NRG just dismantled Paper Rex 13-5 on Lotus in their Esports World Cup Group B opener. The 2026 Esports World Cup boasts a total prize pool of $75 million, with the Valorant segment alone offering $2 million. For the first time, the EWC officially permits licensed blockchain and cryptocurrency companies as sponsors.
The match itself was a mismatch
NRG, the North American Valorant stalwart, left little room for Paper Rex’s trademark aggression on Lotus. The 13-5 final tells you most of what you need to know. Paper Rex’s hyper-aggressive, unconventional style simply didn’t find purchase against NRG’s disciplined approach.
These two teams have met at least three times across various 2026 events, including Valorant Champions Tour and Masters tournaments. The rivalry has been building all year, making the Group B opener on July 2 one of the more anticipated matchups of the tournament’s early rounds.
Crypto finds its seat at the esports table
