Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza  reflects on breakout rookie year after Paper Rex’s Champions Paris run

 Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza’s debut year with Paper Rex was nothing short of extraordinary — even if it ended in heartbreak in Paris.

The 21-year-old Filipino rookie, who stepped into the storied roster earlier this year, helped fuel one of Paper Rex’s most successful VCT seasons to date. From reclaiming the VCT Pacific 2025 Stage 2 title to conquering VALORANT Masters Toronto — their first international championship — PatMen’s arrival couldn’t have been more impactful.

 And though their Champions Paris campaign ended in a 4th-place finish after falling to regional rivals DRX in the lower bracket semifinals, Mendoza walked away with more than just experience — he made history.

PatMen became the first Filipino VALORANT player to win both a regional and international VCT title, carving his name into the growing legacy of Filipino esports. 

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“4th place is not a failure”

DAMN RIGHT PATMEN. i love this from you

(patmen’s post on facebook) pic.twitter.com/Kj1VY7sdHl

— bread (@3xgg221) October 3, 2025

His journey wasn’t without its growing pains. After replacing long-time Paper Rex anchor Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart, Mendoza had to quickly adapt to the team’s famously chaotic playstyle — one built on trust, tempo, and creativity.

In the Champions Paris showdown, Paper Rex looked poised for another finals run after dominating DRX early on Ascent with a commanding 9–3 half. But the tides turned sharply as DRX mounted a ferocious defensive comeback to force overtime and seal the series — and PRX’s fate.

Despite the early exit, PatMen’s rookie campaign stands as a testament to how far Filipino talent has come on the international stage.

From scrims in Manila to clutch rounds in Paris, PatMen’s name now sits among the brightest in VCT Pacific — and his story is just getting started.

“It’s been a surreal year,” PatMen said in a post-tournament reflection. “I just wanted to prove that I belong here, and that Filipinos can compete with the best in the world.” 

On an individual level, Filipino rookie Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza etched his name in Philippine VALORANT history as the first Filipino player to capture both international and regional VCT titles. His breakthrough season also set a new benchmark — surpassing Team Secret’s previous record with the deepest run by any Filipino in a VALORANT Champions tournament to date. 

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