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A new chapter is about to begin for North American esports powerhouse Sentinels, as the organisation officially joins the League Championship Series (LCS) for the 2026 season.

The move marks Sentinels’ full return to League of Legends after nearly a decade away, and it comes at a transformative moment for the league as it reverts to an independent model. Sentinels will take over the Provisional Guest Team slot, becoming the LCS’s eighth permanent partner team and ushering in fresh rivalries, energy, and storylines for North American fans.

From Phoenix1 to Sentinels

For long-time followers of the LCS, this isn’t Sentinels’ first time on the Rift. Before the organisation became known for its VALORANT success, its roots lay in Phoenix1, which competed in the LCS between Summer 2016 and Summer 2017.

Phoenix1 had a memorable run, finishing third in the 2017 Spring Split and producing standout moments like Noh “Arrow” Dong-hyeon earning the Split MVP title and Mike “MikeYeung” Yeung being crowned Rookie of the Split that summer. The team also represented North America at the inaugural Rift Rivals, helping the region defeat Europe 4–2 — including a clean sweep against G2 Esports.

Now, as Sentinels, they aim to build on that legacy and bring their trademark confidence and flair back to the league.

Building a Future in League

Sentinels CEO Rob Moore called the move “the next stage in Sentinels’ evolution,” highlighting how the organisation’s journey from Fortnite to VALORANT and now League of Legends represents a natural progression.

“We value our relationship with Riot, we respect the history of the LCS, and we are committed to bringing the same level of preparation, resources, and fan experience that our community expects from Sentinels,” Moore said.

Sentinels have already proven themselves on the world stage with two international VALORANT trophies, and Moore believes that same formula of investment, infrastructure, and fan engagement can carry over to League.

According to Riot’s announcement, the team will invest in multi-year coaching, player development, and infrastructure to create a roster that mixes veteran experience with emerging talent. Staffing details, roster reveals, and community initiatives will be shared in the coming months.

A Cheeky Welcome

The announcement came with a humorous touch, a video featuring legendary LCS player Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng wearing a Sentinels jersey. While Doublelift confirmed he won’t be joining the roster, the cameo was a fitting nod to the region’s rich history and Sentinels’ ability to blend competition with entertainment.

Fellow LCS teams also joined in on the fun, including Shopify Rebellion’s Ibrahim “Fudge” Allami, who recorded a lighthearted welcome video from Sentinels’ own signature red chair. Even G2 Esports couldn’t resist joining the banter after Moore joked on X about “a commitment to beating G2.”

Looking Ahead

With their official League of Legends division now confirmed, Sentinels are ready to expand their footprint in Riot Games’ ecosystem. The organisation already competes in VALORANT, Apex Legends, StarCraft II, and Marvel Rivals, and even runs Cubert Academy, a development program aimed at nurturing up-and-coming talent.

Their re-entry into the LCS represents not just a comeback, but a continuation of their long-standing vision: to build competitive teams that fans can connect with across every major title.

The Sentinels’ return is more than nostalgia. It’s a statement, one that promises fierce competition, high production value, and the kind of entertainment that’s made them one of the most recognisable names in esports today.