AFTER proudly representing Filipino talent on the international Valorant stage, Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza looked back on his VCT rookie journey in a heartfelt reflection following Paper Rex’s elimination at the 2025 Valorant Champions Paris.
Despite the tough loss to South Korea’s DRX in the lower bracket semifinals which ended Paper Rex’s run and relegated the team to a fourth-place finish, PatMen was touched by the unwavering support from Filipino fans and expressed his gratitude.
“Maraming salamat sa mga messages niyo kababayan kahit sobrang malas ko this game against DRX, sumusuporta pa rin kayo,” PatMen wrote in his Facebook post.
Rather than dwell on defeat, he chose growth — to train harder, play smarter, and rediscover the confidence that shapes true champions.
“Sana this offseason mabalik ko ‘yung confidence ko tulad ng dati, mas makapag-adjust ako nang mabilis sa meta and roles, at mas ma-handle ko nang maayos ‘yung pressure,” he added.
From humble roots to the grandest Valorant stage, PatMen’s rookie run became a story of pride, sacrifice, and the pain that comes with chasing greatness.
“I realized na three years in tier 2 is not enough experience for me and playing in tier 1 is so much different, but I learned a lot of things this year, especially when I’m beating myself and my own demons,” he shared, reflecting on the leap from domestic to global competition.
The Filipino duelist joined Paper Rex earlier this year after Indonesian veteran Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart moved to inactive status. Known previously for his stint with ZOL Esports, PatMen stepped into a role that came with immense pressure and expectations that tested his determination.
“Sometimes it’s not so fun to play anymore dahil mas napapansin ko ‘yung flaws instead of enjoyment dahil sa tagal ko na rin naglalaro. It’s been a good run this year still and hoping next year will be better for us," he said.
"Sana mas maraming Pinoy ang makapasok at masuportahan natin! It’s not the end of the world despite losing this — and fourth place is not a failure. Thank you ulit sa suporta! Next year I will do my best to be a better player!”
In his rookie VCT season, PatMen was part of the Paper Rex roster that reached and won Valorant Masters Toronto after defeating Fnatic, 3–1, in the grand finals.
Paper Rex later qualified for Valorant Champions Paris through VCT 2025: Pacific Stage 2, maintaining their reputation as one of the strongest teams in Asia.
For PatMen, the season may have ended in heartbreak, but the lessons he carries promise a comeback written not in glory, but in growth.
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