Fnatic eliminates Sentinels at VALORANT Masters Toronto

Sentinels fans have been left disappointed at VALORANT Masters Toronto as their favourite team was sent home today by Fnatic, the final remaining EMEA representative.

However, fellow VCT Americas team G2 Esports will continue its lower bracket run after eliminating Pacific’s Gen.G Esports.

Following Sentinels’ first defeat at Masters Toronto yesterday, the team’s lower bracket run was ended early by a slow and scrappy Fnatic. In spite of its weaker map pool, EMEA’s last hope defeated Sentinels 2-1.

Thanks to Fnatic’s Pearl perma-ban, Sentinels was able to start the series on its arguably best map, Sunset. Unsurprisingly, the Americas squad was fearless on the defence. Sentinels calmly handled Fnatic’s slow playstyle, only letting four rounds slip. Despite losing both pistols, Fnatic made a valiant comeback attempt in the second half. It took an incredible clutch from Marshall ‘N4RRATE’ Massey to break Fnatic’s composure and allow his team to secure the map 13-9.

On Ascent, the roles were reversed as Fnatic showcased just how much it had cooked with its new favourite Chamber-Vyse team composition. The EMEA roster turned well-prepared and versatile attack strategies into an 8-4 half. Meanwhile, Sentinels’ fast-paced site hits with Waylay and Tejo struggled to overcome the enemy’s Vyse utility. Building upon two pistol-round wins, Fnatic claimed Ascent 13-7.

It all came down to Icebox, which also featured the most competitive first half in the series. Fnatic’s old-school Sage team composition had a tough start on defence against the two initiators from Sentinels. Thanks to thrifties and hero plays, Fnatic still scrambled five rounds together. However, everything changed in the second half when the EMEA team dominated with site executes from its 2021 strat book. Sentinels only won two defence rounds, losing Icebox 9-13.

What was it that demolished Sentinels’ resilience when it mattered most? It might have just been the ridiculous lethality of a sniping Killjoy. Equipped with an Operator or Outlaw, Emir ‘Alfajer’ Beder achieved a kill-death ratio of 16/5 and a 418 average combat score (ACS) on attack alone.

Prior to Setinels’ elimination, Masters Toronto saw a back-and-forth series between G2 Esports and Gen.G, both renowned for their thorough preparation and methodical play style. Despite securing only one pistol round throughout the match, it was G2 who won the battle of the strategic giants 2-1.

Following the defeat against Paper Rex, G2 switched up its Lotus team composition to include Yoru and Tejo. This move paid off as the NA squad crushed Gen.G in the first half (10-2). Although the Pacific team looked better on its defence, G2 exploited its opponent’s misplays to secure its map pick 13-7. On top of that, G2 fans were treated to an impressive performance from their favourite fragging in-game leader (IGL), Jacob ‘valyn’ Batio.

While Haven saw Gen.G’s players come to life in terms of individual and team play, the Korean team still struggled on attack. G2 used its Vyse utility and superior macro gameplay to end the first half 7-5. Interestingly, G2 was given the same treatment in return during its attack half. It almost felt like a lonely Killjoy turret on C single-handedly kept G2 at bay. However, Kim ‘t3xture’ Na-ra and his Operator frags also contributed to the final score line (13-11).

In the final game of the series, it was G2’s turn to climb back after an underwhelming first half. Gen.G was well-prepared for its opponent’s signature Sage pick, remaining fully in control of their post-plants. Gen. G seemed to have secured its victory after an 8-4 half and two pistol-round wins.

Yet, in the final hour, G2 came back with a masterclass in resilience and mid-round calling from valyn. The team won eight rounds in a row to claim Icebox 13-11.

As today’s winners, Fnatic and G2 are heading towards the Lower Bracket Final to battle for the final top-three placement available at Masters Toronto. Remaining in the upper bracket, Paper Rex and Wolves Esports have already secured their spot on the podium.

However, the two still have to compete in the Upper Bracket Final to determine who will drop to the lower bracket and who will directly advance to the Grand Final on June 22^nd.

These high-stakes games will take place on June 20th:

VALORANT fans can follow the Playoffs weekend via the official Twitch and YouTube channels.