After three years of highlights, heartbreaks, and international battles, Zachary “zekken” Patrone has officially parted ways with Sentinels, marking the end of an era for one of North America’s most electric VALORANT players.

A Farewell Fit for a Star

Sentinels confirmed the news with a heartfelt post on X, thanking their long-time Duelist and recognising his legacy within the organisation.

You set the bar for what it means to be a Sentinel

There will always be a key to the city for you @zekkenVAL pic.twitter.com/mHtOuN2gsE

— Sentinels (@Sentinels) November 1, 2025

The 20-year-old departs as a free agent after his contract expired at the end of the 2025 VCT season. His time with Sentinels saw the organisation return to the top of the Americas region, and at one point, reclaim their status as one of the most feared teams in global VALORANT.

From XSET Prodigy to Sentinels Star

Zekken first joined Sentinels in late 2022 after an impressive stint with XSET, a team that was dominant in the pre-franchise era. Known for his confident playstyle and flexible agent pool, he initially shared Duelist duties with Tyson “TenZ” Ngo before later transitioning into hybrid roles.

His defining year came in 2024, when Sentinels lifted two major trophies: VCT Americas Kickoff and Masters Madrid. Those victories marked the organisation’s first titles since 2021 and cemented zekken’s reputation as one of the world’s premier Duelists.

Sentinels also achieved a respectable fourth-place finish at Champions Seoul 2024, closing the year as one of the most successful teams globally.

The Rebuild Year

However, 2025 proved more turbulent. After veterans TenZ and Sacy retired, Sentinels underwent a soft rebuild, introducing new faces while retaining core leadership in Johnqt and Kaplan. The team remained competitive but struggled to maintain consistency on the international stage.

Despite qualifying for every major event that year, Sentinels couldn’t replicate their 2024 form. They finished as runners-up at both the Americas Kickoff and Stage 1, followed by a third-place result in Stage 2. Internationally, they exited early at Masters Bangkok, placed 5th–6th at Masters Toronto, and failed to advance past groups at Champions Seoul.

With Zellsis departing to Cloud9 and Bang moving on earlier in the offseason, zekken’s exit now marks a full transition period for the squad.

The Next Chapter: MIBR on the Horizon

According to reports from THESPIKE.GG and Brazilian journalist Bruno Povoleri, zekken is expected to join MIBR, forming a new superteam alongside world champion Erick “aspas” Santos.

The move would unite two of the most mechanically gifted players in the Americas, sparking excitement, and plenty of memes, across social media.

Fans have already dubbed the potential roster “MIBR Zekken,” with comments flooding Sentinels’ farewell post:

“MIBR ARE WINNING IT ALL.”
“Sad to see him go, but happy to see him with aspas again.”
“O7 King. End of an era.”

If confirmed, the transfer could make MIBR one of the top contenders heading into VCT 2026, especially given aspas’ championship pedigree and zekken’s aggressive versatility.

What’s Next for Sentinels

For Sentinels, all eyes are now on their next rebuild phase. Reports suggest the team will retain Marshall “N4RRATE” Massey and Mohamed “johnqt” Ouarid, with potential additions including former MIBR player Gabriel “qck” Cortez and IGL Mirel “braco” Hrustemovic.

Head coach Adam “Kaplan” Kaplan and assistant Luke “GUNTER” Clives are also expected to continue leading the lineup into 2026, aiming to restore Sentinels’ international dominance.

Despite the shakeup, Sentinels’ fanbase remains as passionate as ever, a testament to how deeply players like zekken have defined the team’s identity.

End of an Era, Start of Another

Zekken’s departure feels bittersweet for many fans. While it marks the close of a memorable chapter for Sentinels, it also opens a new one filled with potential. Whether he’s repping the red of Sentinels or the green and yellow of MIBR, one thing is certain, zekken’s story in VALORANT is far from over.

The post Zekken Departs Sentinels After Three-Year Journey, Reportedly Joining MIBR for VCT 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

In a tense regional showdown at Valorant Champions 2025 in Paris, NRG and MIBR went head-to-head in a three-map series that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Only one team could advance to the upper bracket finals, and NRG narrowly came out on top, setting up a clash with FNATIC.

THEY STAY UNDEFEATED@NRGgg continues their win streak and secure a spot in the Upper Final at #VALORANTChampions playoffs! pic.twitter.com/WRuiLuAE5O

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 28, 2025

Abyss: Overtime Drama and Heroics

The series opened on Abyss, with NRG returning to their Harbour composition while MIBR ran a double-Duelist setup. NRG won the opening pistol and bonus rounds thanks to aggressive plays from s0m, but MIBR fought back, led by cortezia on a key B-site hold. The half ended tied 6-6, with a lighter moment as mada fell off the map during a missed Yoru teleport.

The second half saw Ethan and brawk shine, bringing the map into overtime. Mada eventually sealed Abyss 16-14 for NRG, giving them the early series advantage.

Haven: MIBR Strikes Back

On Haven, both teams ran solo Neon alongside double-Controller setups. MIBR dominated early, taking a near-perfect 10-2 lead, and kept control to finish the map 13-4, forcing the series decider on Corrode.

Corrode: NRG Prevails in Another Nail-Biter

The final map saw mirrored compositions with Waylay and double-Controller in play. MIBR’s aspas dominated early, threatening the best-of-three kill record, while NRG gradually fought back through smart team play and clutch rounds.

Overtime was inevitable. NRG’s mada made crucial early entries, and s0m’s remarkable 1v2 clutch finally pushed NRG ahead. They closed the map 16-14, winning the series and advancing to the upper finals.

Standout Performances

Despite the loss, aspas from MIBR stole the spotlight, breaking the international best-of-three kill record with 80 kills, a 1.37 player rating, 272 ACS, and 15 first kills.

HE DOES IT AGAIN!@aspaszin breaks his own Global Stage kill record! pic.twitter.com/bNLGUKRfbN

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) September 28, 2025

NRG’s consistency and clutch play proved the difference, setting up a high-stakes showdown with FNATIC in the upper bracket finals. MIBR will have to battle through the lower bracket, starting against DRX.

The post NRG Edges Out MIBR in Thrilling Valorant Champions 2025 Semifinal, Set to Face FNATIC appeared first on Shane the Gamer.