After switching teams and returning to North America, Marshall
“N4RRATE” Massey is now making the reverse move and
returning to Karmine Corp. Following a loss to Team Liquid on the first day of the 2026
VCT EMEA Split 1, the player spoke about his performance and his team’s.
Between frustration over the loss, a lack of momentum during the match, and individual struggles, N4RRATE offers us a clear-eyed assessment of a game he considers, overall, unsatisfactory. He also discusses his adjustment to Karmine Corp, an environment he finds familiar despite the necessary adjustments, as well as the team’s ambitions for the
VALORANT season, with an eye toward qualifying for international events.
How are you feeling after today’s loss?
Marshall “N4RRATE” Massey: “Obviously, I’m not feeling great. We lost, and it didn’t feel very competitive on the second map. The first map was closer, but overall, we struggled to build momentum. I don’t think we won a single pistol round today; we lost all four, which made things really difficult. We had a bit of momentum on Haven attack, but we made a couple of mistakes. Overall, it just sucks. We lost.
What positive aspects of your team’s performance tonight stand out to you?
N4RRATE: One positive I can highlight is Avez (Hazem Khaled). He did a really good job translating what he does in scrims into official matches. If this is really his first time IGLing, then he’s doing a great job. He supports the team well and brings good structure. Once we start meshing better as a team and improve individually, I think we’ll go much further.
You were with Sentinels after leaving Karmine Corp, and this year, Sentinels decided to make some role changes, especially for you as a duelist. How did you experience this Kickoff Americas?
N4RRATE: To be honest, it wasn’t a good performance from us as Sentinels. There were a lot of things we could have done better. Most of our matches were very close, like FURIA. We just weren’t good enough to close them out and prove we’re a strong team. Individually, Kickoff was hard for me. I wasn’t playing well.
Waylay is a very technical agent, and I just wasn’t at the level I needed to be. On other agents, though, I felt good. Even on the main duelist, I’m still confident. But for now, I’ll stick to what I do best: scan / Initiator. It’s easier for me to join a new team to play something I already know and have experience with. It just fits better.
We saw the announcement about you being benched, and right after that, KC fans started spamming you. What was your reaction at that moment, seeing so many people asking for your return?
N4RRATE: To be honest, it's not like I expected it, but obviously, like y'all see the occasional post of like “Ho N4RRATE/KC”, whatever. And then, like when this guy started raiding me, it was just like insane chat spam. I don’t think it influenced my decision or anything, but it was definitely cool to see such an insane fan base to support me.
N4RRATE, LewN, and Avez join the VCT EMEA scene. Credit: Michał Konkol/Riot Games
Let’s talk about your arrival in Berlin. How did your return go? What were your first impressions when you rejoined the team environment?
N4RRATE: It feels very similar to before. The structure, the office, the coaching staff, and even how all work are pretty similar. MAGNUM (Martin Penkov) and Avez also have similar calling styles and energy, so it feels natural. The biggest challenge for me has been adapting to the team, especially with all the different compositions and ideas we tried early on. But overall, things are going well.
How would you describe your role in the team today compared to your previous time with KC? Do you feel more comfortable or more challenged?
N4RRATE: I think what I bring to the team is what I always bring: strong mid-round ideas, good game sense, and the ability to play around my teammates. I can give good information and make the right plays at the right time. Right now, my main struggle is individual performance during matches.
If you had to create your ideal meta, what would it look like?
N4RRATE: There’s no perfect meta, but if I had to choose one I didn’t play in, it would be Chamber meta. It was slower, more strategic, and required smart decision-making. I think it would have been really fun to play.
The last time you were with KC, you brought them their first Tier 1 title in VALORANT. Now, what are your personal goals for 2025, both individually and as a team?
N4RRATE: As a team, we want to make Masters London or Champions Shanghai, maybe even EWC. Reaching at least one international event would be very important. Individually, I want to regain my confidence. I feel like I’ve lost some of it. Once I get it back, you’ll see it in my performance.
Finally, what message would you like to send to the KC fans who have been supporting you and asking for your return?
N4RRATE: KC fans are incredible. They support us so much. Thank you for all the support, even before I joined. Hopefully, we can deliver strong performances for you.”
