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VCT Masters London 2026 Day 13: LEVIATÁN Complete Historic Run, Defeat Paper Rex to Claim First International Trophy

  • Writer: Tung "Ginn" Duong
    Tung "Ginn" Duong
  • 2 hours ago
  • 4 min read

After nearly two weeks of elite competition at VCT Masters London 2026, only two teams remained standing. On one side was Paper Rex, looking to add another international title to its legacy. On the other stood LEVIATÁN, a team making its first-ever appearance in an international Grand Final.

LEVIATÁN defeat Paper Rex 3-2 in the VCT Masters London 2026 Grand Final, securing the organization's first international VALORANT championship.

In front of a packed Copper Box Arena, the Americas representatives overcame a disastrous opening map and battled through a thrilling five-map series to defeat Paper Rex 3-2, securing the organization's first international championship in dramatic fashion.


Map 1: Fracture (PRX 13-2 LEV)

The Grand Final began on Paper Rex's map pick, Fracture, where the Pacific champions immediately imposed their aggressive tempo.

Despite moving away from their trademark double-Duelist composition, PRX looked completely in control. Early clutch moments from f0rsakeN helped establish momentum, while Jinggg delivered one of the highlights of the map with a devastating triple-kill Showstopper.

LEVIATÁN struggled to find answers against PRX's relentless pressure and creative utility usage. The Americas squad managed only two rounds before halftime and never recovered after losing the second pistol round.

Paper Rex closed out the opener in dominant fashion, taking Fracture 13-2 and moving one map ahead in the series.


Map 2: Split (LEV 13-6 PRX)

Facing a disastrous start to the final, LEVIATÁN needed an immediate response on Split.

The adjustment came through Sato, who switched from Waylay to Phoenix and helped stabilize the team's attack. While PRX once again secured the opening pistol round, LEV quickly found momentum through coordinated executes and proactive Operator hunts against something.

Both teams traded rounds throughout the first half, eventually reaching a dead-even 6-6 scoreline.

The turning point arrived after halftime. LEVIATÁN secured its first pistol-round victory of the series and converted the following rounds to seize control. With Sato finding impact across the map and the team finally matching PRX's pace, LEV dominated the second half to claim Split 13-6.

The Grand Final was suddenly tied at 1-1.


Map 3: Breeze (PRX 13-11 LEV)

Breeze produced the closest map of the series up to that point.

LEVIATÁN's double-Duelist composition found consistent success during the opening half, with blowz repeatedly delivering key multi-kills to help his side build an 8-4 advantage.

Although PRX secured yet another pistol round, LEV maintained its lead through disciplined defensive setups and timely Operator plays.

However, Paper Rex slowly clawed its way back into contention. Strong performances from invy and something powered a late-game resurgence, allowing the Pacific squad to erase the deficit and eventually take the lead.

Unlike previous heartbreaking moments earlier in the tournament, PRX held its nerve. A crucial Viper's Pit from d4v41 and a perfectly timed flank in the closing rounds secured a 13-11 victory and moved Paper Rex to championship point.


Map 4: Ascent (LEV 13-10 PRX)

With elimination staring them in the face, LEVIATÁN delivered one of its strongest performances of the tournament on Ascent.

Although they lost an anti-eco round after securing the pistol, LEV remained composed and gradually worked their way back into the game. The first half stayed competitive, with PRX narrowly taking a 7-5 lead into the break.

Paper Rex extended its advantage early in the second half thanks to another pistol-round win, but LEVIATÁN refused to let the series end there.

Led by spikeziN's exceptional Neon play, the Americas squad strung together crucial rounds during the late stages of the map. Their confidence continued to grow as they overturned the deficit and eventually secured a 13-10 victory.

The series was headed to a winner-take-all fifth map.


Map 5: Lotus (LEV 13-5 PRX)

The deciding map quickly became a one-sided affair.

LEVIATÁN entered Lotus with supreme confidence and immediately took control after winning the opening pistol round. Even when PRX managed to break their economy, LEV consistently found answers through explosive individual plays from Sato and blowz.

Round after round, Paper Rex struggled to gain any footing. Timeout after timeout failed to stop LEV's momentum as the Americas representatives raced to an overwhelming halftime lead.

The second half offered little relief for PRX. LEVIATÁN secured the final pistol round and continued their dominance, leaving the Pacific champions with virtually no room for a comeback.

When the final round concluded, LEVIATÁN stood victorious with a convincing 13-5 win on Lotus, completing an incredible comeback to capture the Masters London title.


LEVIATÁN Crowned VCT Masters London 2026 Champions

The victory marks the first international championship in LEVIATÁN's history and caps off a remarkable tournament run that saw them defeat some of the world's best teams.

spikeziN proved instrumental throughout the latter stages of the Grand Final, delivering impactful performances on both Neon and Omen while finishing the series with 19 first kills.

Meanwhile, tournament MVP honors went to Neon. After beginning the year on LEVIATÁN's academy roster, the rookie completed a dream tournament run by earning the Masters London MVP award. He finished the event with a 1.21 rating and established himself as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 VCT season.

Youngest Champions in VCT International History

Beyond lifting their first international trophy, LEVIATÁN also etched its name into the VCT record books.

With an average roster age of just 20 years and 5 days, the Americas squad became the youngest team ever to win a VCT international event, surpassing previous record holders including Gen.G, Gambit Esports, EDward Gaming, and Fnatic.

The achievement further highlights the rapid rise of a roster built around emerging talent. With rookies and young stars playing pivotal roles throughout the tournament, LEVIATÁN's triumph in London may be remembered not only as the organization's first international title but also as the beginning of a new generation of championship contenders.

With Masters London now complete, LEVIATÁN leaves England as world champions, while Paper Rex is once again left wondering what could have been after falling short in another international Grand Final.




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