Paper Rex and RRQ Solve Visa Woes Ahead of Pacific Stage 2 Finals

Two key players from Paper Rex and RRQ, Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza and David “xffero” Monangin, who were initially reported to have encountered visa issues ahead of the Pacific Stage 2 finals in Japan, are confirmed to join their squads, as their issues resolved just days before the tournament begins on August 30.

Earlier reports indicated separate visa complications: PatMen faced challenges obtaining a visa for the Champions Tour in Paris, while xffero encountered delays with his Japanese visa application and was nearly replaced by a substitute player. However, recent social media posts by Talon Esports player Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyu suggest that both issues have been resolved.

Crws’ Instagram account showed him boarding the same flight to Tokyo as PatMen and xffero, which also alleviating concerns among Talon fans who had feared their team might face similar paper issues.

Xffero and RRQ are set to compete in the lower bracket final against Talon this Saturday to keep their hopes alive for a back-to-back championship title in this season’s Pacific league. Regardless of the outcome, they have already secured a spot in next month’s Champions tournament.

Meanwhile, PatMen and PRX can afford to wait comfortably, as they have already advanced to the grand final on Sunday, August 31. The Singaporean giant remains the strongest contender to win the Stage 2 trophy.

A match still worth watching

Although the final match in Japan might seem predictable given PRX’s dominant form, the standings reveal a deeper narrative, as Talon holds the key to the final slot for the upcoming Champions Tour in Paris.

As you may notice, only the top four teams in the Pacific standings qualify for Champions. At the moment, Talon is narrowly trailing DRX in points, meaning the Thai squad must fight until the very end to secure their position.

On the other hand, DRX, now ranked fourth with 12 points—only one point above sixth-place Talon—must rely on RRQ to defeat Talon in the upcoming lower bracket final to secure their own qualification for Champions.

If RRQ loses to Talon, South Korea’s sole representative in Champions will be T1, who finished second in the 2025 Pacific standings. Despite their lower bracket semifinal loss, the Korean powerhouse still holds 16 points and remains firmly in second place.