The VCT Masters Madrid victory marked a historic global success for Sentinels. Various narratives played out during the event; from TenZ’s continued dominance in VALORANT, Zekken emerging as the best Duelist globally, johnqt leading the team to victory as a rookie, to Sacy making history as the first Champions and Masters winner.
However, perhaps no one had a bigger impact on Sentinels’ triumph in Madrid than Zellsis. His ‘vibes merchant’ persona, though a playful title, stemmed from his vital role in maintaining team morale and bringing out the best in his teammates.
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His crowd hyping during the final against Gen.G and taunting of opponents on Icebox lifted the team’s spirits. His confidence inspired those around him, while Gen.G appeared increasingly uneasy as the match progressed. Munchkin, usually animated, sat dejected, clearly uncomfortable in the Madrid Arena at that moment.
Credit: Hara Amoros |Riot Games
Unbreakable Mentality and Unfazed by Opponents
Zellsis’ impact transcended the game. Coach Kaplan revealed in an interview how Zellsis prevented a collapse after a loss on Split in the lower bracket final. His actions enabled the team to release their frustrations, leading to a mental reset for the next map, which Sentinels won convincingly to secure a spot in the grand finals.
Zellsis’ competitive journey could have taken a different turn. Initially a substitute at SEN, he had low expectations of playing this year, believing his pro career was winding down. However, following the Masters win, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to show his worth and contribute to the team.
Credit: Valorant Esports | Flickr
Instead of fading away, Zellsis has become the linchpin of Sentinels, playing a crucial role in their success. He has emerged as the most important player in the world’s best VALORANT team.
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