Before the VALORANT Red Bull Homeground started, Sheep Esports spoke to Mohamed Amine "johnqt" Ouarid about relinquishing the IGL mantle and integrating a young player into the roster. johnqt reflects on a volatile 2025 season, shifting meta, role changes and international highs. He explains why he’s stepping back from full-time IGL duties, how the new-look Sentinels is gelling, and what success in 2026 would look like for him.

The year had its ups and downs: making a Masters playoff, then struggling at Champions. As IGL, what were the biggest challenges in keeping Sentinels consistent in 2025?

Mohamed Amine "johnqt" Ouarid: "2025 was unique because Riot pushed major changes every couple of months. It felt like every event brought a new meta. Keeping pace strategically while also developing fundamentals and other team aspects was tough. Beyond that, it was the usual grind, same concepts, same work. We didn’t get the results we wanted, especially internationally. In Toronto we finished fifth, but lost to both finalists. I thought we could have done better; we had a real chance to beat Fnatic or at least take Paper Rex to a third map. It was a difficult year.

You’ve proven extremely flexible, playing whatever the team needs. How has that breadth helped you as a captain, and what role do you envision for yourself in the 2026 lineup?

johnqt: In 2026, I’ll not be the primary IGL, I’ll second-call. Role-wise, I’m still the flex, filling what the team needs, with a bit more liberty in-game and fewer rigid assignments. In practical terms, I’m doing 70–80% of what I did before: some free time and mid-round calling, contributing to strategy outside the server, while giving myself a little more room to play individually. We’ve only had about three days of practice, we played the Sentinels Invitational, and now we’re at Red Bull, so we’ll see how it evolves.

Was stepping back from IGL your decision?

johnqt: I had offers both to IGL and not to IGL. Ultimately, I wanted the right environment and the best chance to win. Sentinels pitched a project I agreed with.

Yassin "reduxx" Aboulalazm joined you and he’s also Moroccan. Did the fact that you are both Moroccan bring you closer together when he joined, and what do you think of this talented player ?

johnqt: He’s half Moroccan, half Egyptian. He grew up in the U.S. and doesn’t really speak Arabic, but it definitely brings us closer. I sit next to him on stage, and in practice, it’s like having a little brother. He throws in Arabic words here and there. It’s fun: the little Moroccan duo.

Sentinels is retooling around you with several new players for 2026. What’s it like suddenly being the veteran, and how are you approaching the integration of the new guys?

johnqt: It’s the first time I’m the oldest player since I started competing. Being the most experienced changes the perspective. It’s fun, it keeps things fresh. I’m focused on showing the guys how we do things, making sure they’re comfortable, and sharing what I’ve learned. I’ve been through a lot at this point. It also lets me enjoy moments through their eyes; new experiences for them make it enjoyable for me too.

Looking back, Sentinels has fielded superstars like Tyson "TenZ" Ngo. Were you ever intimidated joining a team with that stature, or did you feel at home right away?

johnqt: I felt at home from the start. The guys made it easy. Everyone’s humble and easygoing; you wouldn’t know they’re that famous or successful. The common goal is to win, have fun, and work hard. We had strong results together.

What was the truest lesson you learned this year? Perhaps a painful loss or a period that forced you to adjust your approach?

johnqt: Some finals we lost in the Americas, and especially the Fnatic loss in Toronto, were instructive. We had a great Stage 2 afterward, but stumbled at the end. It drove home how much stage energy matters. With better energy versus Fnatic, I think we will close the third map. We didn’t value that enough. Watching a team like Wolves, seeing Sufa and Everdom drive their energy on stage and ride it to a top-three finish, emphasized how important it is to have fun on stage and lean into little gimmicks.

Red Bull Home Ground is likely the second outing for this new roster after the Sentinels Classic. What are your goals: win now, or prioritize testing the lineup and gaining reps?

johnqt: The goal is to win, of course. But I’ll also be satisfied if we gain real experience and work through hardship now, so those issues don’t surface in critical VCT matches. The team is young and we’ve barely practiced—maybe three days. There are very strong rosters that stayed together or kept three or four players, G2, NRG, Fnatic. I’m confident in our guys. The format is a bit funny, lots of best-of-ones, so upsets are possible. I’m sure the boys will shine, and I’ll be proud regardless.

Looking ahead to 2026, what would make the year a success in your eyes? Any personal milestones, trophies or performance goals, you’re targeting?

johnqt: Winning a trophy, regional or international. Personally, Champs is the only thing I haven’t won yet; I’ve won regionals and a Masters. Beyond that, I don’t care much about personal stats. Team success matters most. If you’re the best player and you lose, you’re still upset. I want my teammates to flourish. I hope I can help them get there."