TenZ Re-signs With Sentinels for VCT 2023

Despite rumors swirling the internet surrounding the security of Sentinels’ star player Tyson “TenZ” Ngo, it appears he and Sentinels have reached an agreement for the 2023 VCT season. Returning to the roster for the first year of the VALORANT partnership league, TenZ will potentially be the only remaining member of the team since its original iteration in 2020.

The Old Guard

It was announced last week that long-time IGL (in-game leader) Shahzeb “ShahZaM” Khan would not be returning to the IGL role for the 2023 season. Khan’s removal was not a massive surprise to the community; however, it was allegedly a surprise to him. Khan was live streaming when it was leaked that two former XSET players would be joining the Sentinels lineup for the upcoming VCT season. Among those two was XSET’s IGL. This prompted a sorrowful response from Khan where he said, “want to know the best part…I just found out with you guys,” referring to the fact that he would be replaced by said IGL for the 2023 season.

This prompted mixed responses from the community, mostly in support of Khan, who had been with the team for almost three years; however, it was later cleared up by Sentinels CEO Rob Moore that Khan had been reminded months prior that his contract was coming to an end soon.

With Khan now gone and Ngo staying, only one other player remains from the Masters Reykjavík winning squad: Michael “dapr” Gulino. Although Sentinels have made no announcements nor have any leaks gone out, Gulino stated on stream that he was “not leaving.” It is unclear at this point whether or not this means he will remain with the team or does not want to leave the team.

The other two original Sentinels players had previously exited the competitive VALORANT scene.

Same Game, New Pieces

Officially, Sentinels have acquired three new team members. Taking key pieces from the unfranchised XSET roster, Sentinels signed Don “Syyko NT” Muir as their new head coach. Muir had coached the XSET roster since late 2020. He will be replacing Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty, who was released earlier this month.

Alongside Muir, Sentinels also acquired former XSET star Zachary “zekken” Patrone to play as Sentinels’ main duelist. The 17-year-old shined during his time on the XSET roster; he played an integral role in XSET’s wins at both Masters Copenhagen and VALORANT Champions. Hunter “SicK” Mims has been on leave from the team for mental health reasons since May of 2022. Jared “zombs” Gitlin was moved to the inactive roster following a series of poor performances in April of 2022.

Their final official signing will be joining Muir on the support staff. Former Ghost Gaming head coach Adam “kaplan” Kaplan is set to be Sentinels’ strategic coach, a position they previously never held.

Outside of official signings, Sentinels has reportedly also acquired former XSET IGL Rory “Dephh” Jackson. While they have not publicly added him to their roster, Khan’s exit seemingly validates their acquisition of Jackson.
Assuming Gulino returns to the roster, Ngo will likely be rejoining as the team’s secondary duelist and primary opper, a change from his role as their main duelist on previous roster iterations.