In an intense opening weekend for Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific Stage 1, Korean powerhouses DRX and T1 demonstrated why they're reigning champions by securing crucial victories.

Masters Bangkok champion T1 began their campaign against Japan’s ZETA DIVISION on March 22 at Sangam SOOP Coliseum in Seoul. Despite a tough match that went the full distance, T1 showcased resilience, taking the series 2-1. T1 dominated early on Fracture, quickly closing the second half after an even first half at 6-6. ZETA DIVISION retaliated on Split, forcing overtime and ultimately tying the series. However, T1 decisively claimed the final set with a commanding 13-5 score, maintaining an impressive streak of 11 consecutive full-set match victories.

Meanwhile, DRX, fresh from their victory at the 2025 VCT Pacific Kickoff, overcame the experienced squad Paper Rex in another tense three-set battle on March 23. After initially trailing, DRX mounted an impressive comeback to take the opening set. Paper Rex rebounded strongly in the second set, utilizing Valorant's newest duelist agent Waylay effectively, pushing DRX to the brink. DRX, however, regained composure in the decisive third set, securing a 13-7 victory led by pivotal plays from standout performers Song "HYUNMIN" Hyun-min and Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan.

Nongshim RedForce added drama to the weekend by pulling off a remarkable comeback against RRQ. After losing the first set convincingly, they staged a second-set rally by winning nine consecutive rounds, eventually clinching the third set and the match. Conversely, Gen.G faced disappointment, falling 0-2 to Boom Esports despite a lengthy battle that included multiple overtime rounds.

The new duelist Waylay, introduced at Masters Bangkok, finished the weekend with a commendable 3-2 set record, proving her potential in strategic team compositions and hinting at her evolving role in the ongoing meta.