Sentinels reveals 2026 roster rebuilt around johnqt and N4RRATE

Sentinels have officially launched a full rebuild of their VALORANT lineup ahead of the 2026 competitive season, signaling the end of a defining era and the start of a new chapter for one of North America’s most storied organizations. Following a difficult 2025 where they failed to make deep runs at any Masters event, did not win any domestic trophies, and then faced an early exit at Champions Paris, the team made sweeping changes, parting ways with long-standing pieces that shaped their identity in previous campaigns. This is a strategic reset aimed at restoring Sentinels to the forefront of global VALORANT.

Both Zachary “zekken” Patrone and Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro have already departed SEN for rival teams. Zellsis has already announced joining C9 while, according to sources, zekken will be a member of MIBR’s 2026 lineup. Sentinels also released Sean “bang” Bezerra, leaving three spots left to be filled.

Only one member from the iconic 2024 Masters Madrid championship squad remains: IGL Mohamed “johnqt” Ouarid, underlining the scale of the transformation. According to the organization, this restructure reflects a desire to move on from past struggles and invest in a blend of promising academy talent and international experience as they “begin anew.”

Two of the Old Guard Remain on Sentinels’ 2026 Lineup

The new roster is anchored by johnqt, and his continued presence represents the competitive backbone and leadership Sentinels hope to build around this season. Johnqt carries extensive tier-one experience and his retention provides stability and veteran insight as the new lineup finds its footing.

Alongside him remains Marshall “N4RRATE” Massey, who returns to once again play a key role in the team’s structure. N4RRATE brings further familiarity with the organization and an established rapport with johnqt, and before joining SEN in 2025, he had played in EMEA for Karmine Corp, showcasing multiregional experience.

Cubert Academy: The Ace up Sentinels’ Sleeve?

A significant component of this rebuild is Sentinels’ commitment to internal development, demonstrated by the promotion of two standout prospects from their academy program, Cubert. The first of these players, Yassin “Reduxx” Aboulalazm, joins the starting roster after excelling within the academy system and previously performing at a high level in North America’s tier-two scene with Oxygen Esports. He’s finally 18, which means he can now play in VCT; Reduxx had already been the sixth man for Sentinels’ main lineup before.

Alongside him, Mirel “Kyu” Braco Hrustemovic also graduates from Cubert. While Kyu has limited top-level experience, his performance in Stage 3 swiss,  where the academy team did not lose a game and took down eventual Ascension winners ENVY, proved his readiness to compete at the highest level. His background includes a brief stint with M80, and his promotion marks another step in Sentinels’ effort to shape a new identity through rising talent.

Rounding out the roster is Gabriel “cortezia” Cortez, a Brazilian player who arrives from MIBR and reinforces the international element that has often been a part of Sentinels’ VALORANT story. Cortezia carries experience from two major global events — Masters Toronto and Champions Paris where he stood out with his consistent fragging and sentinel gameplay. His addition continues Sentinels’ tradition of incorporating Brazilian talent, placing him in the company of notable predecessors such as Sacy and pANcada.

To new beginnings pic.twitter.com/UIzPTXiJ34

— Sentinels (@Sentinels) November 1, 2025

The coaching and support staff remain led by head coach Adam “kaplan” Kaplan, who will guide this young roster through the early stages of their new campaign. The organization’s willingness to elevate academy players and combine them with experienced talent reflects a long-term approach that aligns with a modern competitive model across top-tier esports.

Sentinels 2026: Will They Succeed?

This rebuild clearly marks a shift in direction. Instead of relying on established superstars, Sentinels are prioritizing high-upside youth, stability through veterans, and meaningful international experience. With johnqt serving as the connective thread between championship history and future aspirations, and with new talents like Reduxx and Kyu set to define the next era of Sentinels VALORANT, the 2026 campaign represents a chance for reinvention and resurgence. Cubert Academy’s final split in Challengers showcased their potential and has proven to be a good building ground for Sentinels.

The CEO of Sentinels, Rob Moore, has also stated that the entire roster is under contract until 2028, showing that SEN is willing to invest in their new talent and the new roster is built around a fresh competitive vision that balances young talent and experience.

By assembling a squad that blends a proven core with ascending academy talent and internationally seasoned players, the organization has made a clear statement about its competitive identity moving forward. As the new lineup prepares to enter the season, all eyes will be on how quickly these new pieces can mesh and whether this bold rebuild can propel the organization back into title contention.