Valorant presented a truly legendary match between the teams Sentinels and “TSM (Team Solo Mid)” at the grand tournament “FaZe Clan Invitational.” Both teams shone during the tournament and gave their all in the showdown until the very end.
What kind of tournament is it? Over the weekend from August 7 to August 9, 2020, another tournament of the Ignition Series presented by Riot took place: The FaZe Clan Invitational. Many renowned teams participated, including the hosts FaZe as well as teams like Sentinels, TSM, T1, and Cloud9.
It was about prize money worth 50,000 US dollars, of which 25,000 were to be awarded solely to the winning team. In the individual matches, two maps were played each. Additionally, the new agent Killjoy was banned since Riot Games did not yet consider her suitable enough for a tournament.
The tournament primarily featured two strong teams, namely TSM and the Sentinels – arguably the two best teams in North America. Both teams plowed through the competition, with the Sentinels remaining unbeaten so far and TSM having lost only one map against Cloud9 (but still won the match 2:1 in the end).
Therefore, expectations were high among the spectators and commentators when the two top teams faced each other for the first time on Saturday, August 8.
TSM and Sentinels fight twice into overtime for victory
What happened in the first duel between TSM and Sentinels? The two professional teams did not hold back during their first meeting in the “Upper Bracket Final.” Despite fierce resistance, TSM managed to win 13:7 on the map Ascent. The match was full of strong, aggressive plays, and TSM player “Wardell” was particularly successful with the agent Jett and his Operator peeks.
On the 2nd map Haven, things also heated up, and both teams again did not hold back. The Sentinels, led by their superstar Sinaatra, were initially on the defensive and led at halftime 7:5. However, TSM then ramped up again, and it ended at 12:12. According to the new tournament rules, it continued until one team achieved a 2-win lead. Neither team was willing to give an inch, and the map saw a total of 34 rounds in which TSM and the Sentinels each snatched what they thought was a sure victory away from each other.
In the end, TSM managed to prevail and won the Upper Bracket with 18:16. The match was a prime example of suspense and action, characterized by legendary and aggressive plays as well as outstanding commentary.
TSM and Sentinels meet again: Since the Sentinels were not yet out after their defeat, they could fight their way up in the so-called Lower Bracket, leading to TSM facing the Sentinels again on Sunday.
This time, it was all about the final victory and the $25,000 prize money. And those who had celebrated the first meeting of the two giants earlier had even more fun now. The Sentinels swept TSM off the field with 13:8 on the first map. But TSM struck back and won the next round. Thus, it continued for a while, and after 4 maps, both teams had managed to win 2 each.
A 5th map was needed to determine the final winner. Both teams gave it their all again, and once again, it ended in a tie. There was another(!) overtime, and especially players Drone (TSM), as well as Sinatraa and SicK (Sentinels), delivered outstanding performances.
Who won in the end? The close finale finally ended after 26 rounds with a score of 14:12 in favor of TSM.
Why were the matches so good? In the Valorant scene, there is a widespread belief that the duels between TSM and Sentinels at the FaZe tournament are currently among the best Valorant matches there are.
This was due to the fact that aggressive and innovative plays were constantly showcased. For instance, Sinatraa impressed with his skill using the heavy MG Odin, a weapon that is otherwise rather rarely used. So anyone who has previously considered Valorant – like top streamer Tfue – to be a boring, tactical shooting game for old men should be taught otherwise.
