Malaysia's d4v41 opens door to Paper Rex exit as Valorant free agency nears
Malaysian Valorant star d4v41 is looking for a new team after Paper Rex let him explore options as his contract runs down. Free agency opens on 2 November.
One of Malaysia's most successful esports players could be on the move. Khalish "d4v41" Rusyaidee has announced that he is looking for a new team, after Paper Rex gave him permission to explore other options as his contract approaches its end. The news, posted on 24 October, puts a question mark over one of the longest partnerships in Valorant, and comes as the off-season market heads towards the opening of free agency on 2 November.
What d4v41 announced
In a post on X, d4v41 said Paper Rex had given him the chance to "explore other options and find a new home for the next chapter" of his career, and invited teams to contact him directly. The wording makes clear the decision is a mutual one: he is still contracted for now, but the Singapore-based organisation has allowed him to hold talks with rivals before his deal expires.
Paper Rex's assistant coach Wendler made a similar announcement the same day, saying he wants a head coach role. He is contracted until the end of the month but has also been allowed to speak with other teams.
Six years at the heart of Paper Rex
d4v41 moved into Valorant from Counter-Strike alongside Indonesian star Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto and spent around six years with Paper Rex. In that time the team became one of the faces of Pacific Valorant, known for its aggressive, high-tempo style. According to VLR.gg, PRX qualified for nearly every global VCT event during his time there, won four Pacific titles in the partnership era, reached five international grand finals and won Masters Toronto in 2025.
He was more than a fragger in that system. d4v41 shifted between roles over the years and was regarded as one of the team's leaders, which is why his availability is likely to attract interest from teams in both the Pacific and other regions.
Where Paper Rex stand
The 2026 season was a strong one for PRX. They finished runners-up at both Masters Santiago and Masters London before a top-eight finish at Champions Shanghai, and they were confirmed as a VCT partner team for 2027.
Their listed roster for next season now features f0rsakeN, Jinggg, invy and something, with alecks as head coach. invy, who joined from Team Secret, is under contract until the end of 2027. That leaves one place to fill if Paper Rex continue with a five-player lineup, and it will be one of the most closely watched decisions in the Pacific league.
A busy market
d4v41 is not the only major name available. Team Vitality parted ways with Derke on 24 October, MIBR moved aspas, zekken, Verno and Mazino to their inactive roster on 23 October, and several Pacific teams, including KIWOOM DRX and ZETA DIVISION, have released or freed up players. Most 2026 contracts end on 2 November, when teams can officially sign new players for the coming season.
For Malaysian fans, the next few weeks will show whether d4v41 stays in the Pacific league, which would keep his matches in convenient local time slots, or tests himself in a new region.
Key takeaways
- Malaysian player d4v41 has announced he is looking for a new team as his Paper Rex contract nears its end.
- He spent around six years with Paper Rex, winning Masters Toronto in 2025 and four Pacific titles.
- Paper Rex's listed 2027 roster includes f0rsakeN, Jinggg, invy and something.
- Valorant free agency opens on 2 November, with Derke and several MIBR stars also available.
FAQ
Is d4v41 leaving Paper Rex? He has announced he is looking for a new team after PRX allowed him to explore options. No new team has been confirmed.
What has d4v41 won with Paper Rex? He won Masters Toronto in 2025 and four Pacific titles, and reached five international grand finals with the team.
When does Valorant free agency start? Most 2026 contracts expire on 2 November, which is when the free-agency window opens.
Sources: VLR.gg, Pley.gg, VALO2ASIA, X