Two of the most iconic players in competitive Valorant history, Tyson “TenZ” Ngo and Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi, have announced their retirement, marking a significant shift in the North American esports scene. This sudden news comes as both players step away from the professional arena, leaving behind remarkable careers.
TenZ’s Unexpected Farewell
At just 23 years old, TenZ, one of North America’s most prominent Valorant figures, surprised the community by announcing his retirement. He shared that he had been considering this decision since the beginning of the season but wanted to end on a high note, despite the struggles of 2023.
After a successful career in both CS and Valorant, TenZ’s final triumph was winning the VCT Masters Madrid with Sentinels, followed by a fourth-place finish at the Valorant Champions.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, TenZ explained that while he enjoyed competing, the demanding schedule and long hours were a key factor in his decision to step away. “There are so many things I want to pursue outside of gaming,” he said, indicating his plans to focus on content creation and explore other ambitions.
TenZ’s Career Highlights:
- Championship Wins: VCT Masters Madrid, various other regional titles
- Retirement Age: 23
- Future Plans: Focus on content creation and personal endeavors
Sacy’s Exit Shocks the Valorant Scene
Just a day after TenZ’s announcement, Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi, a 26-year-old Valorant veteran from Brazil, also declared his retirement. Sacy’s competitive journey began in League of Legends (LoL) with RED Canids in the CBLOL, before switching to Valorant in 2020.
He quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple titles with LOUD, including the prestigious Valorant Champions 2022.
Sacy joined Sentinels in 2023, and although the team struggled initially, they managed to claim the VCT Americas Kickoff and the VCT Masters Madrid in 2024. With his unique ability to transition between different esports titles, Sacy leaves a lasting legacy, being the only player to have won both a Valorant Masters and a Valorant Champions.
Sacy’s Career Highlights:
- Notable Teams: LOUD, RED Canids, Vikings
- Major Wins: Valorant Champions 2022, VCT Masters Madrid 2024
- Legacy: The only player to win both a Valorant Masters and a Champions
Sentinels Face a Challenging Future
With the departure of both TenZ and Sacy, Sentinels will need to find replacements that can uphold the team’s high standards. The organization started the year strong by winning the VCT Kickoff and the VCT Masters Madrid, but now faces the daunting task of rebuilding its roster for the 2025 season.
Conclusion
As the pre-season for Valorant continues, the retirements of TenZ and Sacy are part of a larger wave of changes sweeping the competitive landscape.
With other notable players like Derke leaving Fnatic and Saadhak exiting LOUD, fans are eagerly awaiting further updates as teams prepare for the next chapter in Valorant esports.
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