When Tyson “TenZ” Ngo joined Sentinels as a stand-in during the VCT 2021 North America Stage 1 Masters, the team quickly soared to the top of the VALORANT scene. TenZ’s dazzling mechanics and ice-cold composure turned Sentinels into a juggernaut, culminating in their dominant win at Masters Reykjavik. Fans were ecstatic when Sentinels made his stay permanent, yet his eventual departure sparked endless “what if” conversations.
What if TenZ never left Sentinels? What if the core stayed intact with him at the helm of fragging duties? In this alternate timeline, we explore the potential rise, glory, and stability that could have defined not only TenZ’s career but also reshaped the NA VALORANT terrain. Here’s a breakdown of what might have happened if TenZ had remained a Sentinel.
1. A Potential Dynasty in North America
Had TenZ remained with Sentinels, they could have established a dynasty in the NA VALORANT scene. His aggressive entry fragging, combined with ShahZaM’s leadership and dapr’s utility, provided a lethal combination that was hard to counter. Their synergy in 2021 was unmatched, and with more time, their teamwork could have matured even further.
Retaining TenZ would have preserved the core chemistry that made Sentinels feared. As rivals like 100 Thieves and OpTic Gaming gained momentum, Sentinels could have continued evolving rather than rebuilding. With TenZ, they might have taken more titles, built on momentum, and consistently remained a top-tier contender across international tournaments—especially in early 2022 when stability meant everything.
2. TenZ’s Growth as a Structured Star
One of the biggest critiques TenZ faced was his freeform, aggressive playstyle that sometimes lacked structure. Staying with Sentinels might have forced him into a more refined role within a consistent system. Under a coach-led environment and continued team support, TenZ could have evolved from a raw aim star into a more strategic duelist.
Tenz, Esports (image via Getty)This development would have enhanced his longevity and versatility, making him not just a highlight-reel player, but also a consistent threat in high-pressure scenarios. The synergy with long-time teammates and a system built around his strengths could have unlocked a more mature version of TenZ—potentially on par with players like Derke and yay in terms of consistency and impact.
3. Sentinels Avoid the Post-2021 Slump
After their historic 2021 run, Sentinels hit a rough patch. Roster instability, coaching changes, and underwhelming results became the norm. With TenZ still on board, the team might have avoided that downward spiral. His presence could have acted as both a morale booster and a reason for other key players to stay.
Having a stable core would have allowed the organization to make smarter, more gradual changes rather than rebuilding the roster every few months. TenZ’s star power also helped maintain fan engagement, viewership, and sponsorship value—all vital for an organization of Sentinels’ scale. With fewer roster shake-ups, they could have preserved their legacy rather than chasing it.
Tenz, Esports (image via Getty)4. A Different VCT Meta Narrative
The VALORANT Champions Tour meta evolved rapidly from 2021 to 2024. New agents, shifting playstyles, and regional clashes changed how the game was played. TenZ staying on Sentinels could have contributed to a different shaping of that meta. Known for pushing agents like Jett to their limits, he often influenced how other duelists played the role.
His prolonged presence in NA’s top roster would have likely spurred other teams to adapt faster or copy strategies built around high-risk, high-reward entries. Sentinels could have become a trendsetting team again, rather than one playing catch-up. Additionally, TenZ’s stylistic influence might have helped define what it meant to be a duelist in modern VALORANT—creating a legacy even deeper than highlight clips.
