The 2025 VCT Pacific season has closed its group stage with a shocking outcome: Team Secret, one of the region’s most consistent performers, failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since the start of the Riot Games partnership era. Despite the much-anticipated return of veteran leader Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco, the squad’s campaign ended in heartbreak following a decisive loss against Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) with map scores of 15-13 on Ascent, 4-13 on Icebox, and 3-13 on Sunset.
For a team that has long carried the pride of Filipino VALORANT on the international stage, this marks a new low—and raises important questions about their future in the competitive landscape.
A Season of Struggles
The 2025 campaign will be remembered as Team Secret’s weakest performance in the Pacific league so far. For the past two seasons, Secret had earned a reputation for being perennial contenders—often landing just a series short of qualifying for VALORANT Champions, the most prestigious tournament in Riot’s global circuit.
This year, however, their struggles became increasingly apparent. Early-season matches highlighted cracks in team coordination and an inability to close out winnable games. Even with flashes of brilliance, their lack of consistency left them vulnerable in a hyper-competitive field where every map mattered.
The return of JessieVash brought excitement among fans, many of whom hoped the veteran’s leadership would stabilize the roster. Yet while his presence brought valuable experience and in-game intelligence, it wasn’t enough to push the team over the edge against stronger, better-adapted opponents.
The Pivotal Loss Against RRQ
The final group stage clash with RRQ served as the defining moment of Team Secret’s season.
- Ascent (15-13): Team Secret fought tooth-and-nail, narrowly edging into overtime but closing out the first map.
- Icebox (4-13): Momentum quickly collapsed as RRQ showcased dominant control, suffocating Secret’s offense with tactical precision.
- Sunset (3-13): The decider map was a one-sided affair, where Secret’s defenses fell apart and RRQ sealed their playoff berth while eliminating their Filipino rivals.
The loss confirmed what fans feared—Secret would not be advancing, ending their streak of playoff appearances in the Pacific league.
Filipino Representation in 2025 Now Rests on Paper Rex
With Team Secret and Global Esports both officially eliminated, the spotlight now shifts to Paper Rex (PRX) as the last bastion of Filipino representation in the VCT Pacific 2025 playoffs.
PRX, one of the region’s most dominant organizations, features Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto and Aaron “mindfreak” Leonhart, both of whom carry Filipino heritage and continue to fly the flag on the international stage. For many Pinoy fans, PRX now represents the nation’s hopes for a deep run toward VALORANT Champions 2025.
What This Means for Team Secret’s Future
The disappointing 2025 season leaves Team Secret at a crossroads. Questions about roster changes, coaching adjustments, and long-term strategy are inevitable as the organization looks to rebuild and regain its competitive edge.
Despite the setback, Team Secret’s legacy in the Pacific league remains undeniable. They’ve consistently punched above their weight in previous years, showcasing Filipino talent on the global VALORANT stage. Whether this season serves as a wake-up call or the beginning of a decline will largely depend on how the team and management respond in the offseason.
The Bigger Picture: A Shifting Pacific Landscape
Team Secret’s exit also underscores the rapidly shifting power dynamics within VCT Pacific. Established teams can no longer rely solely on veteran experience or individual firepower—adaptability, depth in strategy, and mental resilience are more important than ever.
As rising squads like RRQ and other Pacific powerhouses continue to evolve, the road back to the playoffs will only grow steeper for Secret and other struggling teams.
Conclusion
The 2025 VCT Pacific season will be remembered as a turning point for Team Secret. Their first-ever failure to reach the playoffs in the partnership era is a sobering reminder that no team is immune to decline. Still, the spirit of Filipino esports fans remains unshaken, now rallying behind Paper Rex as they carry the nation’s hopes forward.
For Secret, the offseason will be critical. Will they bounce back stronger, or will this season mark the start of a downward trend? One thing is certain—their journey continues, and Filipino fans will be watching every step of the way.
