Sentinels Dominates 100 Thieves in NA VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs
Sentinels and 100 Thieves, two major teams in NA VALORANT, clashed in the upper bracket final of the NA VCT Stage Three: Challengers Playoffs. Sentinels continued their streak of dominance as the Masters Two champions, securing a decisive victory, including a 13-2 win on Split to start the series.
Sentinels displayed a strong defense on Split, effectively using utility to slow down 100T’s pushes and win opening duels. In the entire first half, 100T only managed to win one round, thanks to the heroic play of their solo duelist Asuna on Jett/Op. As the teams switched sides with an 11-1 lead for Sentinels, 100T maintained their momentum, securing a flawless pistol round after marching through Mid. Although trailing 12-1, the Thieves won a chaotic round with a force buy, only to lose to a thrifty round from Sentinels.
On Haven, 100T showcased their favored triple-initiator composition. After losing the first three rounds to Sentinels, 100T fought back, winning three consecutive rounds of their own and gathering valuable information for steel to secure early Op picks. Zombs’ Cosmic Divide bolstered Sentinels’ retake for the second map in a row, while steel’s calm and collected plays kept the first half tied at 6-6.
However, 100T couldn’t find an answer to Sentinels’ post-plant proficiency on attack. Whether it was Killjoy, Astra, Sova, or Phoenix, Sentinels’ agents effectively used their abilities, making retakes nearly impossible for 100T, regardless of the information they gathered. Sentinels closed out the map with five consecutive rounds, securing a 13-8 victory on Haven and winning the series 2-0.
Both teams accomplished their primary mission the day before by qualifying for Masters Three Berlin through the Challengers Playoffs upper bracket. Despite this achievement, today’s result still holds significance. With their win, Sentinels secured a grand finals spot in this bracket and positioned themselves favorably as the highest-seeded team from NA heading to Berlin. Although the format for Masters Three Berlin has yet to be announced, Sentinels are on track to secure any advantages given to the top seed.
100T will now await the winner of the lower bracket matchup between Team Envy and XSET. The victor of that series will secure the third and final NA slot in Berlin, which is more important than facing 100T.
NA VALORANT, VCT, Sentinels, 100 Thieves, Challengers Playoffs, Masters Two, Split, Haven, Berlin, grand finals, high seed