The Valorant Champions tournament saw some huge upsets, as long-time favorites Sentinels crashed out, and China finally got revenge on top North American teams.
Players mentioned in the article
Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro
- 3rd place VCT 2025: Americas Stage 2 (2025-08-30)
- 5th place Esports World Cup 2025 (2025-07-11)
- 5th place VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025 (2025-06-17)
Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin
- 9th place VALORANT Champions 2025 (2025-09-21)
- 1st place VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 (2025-08-31)
- 5th place VALORANT Masters Bangkok 2025 (2025-02-24)
Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang (aka Kang Kang)
- 1st place VALORANT Champions 2024 (2024-08-25)
- 9th place Esports World Cup 2025 (2025-07-10)
- 3rd place VALORANT Masters Bangkok 2025 (2025-03-01)
Sentinels’ Unexpected Exit
Sentinels entered the tournament with high expectations. Fans expected them to advance from their group and potentially challenge teams like G2 for the title. However, the reality was harsh. After a rough group stage, Sentinels finished in last place, raising questions about the team’s future and potential roster changes for the next season.
Edward Gaming vs Team Liquid
Edward Gaming, the reigning champions, faced Team Liquid in a thrilling series. Edward started strong, taking the first map, but nAts took over with an incredible performance, including a 27/7 score on Abyss, helping Liquid turn the series around. Despite Edward Gaming’s previous championship form, they were unable to replicate their success and lost 2-1 to Liquid.
Kang, who played Yoru and Neon across different maps, struggled with the Yoru pick, highlighting how meta choices can impact results. Edward Gaming’s roster changes, including the absence of Simon, may have contributed to their difficulties.
Sentinels vs XLGaming
Sentinels faced XLGaming, another Chinese powerhouse. Despite winning Abyss and putting up a competitive fight, Sentinels ultimately lost on Lotus and Haven. Key moments included Shallow’s deep holds and strategic utility use, but XLGaming’s consistency and aggression proved too much for the North American team. Zellsis, one of Sentinels’ standout players, tried to keep the team afloat, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
This marks a shocking exit for Sentinels, who had previously dominated Chinese teams in past events. Their inability to perform under pressure has sparked discussions about roster stability and potential new additions.
Pro Player Reactions
Following the tournament, Sentinels players shared reflections on their performance. Kaplan acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the importance of timing, team harmony, and effort. Junky highlighted that despite making four international events, the team fell short at Champions. Many fans have called for a performance or mentality coach to help the team reach its peak potential.
You can watch the post match full interview here.
Remaining Matches and Other Teams
Other notable matches included RRQ Athena facing Sentinels’ group competitors, with RRQ emerging as favorites. Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) was also highlighted as a potential upset threat against G2. Sentinels’ struggles underscore the unpredictability of competitive Valorant, showing that past success does not guarantee future victories.
Looking Ahead
Sentinels’ exit opens the door for a new champion this year. Chinese teams, including XLGaming, demonstrated strong performances, while other top contenders like G2 and RRQ Athena remain in contention. For Sentinels, the offseason will be critical to analyze mistakes, adjust strategies, and potentially rethink roster roles.
FAQ: Sentinel vs XLGaming VCT 2025
Why did Sentinels perform poorly at Valorant Champions?
Sentinels struggled with coordination under pressure and roster changes, which affected their ability to execute strategies effectively against top teams.
Who were the best players in VCT 2025?
nAts from Liquid and Zellsis from Sentinels delivered strong performances, with nAts turning games around and Zellsis keeping Sentinels competitive.
Which team eliminated Sentinels from Valorant Champions?
XLGaming from China defeated Sentinels, securing the upset and ending the North American team’s run in the tournament.
