VALORANT Pros Join Forces in Ranked: A Nightmare for Opponents
Playing ranked games in VALORANT can be challenging, especially when you come up against professional players. This nightmare recently became a reality when TenZ and ShahZaM, along with the core of Paper Rex, formed an unstoppable team.
As teams from around the world gather in the United States for the upcoming VALORANT Champions 2023 event, foreign talent is competing in ranked matches alongside the best players in America. One of the most notable five-stacks to emerge from this scenario includes TenZ, ShahZaM, and the core three players from Paper Rex: Jinggg, f0rsakeN, and something.
Jinggg’s recent tweet, accompanied by a cowboy emoji, has sent chills down the spines of many. Known for his shyness and comedic nature, Jinggg’s tweet suggests the formation of one of the strongest five-stacks ever seen in ranked matches, consisting of top talent from both North America and the Pacific region.
Their first game, tracked through VALORANT Tracker, was a dominant display in an Immortal III lobby. Thanks to a clutch play by ShahZaM, the team secured a 10-2 lead in the first half and eventually won with a score of 13-2. Only one player from the opposing team had a positive K/D ratio, while the rest struggled.
The formation of this team is particularly intriguing for the two North American players, TenZ and ShahZaM, who are in different situations heading into the 2023/2024 off-season. TenZ’s contract with Sentinels is expiring, leaving him with the option to re-sign or pursue opportunities elsewhere. ShahZaM, on the other hand, was previously part of G2’s roster but now finds himself searching for a new team after the roster was released. Whether they end up playing together or facing each other in 2024, this reunion in ranked matches is an exciting prospect.
Related: All contracts expiring in the VCT 2023 off-season
The players from Paper Rex are also making their presence felt on the ranked ladder as they prepare for Champions 2023. Led by the exceptional performance of something, the team is aiming to make a strong international debut. While currently playing on temporary accounts, alongside some of the most popular NA players, Paper Rex might soon join TenZ and ShahZaM as champions.