Paper Rex part ways with Malaysia's d4v41 and Singapore's Jinggg after five years together
Paper Rex have confirmed the departures of Malaysian star d4v41 and Singaporean Jinggg ahead of VCT 2027, breaking up the core of a Masters Toronto-winning roster.
The VALORANT off-season has brought a major change for South-East Asian esports. Paper Rex confirmed on Saturday 31 October that Malaysian player Khalish "d4v41" Rusyaidee and Singaporean player Wang "Jinggg" Jing Jie are leaving the team before the 2027 season. Between them, they were part of every major moment in PRX's VALORANT history.
Two of PRX's longest-serving players
d4v41 has been with the organisation since 2020, when Paper Rex competed in CS:GO, and moved to VALORANT with the team in 2021. Jinggg joined in September 2021. He stepped away at the end of 2023 to complete national service in Singapore and returned to the team on 29 March 2024.
Strafe reports that d4v41's departure was announced first, with Jinggg's confirmed shortly afterwards. Earlier in the week, d4v41 had said his contract was coming to an end and that he had been allowed to look at other options. He has since said he will join a new team but has not named it. Jinggg has not announced his next move.
Assistant coach Ashton "Wendler" Wendler is also leaving. He had said he was looking for head coaching roles.
What they won together
The pair helped make Paper Rex one of the most successful teams in the Pacific. Their best results include:
- Runners-up at VALORANT Champions 2023
- Masters Toronto 2025, PRX's first international title
- VCT Pacific Stage 1 2026 champions
- Runners-up at Masters Santiago 2026, losing 0-3 to Nongshim
- Runners-up at Masters London 2026, losing 2-3 to Leviatán
Hotspawn counts five international grand finals for the core of this roster, along with four Pacific titles in the partnership era. Their final event together was Champions Shanghai 2026, where PRX finished in the top eight.
What comes next for Paper Rex
Paper Rex's league place is safe. Riot selected the team as one of eight VCT Pacific partners for 2027 and 2028, which guarantees them a spot at the 2027 Kickoff. Strafe reports that the departures are not linked to that status.
PRX have not announced the rest of their 2027 roster. Sheep Esports reported on 29 October that Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto and Ilya "something" Petrov are expected to stay, and that Jhon Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza is set to return after a season with Global Esports. Paper Rex have not confirmed any of those reports.
The Malaysian angle
For Malaysian fans, d4v41 is the main story. He has been one of Malaysia's most prominent VALORANT players since the game's early competitive years, and his six seasons with PRX made him a familiar face at international events. Where he goes next will shape how Malaysia is represented at the top level of VALORANT in 2027.
Key takeaways
- Paper Rex confirmed on 31 October that d4v41 and Jinggg are leaving the team before VCT 2027.
- d4v41 had been with the organisation since 2020; Jinggg since September 2021.
- The pair won Masters Toronto 2025 and reached the 2026 Masters Santiago and London finals with PRX.
- Paper Rex remain a VCT Pacific partner for 2027 and 2028; their new roster has not been announced.
FAQ
Why did d4v41 leave Paper Rex? d4v41 said his contract was nearing its end and that he had been allowed to explore other teams. Paper Rex then confirmed his departure on 31 October.
Where is d4v41 going? He has said he will join a new team but has not named it yet.
Will Paper Rex still play in VCT Pacific in 2027? Yes. Paper Rex are one of eight VCT Pacific partner teams for 2027 and 2028, so their place in the league is guaranteed.
Sources: Strafe, Hotspawn, RG.org, VLR.gg