Malaysian Valorant star d4v41 reportedly set to join China's Xi Lai Gaming for VCT 2027
Former Paper Rex captain d4v41 is reportedly heading to VCT China side Xi Lai Gaming, while Paper Rex rebuild around PatMen's return after releasing him and Jinggg.
Malaysia's best-known Valorant player could be heading to China. Khalish "d4v41" Rusyaidee, who spent around six years with Singapore's Paper Rex (PRX), is set to join VCT China partner team Xi Lai Gaming (XLG) for the 2027 season, according to a report from Sheep Esports that was picked up by Indonesian outlet Ligagame on 4 November. Neither XLG nor the player had confirmed the move at the time of writing, so it should be treated as a report rather than a done deal.
The end of a Paper Rex era
The report follows a major shake-up at PRX. On 31 October, the club confirmed that both d4v41 and Singaporean duelist Wang "Jinggg" Jing Jie were leaving its Valorant roster, Strafe reported. d4v41 had already announced in late October that he was exploring options as his contract neared its end.
The 28-year-old joined the organisation in 2020, when he was still playing Counter-Strike, and moved to Valorant with the team's first roster in 2021. Over the following years, PRX became one of the most entertaining teams in the world, known for an aggressive, unpredictable style. Highlights included a runner-up finish at Valorant Champions 2023 and the club's first international title at Masters Toronto 2025.
Individually, d4v41 was named VCT Pacific's Initiator of the Year in 2023 and later its Sentinel of the Year, reflecting a shift towards more defensive roles in recent seasons.
A strong 2026, but changes anyway
PRX were still competitive in 2026. They won VCT Pacific Stage 1 and finished runner-up at both Masters Santiago and Masters London, before a top-eight exit at Champions in Shanghai. That near-miss pattern appears to have prompted a partial rebuild.
PRX have since brought back Filipino initiator Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza, who spent 2026 with Global Esports after an earlier spell at the club in 2025. Sheep Esports has also reported that Jason "f0rsakeN" Susanto and Ilya "something" Petrov will stay, while Filipino player invy is under contract. PRX remain one of eight VCT Pacific partner teams for 2027 and 2028.
What XLG would offer
XLG recently earned VCT China partner status for two years after coming through the Ascension pathway, Ligagame reported. The China region had a difficult Champions, with all four of its teams going out after two matches each. XLG are expected to keep Teng "happywei" Min-wei and Huang "WsLeo" Ping-wei, leaving room for further signings.
For d4v41, a move to China would mean a new league, new team-mates and a different competitive environment after years as a fixture of the Pacific scene. For Malaysian fans, it would also mean following him in the VCT China league rather than in Pacific matches against SEA rivals.
What happens next
Official announcements typically arrive once the VCT offseason transfer window allows deals to be completed. Meanwhile, the open qualifiers for the 2027 Pacific Kickoff begin in late November, with the first Southeast Asia qualifier listed by VLR.gg from 23 November to 5 December. Each Kickoff will feature 12 teams, made up of eight partners and four open qualifiers.
Key takeaways
- d4v41 is reportedly set to join Xi Lai Gaming for 2027, but the move is not yet official.
- Paper Rex confirmed the departures of d4v41 and Jinggg on 31 October.
- d4v41 helped Paper Rex reach the Champions 2023 final and win Masters Toronto 2025.
- Paper Rex have brought back PatMen and are reported to be keeping f0rsakeN and something.
- XLG are a VCT China partner team for 2027 and 2028.
FAQ
Is d4v41's move to Xi Lai Gaming confirmed? No. It was reported by Sheep Esports and relayed by Ligagame on 4 November, but neither the team nor the player has made an official announcement.
When did d4v41 leave Paper Rex? Paper Rex confirmed his departure, along with Jinggg's, on 31 October 2026 ahead of the 2027 season.
Who is joining Paper Rex for 2027? Paper Rex have signed PatMen, who returns after a year at Global Esports. Other changes have been reported but not all are confirmed.
Sources: Sheep Esports, Ligagame, Strafe, VLR.gg, RG.org