Sentinels has a knack for performing well in international tournaments held in Europe. The Sentinels have emerged as champions of the VALORANT Masters in Madrid after defeating Gen.G 3-2 in the final this weekend.
The American squad had to pull off an epic comeback to secure their first trophy in Riot Games’ shooter for the club, three years after winning the Masters in Reykjavik, Iceland.
With this victory, the American representative sought revenge against the South Korean team, which had sent them to the lower bracket of the tournament.
A Hard-Fought Battle
The Sentinels entered the final with confidence but with the upper final’s result fresh in their minds. Gen.G prevailed over the American club with a 2-1 score, forcing Tyson “TenZ” Ngo’s team to battle against Paper Rex in the lower bracket for a spot in the final.
At the Asia and America Masters, the world runners-up fell 3-1 to the returning team, eager to bring back memories of 2021 for the Madrid audience. However, unlike in Reykjavik, parity was evident from start to finish.
A Thrilling Showdown
Gen.G capitalized on the advantage of two map vetoes to gain momentum early on. The South Korean squad proved to be the only team to truly challenge the Sentinels in Madrid.
The Asian representative opened the scoreline with a 13-8 win on Breeze and then lamented letting Bind slip away (12-14). When Kim “Lakia” Jong-min’s team led 10-7, Sentinels managed to string together five consecutive rounds from the attacker’s side. GEN forced overtime but couldn’t prevent the tie.
4 in the pistol round for @lakiaone! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/fjuilDfzrd
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 24, 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Sentinels secure victory against Gen.G, marking their return to the top after three years.
- The final match between the two teams becomes the most-watched game in VALORANT history, attracting over 1.6 million viewers.
Zekken’s Impact
The standout player for Sentinels during the finals was Zachary “zekken” Patrone, who showcased exceptional skill and determination. Despite occasional inconsistencies, zekken’s performance was crucial in forcing the fifth and final game. His remarkable plays, particularly on Raze, allowed Sentinels to overcome Gen.G’s defense.
.@zekkenVAL IS DIFF! #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/4QEQBzdfMC
— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) March 24, 2024
The Significance of the Victory
Sentinels’ triumph holds immense significance, not just in terms of the tournament outcome but also in the context of VALORANT’s history. The victory after three years reaffirms Sentinels’ status as one of the top teams in the game and solidifies their place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The VALORANT Masters in Madrid may not have been the most successful tournament in EMEA’s history, but it undeniably set a new standard for viewership.
The clash between Sentinels and Gen.G attracted record-breaking viewership, making it the most-watched match in VALORANT history. This milestone highlights the growing popularity and appeal of competitive VALORANT on the global stage.
VCT Masters Madrid: Gen.G and Sentinels Secure Semifinal Spots