Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears: Khalish “d4v41” Nordin Breaks Down After PRX Victory at VCT Masters Toronto
The esports world witnessed an emotional and unforgettable moment on Sunday night at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Canada. In what can only be described as an Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears, Malaysian-born Valorant pro Ahmad Khalish Rusyaidee “d4v41” Nordin and his team, Paper Rex (PRX), finally lifted their maiden international trophy after defeating Fnatic 3-1 in the Grand Finals of the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Masters Toronto 2025.
For Khalish and his teammates—Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto (Indonesia), Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie (Singapore), Ilia “something” Petrov (Russia), and Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza (Philippines)—this victory was not just about skill. It was the culmination of years of heartbreak, perseverance, and sheer determination. What followed after the final round was an Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears—a raw, emotional display of what it truly means to win after countless near-misses.
A Historic Win After Long-Awaited Redemption
PRX had previously reached the brink of greatness twice before—once at Masters Copenhagen 2022 and again at Champions Los Angeles 2023—but fell short both times. Heading into Toronto, the pressure was intense, but PRX cruised through the upper bracket, setting the stage for a much-anticipated Grand Final against European giants and Masters Tokyo 2023 champions, Fnatic.
The series began with a close 13-11 win for PRX on Sunset, followed by a nail-biting 17-15 overtime loss to Fnatic on Icebox. But PRX wasn’t done. They rebounded with a 13-10 win on Pearl and then sealed the championship with a 14-12 overtime thriller on Lotus—Fnatic’s own map pick.
This time, there was no heartbreak—just an Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears. Khalish couldn’t hold back his emotions. “This victory feels unreal,” he said, wiping away tears in the post-match interview. “We’ve been working very hard for this. Winning an international trophy has always been the goal. This means everything.”
Tears of Triumph: A Moment Etched in Esports History
Khalish’s emotional breakdown resonated with fans across the globe. His Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears humanized the intense world of esports. In a space often dominated by highlight reels and statistics, this moment stood out—a glimpse into the vulnerable, real emotion behind the competitive façade.
“I didn’t plan to cry, but the tears just came out,” Khalish admitted. His voice cracked under the weight of years of effort finally validated on the global stage. The confession touched millions, sparking messages of support and admiration across social media.
With this win, Paper Rex also took home a prize of US$350,000 (RM1.49 million). Khalish was the team’s second-best performer, finishing the tournament with a 1.12 KDA, solidifying his reputation as one of Valorant’s elite.
A Team United by Purpose and Pain
While the Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears came from Khalish, the emotion was shared by all members of PRX. Each had their own journey—struggles with injuries, missed opportunities, and personal sacrifices. Their synergy, however, was unmatched in Toronto.
PRX’s victory is more than a championship—it’s a testament to the team’s resilience. “We’ve been doubted, we’ve lost finals before, but we never stopped believing,” said f0rsakeN after the win. The victory also signals a new era in Valorant, where Asian teams are not just contenders but champions.
What’s Next for PRX?
Having finally broken their title drought, PRX will now shift their focus to the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Set to take place from July 8-13, the tournament boasts a prize pool of US$1.25 million. PRX is expected to be a top contender, riding high on the momentum of their recent win.
But the question remains—can they keep up the intensity and build on this win? As long as they carry the same fire that led to that Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears, PRX will remain a force to be reckoned with.
No Malaysian Representation in PUBG Mobile at EWC
In contrast to PRX’s success, Malaysia’s PUBG Mobile scene faced a setback. Alliance and SEM9 failed to qualify for the Esports World Cup, finishing 7th and 12th respectively in the Southeast Asia Summer PUBG Mobile Super League held in Jakarta. With no Malaysian team in the EWC for PUBG Mobile, all eyes will remain on PRX to carry the flag on the international stage.
The Power of Vulnerability in Esports
Khalish’s Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears has sparked a broader conversation about emotional well-being in esports. Too often, the industry focuses solely on performance metrics, ignoring the mental and emotional toll of the grind. By crying on camera, Khalish showed the world that even top athletes feel overwhelmed, humanizing the often hyper-competitive scene.
“It’s okay to show emotions,” said an analyst on the post-match desk. “In fact, it’s necessary. It shows how much this means to them. That confession and those tears were the real trophy tonight.”
From Underdogs to Icons
From missing out on titles to now being crowned as champions, PRX’s journey is one of redemption and glory. The Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears is now etched in esports lore. It encapsulates everything the team stands for—resilience, passion, and unity.
As PRX prepares for Riyadh, their fans are more invested than ever. Khalish’s tears were not just for himself, but for every aspiring gamer who dreams of a moment like this. It’s proof that the grind pays off, that emotion is strength, and that dreams, no matter how delayed, do come true.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often prizes stoicism and invincibility, Khalish “d4v41” Nordin gave us something far more powerful—an Honest Confession That Brought Unexpected Tears. This was not just a championship win, but a soul-baring moment of truth, one that united fans, transcended borders, and redefined what it means to be a champion in the world of Valorant.
Photo by RDNE Stock project