ShahZaM Plays Down 'Sentinels Dynasty' Era Claims: 'Not Yet'
Sentinels have undeniably been the best team in VALORANT esports since the inception of Riot Games' tactical shooter. From the launch of the Champions Tour, the North American gatekeepers have been untouchable as they begin to carve out their story on the early pages of a history book that will span for decades.
However, is it too early to call them a dynasty? Can we call the first chapter of VALORANT esports's novel as the "Sentinels era"?
Shahzeb "ShahZaM" Khan doesn't think so. Not yet, anyway.
Despite back-to-back Masters Championship trophies, Sentinels' IGL, ShahZaM, has played down the rumblings of a "Sentinels era", claiming that more silverware is needed before such statuses begin to stick.
Speaking in a press conference prior to the Stage 3 Masters: Berlin, ShahZaM admitted they've been the best team so far, but compared to other dynasties in different title, more trophies need to sit in their case.
"I think we're the only team to show true consistency, throughout the year, out of all of the regions - especially winning both masters," he said. "But I don't know if it's a dynasty yet, especially when compared to the dynasties in CS, until we show up with a win here. Ultimately, Champions is our biggest goal.
He continued: "I think we're not too concerned about making an era for ourselves, we're kind of just taking it qualifier by qualifier and tournament by tournament and trying to do our best by working hard."
Sentinels have been forced into a smaller group alongside G2 Esports and F4Q, due to the problems with BREN Esports travelling to Germany. Following their visa woes, the three remaining teams in the group will now fit into a double round-robin format, where the top two go through.
As they look to cement their dynasty status, ShahZaM also expected G2 Esports or EMEA's Acend to be one of their main rivals, rather than their North American counterparts or a Vision Strikers side with much hype behind them.
Should Sentinels take home the Masters: Berlin trophy, then it might be time for the Sentinels' era to be inked on the contents page. Chapter one.