Two days before the 2026
VALORANT season began,
Sentinels held a preseason
VCT Americas Kick-off press conference that emphasized preparation over proclamation. The roster clearly showed a division of responsibilities: Mohamed Amine
" johnqt" Ouarid was transitioning away from full-time IGL duties but would remain a steady mid-round voice; Marshall
"N4RRATE" Massey was stepping into the duelist role he knew best; and Gabriel
"cortezia" Cortez was carrying over lessons on season-long consistency.
Questions for Mohamed Amine " johnqt" Ouarid
This is your first season not serving as IGL. How is that transition going, and how are you handling the shift to focusing on your individual role?
johnqt: "I’m still adjusting. Some IGL habits remain; I still contribute mid-round ideas and stay involved in strategy and structure, but most real-time calls now come from Kyu (Mirel Braco Hrustemovic). It may feel a bit different on stage, yet the team’s success is what matters, and I’ll do whatever is needed.
You look like you’ve been in the gym. What’s your routine, and are the others joining you?
johnqt: I slacked this past month while traveling, but typically I run a basic push–pull–legs split, about five days a week, with an upper/legs rotation. We keep each other accountable with a morning habit tracker and the occasional gym photo in Discord. Some are lifting; others favor cardio before Kick-off to avoid soreness.
When matches get chaotic, what is the one thing you personally bring that helps Sentinels function?
johnqt: Composure. I stay calm regardless of the scoreline, up 11–1 or down 1–11, and my voice stays even. I’d like to think that steadiness helps the team avoid stress or panic about the game state.
After the offseason reps, what are your expectations for the year?
JohnQT: We’re focused on daily preparation rather than distant hypotheticals. Compared to the offseason, we’ve made real strides. Of course, the aim is to win everything, but right now it’s about improving by percentage points and bringing a consistent level to every match."
Questions for Gabriel "cortezia" Cortez
Not a question but a reflection. After your 2025 rise, being named VCT Americas’ most improved player, and a moment when you nearly quit, how do you view your path now?
Cortezia: "For me, it’s simple: keep walking the path God set for me. Many turn to faith only when things are hard, but what matters is honoring that faith after hardship passes. Whether times are good or bad, I want to continue with God. I’m very grateful. When I watch interviews and remember where I started, I get emotional. Life is good now, playing for Sentinels, but it used to be very hard. Remembering where you came from keeps you grounded. I want to stay rooted there and go even deeper.
SENTINELS roster before the SEN Classic 2025 - Credit: SENTINELS/VALORANT
Last year you helped take MIBR to new heights, their first international, nearly making a deep Champions run. What key lessons from that season will help your transition to Sentinels?
Cortezia: Consistency across the entire season. With MIBR we started well at Kickoff and Stage 1, then let the ball drop and had to recover in Stage 2 after EWC. Here, I want us to start well and keep climbing in a straight line instead of dipping. This team has a lot of potential, and I want to help extract everything we can from it.
Any unusual pre-match rituals or lucky charms?
Cortezia: Nothing unusual. On match days, I like a morning latte, some time with my Bible, a bit of sun, plenty of water, and a proper breakfast."
You finished last year strongly with MIBR and started well with Sentinels. How are you maintaining that upward trajectory, and how has the team change helped?
Cortezia: We ended on a high, qualifying for Champions and giving ourselves another chance. We could have gone further, maybe beaten NRG or DRX, but that’s the game. I have more experience now, and this roster has even more: Masters winners, different regional perspectives, and a strong staff. I’m no longer the rookie; KaYu and Redux are, but I’m still learning, perhaps more than anyone. I’m absorbing everything I can from this group.
With Narrate’s consistency, johnqt’s calling experience, and your adaptability, what do you contribute when matches get messy?
Cortezia: This roster was built with real intent. Our coach spent a lot of time figuring out the best fit for Sentinels 2026. That gives me confidence; the personalities align. So far, we’ve performed well: we won SEN City Classic, had strong showings at Red Bull Homeground, pushed NRG 13–11, and kept winning afterward. I believe we can sustain that level, even if a loss comes along the way."
Question for Marshall "N4RRATE" Massey
You’re stepping into the duelist role, following names like Zachary "zekken" Patrone. How do you feel about that pressure, and how do you approach this new chapter?
N4RRATE: "I’m excited. Duelist is the role I’ve practiced and enjoyed the most. There’s always pressure—fans, stage, expectations—but I like that part of competition. I’m looking forward to it
