The Valorant esports community was taken by surprise as Paper Rex’s cherished player, Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie, is set to bid farewell to the team, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. This unexpected development was revealed by none other than the team’s coach, Alexandre “alecks” Sallé, in an exclusive interview with Round Up Gamers.
A New Journey for Jinggg
Jinggg’s impending departure from Paper Rex stems from a life-altering commitment he is about to undertake. Starting from the dawn of 2024, Jinggg will embark on Singapore’s mandatory National Service, a two-year stint in the armed forces that will temporarily sideline him from competitive Valorant. This commitment effectively rules him out from participating in the highly anticipated VCT 2024 season.
Coach alecks stated, “Jinggg is leaving PRX at the end of this season and will not be participating in the 2024 season. We would like to send him to the army as soon as possible. That way, he will retire from the army sooner.” This strategic decision underscores the team’s plan to ensure Jinggg’s triumphant return to professional play once his National Service tenure concludes.
Jinggg’s Impact
Jinggg’s presence has been nothing short of transformative for Paper Rex. Since joining the team in 2021 as a replacement for Zhang Teng “Shiba” Toh, Jinggg brought stability and a newfound competitive edge to the roster. The results were palpable, with the team dominating the Pacific region in 2023. Their triumphs include claiming the coveted VCT Pacific League championship and a commendable 3rd-place finish at Masters Tokyo.
Paper Rex’s journey in 2023 has been a rollercoaster of success, and they now stand on the precipice of making history. Having secured a top 3 finish at Valorant Champions 2023, the team is tantalizingly close to becoming the first Pacific team to secure victory in an international VCT event. Their performances in Los Angeles, where they clinched victory in their first four matches, have propelled them to this remarkable juncture.
Throughout 2023, Paper Rex underwent significant roster adjustments, signifying their adaptability and commitment to success. The decision to bench in-game leader Benedict “Benkai” Tan prior to Masters Tokyo marked a pivotal moment, followed by the addition of Russian talent Ilya “something” Petrov at the onset of VCT Pacific. Despite the challenges, the team’s competitive spirit remained resolute, with substitute player Patiphan “CigaretteS” Posri stepping in during Masters Tokyo due to “something’s” visa issues.
Who Will Fill Jinggg’s Shoes?
As the esports community awaits further revelations, Paper Rex is yet to unveil the player who will step into Jinggg’s formidable shoes on the active roster for the upcoming year. The departure of a player of Jinggg’s calibre unquestionably leaves a void, but Paper Rex’s track record of resilience and adaptability instils confidence in their continued evolution.
The esports world stands united in bidding farewell to Jinggg’s current chapter while eagerly anticipating the unfolding narrative of Paper Rex’s journey beyond. The team’s journey, marked by triumphs, challenges, and unexpected turns, is far from over, and fans can rest assured that the legacy of Jinggg will continue to inspire as the team forges ahead into uncharted territory.
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