Sentinels Defeats LOUD 13-8 on Ascent to Win VCT Americas Kickoff Tournament

Sentinels captured their first major VALORANT championship since 2021 on Tuesday night, defeating defending world champions LOUD 13-8 on Ascent in the VCT Americas Kickoff grand final at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles, announcing their return to elite-level competition with a dominant performance that showcased their rebuilt roster's immense potential.

The North American organization was led by the exceptional play of Tyson "TenZ" Ngo, who recorded a tournament-high 287 ACS (Average Combat Score) in the final map while consistently winning crucial duels that swung momentum in Sentinels' favor. TenZ's aggressive entry fragging and clutch performances throughout the series demonstrated why he remains one of VALORANT's most talented players.

"This feels incredible," TenZ said during the trophy presentation. "We've been working so hard as a team to rebuild our chemistry and playstyle, and to beat LOUD in a final like this validates all the effort we've put in. They're the world champions for a reason, but tonight we showed that we're back and ready to compete with anyone in the world."

LOUD, despite their defeat, showed flashes of the brilliance that made them the 2025 world champions, with Erick "aspas" Santos putting up impressive numbers throughout the series. However, the Brazilian squad struggled to find consistent answers to Sentinels' aggressive map control and superior teamwork in crucial rounds.

Sentinels' path to the championship was marked by their evolution as a team unit, with in-game leader Shahzeb "ShahZaM" Khan's tactical leadership and Hunter "SicK" Mims' versatile agent play providing the foundation for their success. Their ability to adapt their strategies mid-map and execute complex set pieces distinguished them from the field throughout the tournament.

The Kickoff victory earns Sentinels a crucial head start in VCT Championship Points and positions them as favorites heading into the upcoming Stage 1 competition. Their triumph represents not just a return to form for the organization, but also signals the potential for increased North American competitiveness in the global VALORANT scene. With the VCT Masters event later this year, Sentinels' championship run suggests they may once again be capable of challenging for the sport's ultimate prize.