Brazilian esports organization LOUD defeated Singaporean team Paper Rex 2-0 on Wednesday, October 7, to advance to the upper bracket semifinals of VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai.
The victory keeps the Brazilian squad alive in the upper bracket of the double-elimination playoff stage. LOUD overcame substantial deficits on both maps during the series, staging a dramatic recovery on Split before closing out Sunset in overtime.
Paper Rex chose Split to open the series and initially took control of the match. The Singaporean team built an 8-4 lead, capitalizing on their map selection. However, LOUD responded with a remarkable comeback, mounting a streak of nine consecutive points to capture the first map 13-9.
Overtime Comeback on Sunset
LOUD selected Sunset as the second map, but the Brazilian roster again suffered a slow start. Paper Rex dominated the early rounds to open up a 9-3 lead, threatening to force the series into a deciding third map.
Despite the heavy disadvantage, LOUD fought back to level the score. The match proceeded into overtime, where the Brazilian team secured the crucial final rounds to seal a 15-13 victory and complete a 2-0 sweep.
LOUD is one of South America's premier esports organizations, competing regularly on the international stage in first-person tactical hero shooters. Paper Rex represents the Asia-Pacific region, bringing an aggressive tactical style to global competitions.
Upper Bracket Semifinal Against NRG
LOUD will return to action on Saturday, October 10, when they face North American squad NRG in the upper bracket semifinals. NRG, the reigning VALORANT Champions world titleholders, secured their place in the final four of the upper bracket with a 2-0 victory over South Korean team T1.
Paper Rex now drops to the lower bracket of the playoff tournament, where they will play T1 in an elimination match. Under the double-elimination tournament format, the loser of that series will be eliminated from the competition, while LOUD and NRG remain one win away from the upper bracket final.
VALORANT Champions 2026 is the culmination of the international competitive season organized by publisher Riot Games, bringing together top tactical shooter teams from around the world. Hosted in Shanghai, China, the global tournament features the best international rosters competing for the world championship title.
