The long-running rivalry between 100 Thieves and Sentinels took center stage at VCT Americas Kickoff, and this time, it was 100 Thieves who came out on top with a 2–0 sweep. While past encounters have often swung in Sentinels’ favour, 100  Thieves displayed a mix of tactical patience and clutch firepower that allowed them to flip the script and claim a memorable victory.

The first map, Corrode, was a tightly contested affair. Sentinels pressed aggressively early, probing for weaknesses and forcing several awkward rotations from 100  Thieves. Yet 100  Thieves’ defensive structure held firm, with well-timed utility and coordinated retakes keeping them competitive throughout. johnqt pulled a master performance on the Tejo in this series dropping 30 kills however, it just wasn’t enough for the win. The map swung back and forth, with neither side able to pull away, until 100  Thieves edged out a 13–11 win, signalling that they had come prepared to challenge Sentinels’ historical dominance.

On Split, the intensity only escalated. Both teams traded rounds in quick succession, with clutch moments on both sides keeping fans on edge. Sentinels showed flashes of brilliance through rapid executes and star plays from Reduxx, who had a rough first map but bounced back on Split, however, 100  Thieves’ composure in high-pressure situations made the difference. Key post-plant fights and late-round flanks consistently fell in 100  Thieves’ favour, allowing them to edge out a 16–14 victory and close the series decisively.

This result carried more than just bracket implications. Historically, Sentinels have often held the upper hand in North American matchups, making every clash a measure of 100  Thieves’ growth and resilience. By winning convincingly on both maps, 100  Thieves not only advanced in the tournament but also made a strong statement in the context of their ongoing rivalry: they can compete and win against one of the region’s most storied squads when it counts.

In the end, the 2–0 scoreline tells part of the story, but the significance lies in how 100  Thieves managed to combine rookie star power alongside their experienced trio of Asuna, bang and Cryo to form a formidable squad to face off against a new look of Sentinels.