Who would've guessed it? DRX entered Stage 1 looking hot in the group stage before spectacularly fizzling out when it actually matters most in the playoffs. As per usual. Now, having failed to qualify for two international events this year, we're shaping up to have our worst season since 2024. In fact, it could very well become the outright worst if we aren't careful. You see, DRX are quite the predictable team. So, let's take the historical data and compile them to map out what shall transpire for this organization in the coming 6 months:
- Roster change! Yes, before the start of Stage 2, termi is bound to make some sort of switch up in the players. This has been an ongoing trend since the inception of VCT, every single time we've failed to qualify for an international event: Masters Reykjavík 2021, Masters Madrid 2024, Masters Shanghai 2024, Masters Toronto 2025, Masters Santiago 2026.
- Oh? Look at that! DRX stomp their way through the group stage in Stage 2. And let's not forget our new pickup has shown plenty of promise. There will be plenty of praise regarding DRX coaching and their ability to strike again with excellent recruitment.
- One way or another, DRX have somehow found themselves qualified to Champions Shanghai 2026. I mean, what a remarkable feat. Keeping the streak of attending all 6 Champions events in VCT history. There's a certain buzz around the team, too... Could they finally win an international trophy...?
- Ho-ho! I mean, was there ever any doubt? The kings of group stages once more. Certainly, they have taken down a heavy favorite in the process as well. Maybe DRX are the real ones to watch for the rest of the tournament.
- Wow! DRX take down FNC in the El Classico of VCT! These two titans are the only teams to have made every Champions and surprise surprise! They clash again for the 6th one in a row. As it's an even-numbered year, it's DRX's turn to win. I mean, now there's no denying the Koreans have amazing momentum for this playoffs.
- Ah. Well, that was anti-climactic. It was a solid performance overall but really? Still no Grand Finals appearances? Perhaps it was 4th. Or 3rd. Or probably 5th - 6th but what difference does it make? Another international event, another shortcoming.
- Huh? The coaching staff kept their jobs? What a peculiar, yet completely expected result. Ideally, after 6 years of disappointment, we would want to replace the constant but alas, we are proponents of mediocrity. As long as we make international events and recruit solid talent every now and then, right?
- Wait, what? DRX didn't get re-entry into partnership? But surely they're the best Korean team of all time still. Who cares that three other teams have won an international event before them, even though DRX have had the most opportunities? What a shock!
- 2027 is a new format and era of Valorant. Let's just stick with what we know and run it all back! Maybe we'll be able to run through some random Tier 4 regional farmers to make ourselves feel better. Maybe not, though. The entirety of Korea will and have been continuously pulling ahead of DRX anyways...
- Oh yeah, let's not forget DRX will create a meta-defining team composition/agent utilization/playstyle innovation sometime in this period that "succeeds" but ultimately isn't enough to yield global victory.
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