Paper Rex surprises the VALORANT scene as Mindfreak goes inactive ahead of VCT Pacific Stage 2. What’s next for the Indonesian pro? Full story and career timeline inside.

A Sudden Twist: Mindfreak Inactive from Paper Rex Roster

Thecompetitive VALORANT community was rocked by unexpected news from Paper Rex, oneof Asia Pacific’s top-tier esports organizations, who announced that theirveteran player, Aaron ‘Mindfreak’ Leonhart, will be placed on inactive statusjust days before the start of VCT Pacific Stage 2. This announcement raises onebig question: Is Mindfreak planning to switch teams soon?

Thedecision comes amid Mindfreak’s strong desire to return to the competitivescene after stepping back earlier this year due to mental health challenges.While many fans were hopeful about his comeback, the announcement caught mostoff guard considering the proximity to the upcoming VCT competition.

The Role ofMindfreak in Paper Rex: More Than Just a Player

Aaron’Mindfreak’ Leonhart has been more than just another name on the Paper Rexroster. Since joining the organization in 2020 as a CS:GO player andtransitioning to VALORANT in 2021, the Indonesian pro has carved out adecorated career. He played a vital role in pushing Paper Rex to new heights, helpingthem qualify for three VALORANT Champions events and eight VALORANT Masterstournaments.

InMarch 2025, Patrick ‘PatMen’ Mendoza joined the team, causing a slight shufflein the starting lineup. Mindfreak shifted into the sixth-man role and latereven stepped in as a temporary coach. His impact in this new role was immediateand impressive, guiding Paper Rex to a historic victory at VALORANT MastersToronto, where they defeated Fnatic in the Grand Final.

Despitemoving out of the main lineup, Mindfreak continued to show his unwaveringcommitment to the team’s success.

A Veteran witha Burning Desire to Compete

Harley‘dsn’ Örvall, Chief Gaming Officer of Paper Rex, publicly acknowledgedMindfreak’s competitive spirit and his significance to the team. “Aaron is afierce competitor and an incredibly intelligent player with a wealth ofexperience,” Örvall stated. “However, he’s expressed a strong desire toactively play again, and we respect that. We don’t want to hold back such atalented player from exploring new opportunities.”

Thisstatement suggests a future that might not include Paper Rex, a hint thatMindfreak could be on the move to another VALORANT organization looking for abattle-hardened leader.

Mental HealthBreak and a Focused Comeback

In apersonal message shared via social media, Mindfreak opened up about hisjourney. “I’m ready to play again after Stage 2,” he wrote. “I’ve used thistime at home to recover mentally and physically, especially after going througha really difficult time earlier this year.”

Hishonesty about his mental health struggles resonates with many in the esportsworld, where intense pressure and burnout are often overlooked. Mindfreak’sopenness and willingness to address his situation not only reflect maturity butalso a player preparing for a powerful and intentional comeback.

What’s Next forPaper Rex in VCT Pacific Stage 2?

WithMindfreak officially inactive, all eyes now turn to Paper Rex’s performance inStage 2 of the VCT Pacific League, which kicked off on July 15, 2025. After asuccessful Stage 1, where they finished in third place and earned their ticketto Masters Toronto, the team now carries momentum into this next phase.

Thetournament features 12 of Asia Pacific’s finest teams, battling it out in around-robin format followed by Playoffs. At stake? Two golden tickets to theVCT Champions, the season-ending event where 16 of the best teams worldwidewill compete for a massive $2.25 million prize pool.

WithMindfreak on the sidelines, the burden now falls on the active roster tomaintain their dominance without one of their most experienced minds. Fans willbe watching closely to see how PatMen continues to gel with the team andwhether Paper Rex can adapt their strategy to stay at the top.

A LegacyAlready Built, A New Chapter Incoming?

Mindfreak’scareer speaks for itself. From CS:GO days to becoming one of the mostconsistent VALORANT players in Asia Pacific, his journey is an inspiration.Five years with Paper Rex have cemented his legacy, but his hunger to return tothe main stage makes it clear, his story is far from over.

Willhe rejoin Paper Rex’s starting lineup in the future, or are we about to see Mindfreakdon a new jersey in another team? Only time will tell.

Fornow, one thing is certain, Aaron ‘Mindfreak’ Leonhart isn’t done yet.

Image Source: Veiss Batiment