Paper Rex's Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza and Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto during the VCT 2025 Pacific Stage 1. Handout: VCT Pacific

MANILA -- Southeast Asian squad Paper Rex finally collected a crucial win, turning back DetonatioN FocusMe in the VCT 2025 Pacific Stage 1.

The W Gaming squad completed the reverse sweep over the improving Japanese team to keep their playoff chances alive.

In Ascent, DFM's pick, PRX was in the driver's seat, concluding the first half at 8-4.

The second half saw DFM flipping the script and completing the comeback to end the map at 11-13.

Moving on to Lotus, PRX again dominated the first half and limited DFM to only two rounds, concluding in 10-2.

DFM started to pick up steam in the second half by winning five straight rounds, but PRX put a stop to the comeback attempt as they were near match point and tied the series at 13-7.

Pearl saw DFM take the lead this time around, capping the first half at 5-7. The second half saw both teams trading streaks and brought the decider to overtime.

DFM drew first blood in overtime, but PRX tied the series up once again and eventually took the series at 15-13.

The much-needed win ties them with Global Esports in the battle for the last playoff slot in Group Alpha. DFM meanwhile is officially out of the running for a playoff slot.

PRX and GE will face off for the last ticket to the playoffs in April 19.