Paper Rex have let go of their star initiator Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza after a “comprehensive internal review” to determine an optimal version of their VALORANT roster ahead of VCT 2026.
While leaks about PatMen moving on from the Masters-winning roster have been circulating for quite some time, it’s only now that Paper Rex has cleared the air surrounding the speculation.
In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 14, the Singapore-based organization shared why it made the “difficult decision” to remove a key player from their VALORANT team in the first place.
“As the team has grown from strength to strength over the last several years, so too has our determination to field the absolute best roster we can,” Paper Rex’s official statement read. “This decision comes after a comprehensive internal review involving our players, coaching staff, and performance team.”
The organization also emphasized that it wasn’t a knee-jerk decision. “At Paper Rex, roster decisions are never made lightly or in isolation; they reflect the collective assessment of competitive needs, team dynamics, and long-term goals,” the statement further read. “Throughout this process, our priority has been to ensure clarity and care for everyone involved.”
Paper Rex hasn’t yet announced a replacement for PatMen, but the 24-year-old has already moved on to what’s shaping up to be a powerful VCT lineup for 2026. Shortly after PRX’s announcement, Global Esports unveiled the signing of PatMen to their VCT 2026 roster.
The Indian organization has also announced the signing of Kale “autumn” Dunne, Xavier “xavier8k” Juan, and Derrick Yee “Deryeon” Dong Ting in the last 24 hours. Existing GE players Savva “Kr1stal” Fedorov and Go “Udotan” Kyung-won will likely stay on the active roster. From the looks of it, this is GE’s strongest pro VALORANT lineup since 2023.
PatMen played a crucial role for Paper Rex throughout the VCT 2025 season. Despite being in his debut year, he quickly adapted to the team’s unique aggressive style and supported them through the year’s biggest events, even winning Masters Toronto and Pacific Stage Two.
His exceptional clutches on Fade at Masters Toronto (and throughout the season) have forever earned a place in the hearts of fans. Deservingly, he won both Rookie of the Year and Initiator of the Year at the VCT Pacific Awards 2025.
While many are still digesting his departure from Paper Rex, a player of PatMen’s stature surely has a bright future ahead of him.
