Sentinels have been knocked out of the Valorant Masters Bangkok after a thrilling match against Team Liquid. The event has been marked by surprising twists and emotional highs, particularly for North American team Sentinels, who found themselves on the losing end of the competition. Sentinels and Team Liquid both started their tournament run on shaky ground, each suffering initial defeats—Sentinels lost 2-0 to DRX and Team Liquid fell to EDward Gaming. With teams able to lose only two games during this Swiss Stage, the impending matches carried enormous weight for both sides.
The matches kicked off with Sentinels facing off against Team Liquid. The series opened on Lotus, a map chosen by Sentinels, where they showcased their strategy featuring double controllers. Sentinels started strong, securing the first half with a 7-5 lead. After swapping to defense, Team Liquid regained some momentum by winning the pistol round, but Sentinels displayed impressive firepower, converting six consecutive rounds to seal the map with a score of 13-7. Players like N4RRATE, zekken, and bang were pivotal, each boasting over 230 ACS during the match. Yet, the highest stats of the map belonged to Team Liquid’s nats.
Moving to the next map, Abyss, Team Liquid displayed resilience. With both teams trading rounds, the match was neck-and-neck, culminating at 11-11 before heading to overtime. Liquid eventually clinched the map with a 16-14 win, thanks largely to standout performances, including key plays by Keiko, who finished with 29 kills and strong strategic execution.
The tension mounted as the series progressed to the final map, Bind, where Team Liquid unleashed their might. They stormed to a staggering 11-1 lead during the first half, demonstrating formidable defense. Liquid continued their assault, wrapping up the match with another impressive showing, forcing Sentinels out of the tournament.
"The MVP for the map and series was nats, who had an ACS of 305, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership," reported VALO2ASIA. This pivotal win allowed Team Liquid to advance, revitalizing their chances as they prepare to face G2 for the last spot in the Masters Bangkok playoffs. Their comeback is remarkable, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement inherent to competitive Valorant.
Earlier on the same day, T1 eliminated Trace Esports with commanding victories. The match began with T1 running the map they picked, Lotus. Despite Trace's undefeated record on the map this season, T1 showcased their dominance, swiftly racing to an impressive 9-3 lead at half-time. Following the sideswap, T1 refused to yield. The final score for the match was 13-3, cementing T1’s place as they advanced forward. Players like iZu stood out, achieving the MVP title with stellar stats including an ACS of 300 across the match.
The second map, Haven, played out similarly, with T1 leading again. The teams were evenly matched until T1 broke the game’s flow and took control, finishing the series at 13-8. This win means T1 moves on to face DRX, another formidable contender, promising another electrifying encounter.
Looking back at their performance, Sentinels, who had previously achieved glory at the Valorant Masters Madrid, were left to ponder their fate as they finished at the bottom of the standings. They join Trace Esports, who were eliminated earlier. Both teams have fallen from grace, highlighting the fierce competition of the Masters tournament.
With the tournament still underway, much anticipation surrounds the upcoming matches. Team Liquid and T1 now find themselves with renewed hope as they seek to carve their paths toward glory and redemption. Fans are sure to remain on the edge of their seats as these teams battle for prestige and victory at the Valorant Masters Bangkok.