions at Masters Copenhagen
FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) achieved an incredible feat by making an impressive lower bracket run and defeating Paper Rex in the grand finals of Masters Copenhagen. This victory secured FPX their third international trophy in the EMEA region.
Although FPX had qualified for both Masters events this year through their outstanding performance in EMEA’s Challengers series, they faced challenges in attending the international tournaments. Visa issues prevented FPX from participating in Masters Reykjavík, and they were without their player Dmitry “SUYGETSU” Ilyushin for most of Masters Copenhagen. However, SUYGETSU was able to join the team for their elimination match against Guild Esports, which marked the beginning of FPX’s exceptional run in the lower bracket.
Prior to the grand final, Paper Rex had maintained a flawless record against EMEA teams, defeating Guild Esports and Fnatic with a score of 2-0. However, FPX swiftly changed the narrative in the opening map of Bind. Dominating the first half, FPX secured an 11-1 lead, appearing unstoppable. While Paper Rex managed to regain two rounds, it ultimately had no impact as FPX closed out the map 13-3. Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov showcased an outstanding performance on Brimstone, with a remarkable 2.25 KD despite having played the agent only six times in the past three months.
After faltering on their own map pick, FPX’s Icebox, Paper Rex retaliated and levelled the series 1-1. Overcoming the 9-3 curse, Paper Rex managed to close the six-round gap in the second half and secure a 13-7 victory. Despite the scoreline, the map was fiercely contested by both teams. With the series tied, the third map, Fracture, was selected, which happened to be Paper Rex’s choice. Similar to Bind, Paper Rex faced unexpected challenges on their chosen map, resulting in another loss. In Stage 2, both FPX and Paper Rex had excelled on Fracture, with FPX having a record of 8-3 and Paper Rex boasting a record of 9-1 before the grand finals.
Maintaining the trend of exchanging map picks, Paper Rex claimed FPX’s map selection of Haven convincingly, forcing a fifth and final game in the series. Although the first half ended in a 6-6 tie, Paper Rex dominated the second half on defense. With an almost flawless defensive performance, Paper Rex secured a 13-7 victory on Haven. Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie and Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto shone for Paper Rex, achieving impressive KDs of 1.47 and 1.64, respectively, on Raze and Chamber.
Breeze served as the final battleground of the series, remaining as the only map after the initial bans from Paper Rex. Both teams adopted different compositions than their usual ones, but Paper Rex’s inclusion of the Yoru and Neon picks, along with double initiators in Fade and Breach, garnered attention. Engaging in a closely contested match, FPX battled toe to toe with Paper Rex despite their unorthodox composition. With one kill after another, FPX secured a 13-9 victory and emerged as the champions of Masters Copenhagen.
FunPlus Phoenix, Masters Copenhagen, EMEA, lower bracket, Paper Rex, grand finals, lower bracket run, international trophy, visa issues, Masters Reykjavík, Challengers series, Bind, KD, Fracture, Haven, Breeze, Valorant Masters