In this post-match interview after their win against Evil Geniuses 2-0 on Saturday, Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey reflects on Sentinels dominant 4-0 start to this Stage 2 of VALORANT VCT Americas, their steady improvements and their ambitions for the Champions Paris 2025. From adapting to his new role to earning the trust of his teammates, N4RRATE candidly discusses the cultural differences between Karmine Corp and Sentinels, and the factors behind his consistent individual performance.

Sentinels are now 4-0. How do you personally feel about your performance and the team’s performance overall?

Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey: I think this stage has been very good for us as a team. Obviously, we’ve had three fairly clean victories. Our last two matches, especially against G2 were a bit tougher, but we still managed to secure the win, which is great. We’ve been improving steadily, our macro play is strong, our micro play is strong, and everyone is performing well. That’s a very good sign heading into the playoffs and Champions.

What do you think was the key factor that allowed the team to close out today’s match so quickly?

N4RRATE: Honestly, we’re just the stronger team overall. It’s not down to one specific factor; it’s a combination of many elements that make it difficult for Evil Geniuses to play against us. Individually, we’re all very strong, our macro is superior to theirs, and our composition was better. All of these small advantages add up, and I think that’s the main reason.

Was there a part of today’s game plan that worked even better than you expected? Why do you think it clicked so well?

N4RRATE: We didn’t come in with an especially detailed game plan. Since we had already qualified for Champions, our focus was more on refining our own game rather than preparing extensively for this specific opponent. Of course, we had some preparation, but nothing overly specific, no guaranteed this will work 100% approach. We simply adapted as the match went on, and a lot of our standard strategies worked well. The start of our Lotus attack was a bit rough, but we eventually found our rhythm.

With your performance today, you’ve reaffirmed yourself as one of the best players in the league. What’s your secret to maintaining such consistency?

N4RRATE: Honestly, my whole lifestyle is consistent. But in terms of gameplay, a lot depends on the team you’re in. On some teams, you’re placed in roles where it’s impossible to be the best player on the roster. This team gives me a lot of freedom and trusts me to make plays that others might not attempt. That allows me to play with full creativity and flexibility, relying on intuition rather than being forced into overly passive positions. I’m allowed to take risks, even die in the process, because the team trusts me, and that trust only works when you have strong players around you.

Since you locked in your place at Champions Paris last week, how do you keep the team motivated and improving in the lead-up?

N4RRATE: Even before qualifying for Champions, we weren’t obsessing over the qualification itself. We always felt confident we would make it. Our main goals have been to win this stage and to win Champs. Every match is simply another step toward that goal, another opportunity to prove ourselves. We don’t lose motivation after securing qualification; we’re still working hard to get a trophy if not here, then at Champions.

In your opinion, what is the team’s biggest strength right now, and what is the main area to improve before Champions?

N4RRATE: Individually, we have some of the best players in the world in each role. Our macro play is strong, and our coaching staff excels at identifying what works in the meta and preparing us for key matchups. As for weaknesses, I’d say the only real concern based on the past is failing to show up on game day. That hasn’t happened this stage, but it’s something we remain mindful of. In fact, I think our mentality is now one of our strengths: staying composed, bouncing back when we’re down, and trusting in our fundamentals.

Moving from Karmine Corp to Sentinels was a big shift. How would you describe that transition back to NA, and how quickly did you feel at home here?

N4RRATE: It was a massive change. Initially, I felt more at home with Karmine Corp because the coach Engh (Andrey Sholokhov) placed an extraordinary amount of trust in me. I had all my preferred roles and positions, which allowed me to perform at my peak. With Sentinels, it wasn’t like that. At first, the team already had established systems from the previous roster, and my strengths weren’t fully integrated. Over time, though, we evolved as a team, adjusting our systems and combining them with older ones to give me the freedom I need. At KC, I was handed the keys right away. Here, I had to earn that trust, and I feel I’ve done so by this point in the season.

What feels different in terms of team culture, leadership, or expectations compared to your time at KC?

N4RRATE: It’s definitely different. Engh is a very trusting leader, but also extremely direct if you make a serious mistake, he’ll call you out immediately. His trust is based on his own judgment, which empowers players to reach their potential. Kaplan (Adam Kaplan), on the other hand, is more variable. Sometimes very intense, other times laid-back and focused on keeping the team’s morale up. Culturally, KC tended to do everything together as a unit, both in and out of the game. Sentinels is more individualistic, giving players greater personal freedom. That’s probably the biggest cultural difference.

Has your role or approach to the game changed since joining Sentinels?

N4RRATE: My role has varied quite a bit across tournaments and stages. In Kickoff and Stage 1, I played a more passive style, while in Stage 2 and events like Masters Toronto and Esports World Cup, I’ve played aggressively, focusing on my own game. My approach overall hasn’t fundamentally changed. I’m still learning and evolving but I am now more forgiving of mistakes and more aware of how important confidence is at the highest level.

Previously, I didn’t really believe in “roles” At KC and Mad Lions, I was always put in my best positions, so I didn’t consider the impact of role allocation. At the start of my time with Sentinels, I wasn’t in optimal positions for my skill set, which made me realize that some players who look underwhelming may simply be in roles that don’t suit them. That’s shifted my perspective, but my personal philosophy on how I want to play the game remains the same."