Patrick “PatMend” Mendoza at the VCT Pacific Stage 2 Finals.
VCT Pacific
MANILA, Philippines — Top Filipino Valorant player Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza bagged two trophies at the 2025 VCT Pacific Awards, finishing his debut season on a high note despite rumors of being removed from the active roster of Paper Rex and transferring to Global Esports.
The 24-year-old was crowned Rookie of the Year as well as the Initiator of the Year. He was also nominated for Most Improved Player.
Known as “Mr. Consistent” in the Philippine Valorant scene, Mendoza joined Paper Rex last March. Since then, he has made a huge impact in the Southeast Asian organization, with Paper Rex ruling the Masters Toronto and VCT Pacific Stage 2.
“Winning [the Rookie of the Year] award is really an amazing feeling. Not everyone [has] the opportunity to win this kind of achievement. I’m the lucky one. The plays I remember the most are my clutches during Masters Toronto, I think those gave me the spotlight. To my teammates, coaches, all staff of Paper Rex, all I want to say thank you very much. I don’t just have a team but friends and family. I was very grateful to have you guys,” Mendoza said in a recorded message during the awards announcement.
With the pressure of joining a champion organization as well as being in his first international foray, Mendoza had succumbed to self-doubt as he began his VCT Pacific career. But his primary motivation had been one thing: to be the player his team relied on. Winning his second award, the Initiator of the Year, proved his that his hard work paid off.
“I actually didn’t expect this to be honest. Because there’s a lot of Initiator players in Pacific. I truly respect and learn from them. When I joined Paper Rex, I was thinking about how to be the best initiator, support player for them and I’m so happy I was able to get this achievement. To all the fans of Paper Rex, because of you we’re all motivated because you keep on supporting us, helping us and watching us in our journey,” said Mendoza in his acceptance speech.
Paper Rex had secured most of the awards of the night. Ilia “something” Petrov won Duelist of the year, while Khalish “d4v41” Rusyaidee notched the Sentinel of the Year plum. Their coach, Alexandre “alecks” Sallé, won Coach of the Year, while Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto took home the highest honor of the night—Player of the Year.
Mendoza’s double achievements come at the height of rumors surrounding his future in the VCT Pacific. Early in the week, rumors had been posted online of his removal from Paper Rex’ active roster, being replaced by fellow Filipino player Adrian “invy” Reyes of Team Secret. It was then rumored that Mendoza will join Global Esports as Filipino player Federico “Papi” Evangelista departed the team.
About the Author
