Sources: OXY set to join Sentinels for VCT Americas 2027

Francis “OXY” Hoang is set to join Sentinels for the 2027 VCT season and take over as the organization’s Duelist, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. The move would see the American player leave Cloud9 after more than three years with the organization. Sentinels have confirmed that Riot Games selected them as a partner for the next VCT Americas cycle, covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

The reported move comes as Cloud9 prepares for a major roster overhaul after failing to secure a partnership spot. The North American organization has confirmed that it intends to remain in VALORANT and is holding open tryouts to build a roster for the upcoming Open Qualifiers. The reported transfer also comes after Sentinels allowed Gurjiwan “Jerrwin” Gill to explore offers ahead of the 2027 season. Jerrwin joined Sentinels in March 2026, making his debut in the VCT Americas, but the organization ultimately gave him permission to consider opportunities elsewhere despite his contract originally running through 2028, according to Riot’s Global Contract Database.

OXY was also under contract with Cloud9 through the end of 2028, according to Riot Games’ Global Contract Database. However, with Cloud9 no longer part of the VCT partnership program, the organization’s plans for its current roster have changed significantly.

OXY joined Cloud9 in September 2023 and has remained one of the organization’s longest-tenured players throughout the following three seasons. He was also one of the team's main individual performers during his time in the VCT Americas, including a standout 2025 Stage 2 campaign in which he topped the regional player leaderboard.

Despite OXY's individual performances, Cloud9 struggled to turn its results into international appearances. The team finished outside the qualification spots throughout the 2024 season and again failed to qualify for an international event in 2025. In 2026, Cloud9 was also eliminated from both stages without securing a place at the final international event of the year.

The 2026 season marked another disappointing year for Cloud9 in that regard. Following its elimination from Stage 2, the organization remained the only original VCT Americas partnered team to have never qualified for a Masters or Champions since the franchise league began.

Cloud9's difficulties were followed by another major setback in October 2026, when Riot Games did not select the organization for the new VCT partnership cycle covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The club has nevertheless confirmed that it will continue competing in VALORANT, with its next roster expected to compete through the Open Qualifiers.

On the Sentinels side, Yassin “reduxx” Aboulalazm, Amine “johnqt” Ouarid, Gabriel “cortezia” Cortez and Jonah “JonahP” Pulice are all contracted through 2028, according to Riot's Global Contract Database.

The reported arrival of OXY would give Sentinels a new Duelist option heading into the 2027 season, following Jerrwin's departure from the organization's plans. Sentinels have secured a place in the VCT Americas partnership program for the 2027-2028 cycle, ensuring their participation in the regional league's new format.