Imagine a team at the top of the VALORANT world, then tumbling down, facing financial ruin, and on the verge of disappearing.
Now picture them clawing their way back, defying the odds, and becoming champions once more. That’s the incredible story of Sentinels.
The Improbable Rise
In the early stages of VALORANT esports, the Sentinels encountered significant challenges.
Amidst the turmoil surrounding star player Jay “Sinatraa” Won’s legal issues, they enlisted the talents of Tyson “TenZ” Ngo.
Initial Dominance and Sudden Collapse
With TenZ‘s arrival, Sentinels quickly became tournament favorites and won major events.
However, other teams soon caught up, exploiting Sentinels’ reliance on raw skill. Sentinels’ fortunes plummeted as losses piled up, disappointing fans.
Desperate Measures and Continued Struggles
In 2022, Sentinels recruited former CS:GO star “Shroud” in a bid to reclaim glory.
Sadly, this effort failed, leading to early tournament exits. From 2022 to 2023 Sentinels continued to struggle and ended up with another poor LCQ performance.
Financial Woes and Uncertain Future
Facing long-term failure, Sentinels warned investors of potential acquisition or closure.
With limited funding, they estimated surviving only 4-5 months. The once-dominant team teetered on the brink of collapse.
The Turning Point: VCT Masters Madrid
Against all odds, Sentinels claimed victory at VCT Masters Madrid 2024.
In a gripping 3-2 grand final, they defeated Gen.G, avenging an earlier loss. This epic comeback marked their triumphant return to the top.
TenZ’s Resurgence on the Global Stage
TenZ returned to international competition in spectacular style following his 2021 rookie season.
Role-swapping renewed his career and established his legacy as an all-time great Valorant player.
The Ultimate Accomplishment: A Second Title
Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi etched his name among VALORANT legends by winning his second international title, a rare feat in the game’s young history.
Zekken and Zellsis Finally Taste Victory
For Zachary “Zekken” Patrone and Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro, Madrid represented long-awaited validation.
Zekken’s sublime performances solidified his status as a rising star, while Zellsis proved his worth as an elite flex player.
Johnqt’s Meteoric Rise as an IGL
In his first year with Sentinels, Johnqt transitioned from the Challenger League to become one of North America’s best in-game leaders, steering the team’s resurgence.
Kaplan’s Masterclass in Coaching
Interim coach Adam “Kaplan” Kaplan’s tactical genius transformed Sentinels into a well-oiled machine, guiding them to their second international championship against all odds.
From the Brink of Collapse to Conquering Heroes
Sentinels’ victory at Madrid marked the end of a long and difficult road of hardship.
They rose from the ashes of near-irrelevance to become VALORANT’s elite through hard work and determination.
