Sentinels "caught off guard": Down to their last life at Champions Paris

Opening day of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions saw a major upset in Group A as Americas third seed Sentinels dropped their opening match against EMEA second seed GIANTX in a close 2-1 series.

Both GIANTX and Sentinels came into this series knowing that this match would play a key role for their chances of making it out of the Group Stage, and the battle between the two did not disappoint. The opening map of Corrode saw Sentinels dominate the second half as they soared to a 13-6 map one victory, while GIANTX answered back on Sunset in a dominant 13-4 showing.

With the deciding map set on Haven, both teams went into the final game with an even slate looking to meet Paper Rex in the Group A Winners Match.

Sentinels on brink of elimination at Champs

On Haven, Sentinels were up 6-0 at one point and were able to close out their first half with a strong 8-4 showing. However, GIANTX's attack side proved to be lethal as IGL Kirill "Cloud" Nehozhin showcased impressive calling as they closed out the map 13-9, securing the win over Sentinels.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions

GIANTX

2

X

1

Sentinels

Group A - Opening Match, Best of 3 - September 12, 2025 - 3:20PM

6

Corrode

13

13

Sunset

4

13

Haven

9

GIANTX

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Cloud

1.26

254

51/36/15

+15

1.42

71.9%

158.2

26%

55%

6

5

ara

0.96

204

43/40/8

+3

1.08

70.1%

132.3

32%

59%

13

9

GRUBINHO

0.94

173

36/42/20

-6

0.86

69.4%

111.4

27%

58%

7

5

Flickless

0.91

159

32/32/27

0

1.00

82.7%

106.0

26%

17%

1

5

westside

0.85

181

37/37/7

0

1.00

57.5%

117.9

49%

43%

3

4

Sentinels

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Johnqt

1.15

207

46/35/17

+11

1.31

82.8%

122.3

33%

57%

4

3

zekken

1.10

237

46/46/18

0

1.00

69.5%

161.3

27%

43%

10

13

N4RRATE

1.07

204

38/40/27

-2

0.95

75.2%

132.6

32%

44%

4

5

Zellsis

0.70

139

28/39/16

-11

0.72

67.4%

91.9

14%

60%

6

4

bang

0.70

132

29/39/15

-10

0.74

66.5%

82.6

33%

40%

4

6

Shortly following the series, Sentinels spoke to the media during the post-match press conference where Sentinels Head Coach Adam "kaplan" Kaplan highlighted that they were "caught off guard" by GIANTX's preparation.

“They had a good read and they caught us off guard. We could’ve put more time into talking about how to deal with some of the stuff the Breach comp can do. We just need to be more ready for it. I could have done more to be sure we were prepared for that situation.”

The entire Sentinels team made sure to highlight GIANTX's strong level of preparation going into the series, where their Haven preparation was a major talking point. However, one of the key struggling points throughout their match against GIANTX came down to what has haunted them in the past: communication.

“A lot of today was a matter of communication," kaplan shared. "I can’t speak to every one of those retakes but I’m sure a good handful of them could have come down to that kind of thing. Whether that’s people communicating or that is people listening, it’s either or.”

After taking down Sentinels in their opening match, GIANTX will have an opportunity to grab the first seed out of Group A where their next opponent will be Pacific first seed, Paper Rex. As for Sentinels, they fall into dangerous territory as they will need to take down China fourth seed XLG Esports in the Group A elimination match.

SEN's Gameplan vs XLG

When asked about their upcoming elimination match against XLG Esports, kaplan highlighted the game plan will follow the "same approach" that they take for any other match throughout the 2025 season.

“I don’t think anything changes, whatsoever,” kaplan said. “We are just going to look at how they play and see what they do strategically and we are gonna plan for that game. I’m sure NoMan is an excellent player and he brings plenty to the table, but it’s the same approach as usual.”

For now, VALORANT fans should be sure to tune in on September 13, 2025, when the Champions action will continue, this time with Group C's Team Liquid, EDward Gaming, NRG, and DRX taking the stage.

For all things VALORANT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured image source: Adela Sznajder via Riot Games