For the first time since the beginning of the Riot Games partnership era, Team Secret, one of the most reliable teams in the region, did not make it to the playoffs as the 2025 VCT Pacific season came to a shocking end in its group stage. The squad’s campaign ended in heartbreak after a crushing defeat to Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) with map scores of 15-13 on Ascent, 4-13 on Icebox, and 3-13 on Sunset, despite the eagerly awaited return of veteran leader Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco.
This represents a new low for a team that has long represented Filipino VALORANT on the global scene and poses significant queries regarding their prospects in the competitive environment.
A Season of Struggles
The 2025 season will go down as Team Secret’s worst Pacific League campaign to date. Secret had established a reputation as consistent contenders over the previous two seasons, frequently finishing just one series away from earning a spot in Riot’s most prestigious tournament, VALORANT Champions.
But this year, their difficulties were more noticeable. Early-season games revealed weaknesses in the team’s ability to coordinate and finish games that could be won. Their inconsistency, despite occasional moments of genius, made them exposed in a fiercely competitive field where every map counted.
Fans were excited by JessieVash’s return and hoped that the veteran’s leadership would help stabilize the roster. However, even though he contributed invaluable experience and in-game knowledge, the team was unable to overcome more formidable and well-suited opponents.
The Pivotal Loss Against RRQ
The pivotal moment in Team Secret’s season was their matchup with RRQ in the final group stage.
- Ascent (15–13): Team Secret battled valiantly, finishing the first map but barely surviving overtime.
- Icebox (4–13): As RRQ demonstrated dominant control and tactically stifled Secret’s offense, momentum swiftly dissipated.
- Sunset (3–13): Secret’s defenses collapsed in the decisive map, and RRQ eliminated their Filipino opponents to secure their postseason spot.
The defeat ended Secret’s run of Pacific League playoff appearances, confirming what supporters had feared: they would not be moving forward.
Filipino Representation in 2025 Now Rests on Paper Rex
As the final stronghold of Filipino representation in the VCT Pacific 2025 playoffs, Paper Rex (PRX) is now in the spotlight following the official elimination of Team Secret and Global Esports.
Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto and Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart are core members of Paper Rex (PRX), one of the most dominant VALORANT organizations in the region. While both are of Indonesian heritage, the team also features Patrick “Patmen” Mendoza, the lone Filipino player on the roster. For many fans, Patmen’s presence has made PRX a symbol of Filipino hopes for a breakthrough run at the 2025 VALORANT Champions title.
What This Means for Team Secret’s Future
Team Secret finds itself at a crossroads following the disappointing 2025 season. As the team attempts to rebuild and regain its competitive edge, questions regarding coaching changes, roster changes, and long-term strategy will inevitably arise.
Team Secret’s impact in the Pacific League is still indisputable in spite of the setback. In past years, they have continuously outperformed their peers, displaying Filipino talent on the international VALORANT stage. How the team and management react in the offseason will determine whether this season is a wake-up call or the start of a decline.
The Bigger Picture: A Shifting Pacific Landscape
The departure of Team Secret also highlights how quickly the balance of power is changing within VCT Pacific. Veteran experience and individual firepower are no longer sufficient for established teams; flexibility, strategic depth, and mental toughness are more crucial than ever.
The road back to the playoffs will only get more difficult for Secret and other struggling teams as up-and-coming teams like RRQ and other Pacific powerhouses continue to develop.
Conclusion
For Team Secret, the 2025 VCT Pacific season will be regarded as a watershed. It is a sobering reminder that no team is immune to decline that they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in the partnership era. Filipino esports fans, however, have not wavered and are now supporting Paper Rex as they advance the country’s aspirations.
The off-season will be crucial for Secret. Will this season be the beginning of a downward trend, or will they recover more strongly? There is no doubt that Filipino fans will be following them at every turn as they continue on their journey.
