In a move that has left the Valorant community reeling, one of the game’s most legendary figures, Tyson “TenZ” Ngo, has announced his retirement from professional play. The 23-year-old Canadian superstar, who has been a dominant force in Valorant since its inception in 2020, shared the emotional news with fans on September 15, 2024, via a heartfelt video message.
TenZ, who has been the face of the Sentinels organization for the past three years, revealed that he made the difficult decision to step away from competitive Valorant earlier this year. The skilled duelist explained that while being a pro player has been an incredible journey, the demands of the role have prevented him from fully pursuing his passion for content creation.
“I’m glad we were able to win in some capacity this year, for my closure year,” said TenZ, reflecting on his final season. “I’m just glad to leave my mark in Valorant history and to be remembered for that.”
A Legacy Etched in Valorant History
TenZ’s illustrious career began in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive scene in 2017 before he made the switch to Valorant in 2020. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of the game’s elite players, quickly rising to the top of the ranks and becoming a fan favorite.
Over the course of his four-year Valorant career, TenZ has secured two prestigious international trophies. In 2021, he was a key member of the Sentinels roster that won the VCT Stage 2 Masters Reykjavik, defeating Fnatic 3-0 in the grand final. This historic victory marked the first international Valorant LAN tournament hosted by Riot Games.
TenZ’s second major triumph came in 2024, when he led an updated Sentinels lineup to victory at VCT Masters Madrid. The team claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Gen.G Esports in the grand final, cementing TenZ’s status as one of the greatest Valorant players of all time.
“I’m definitely really glad that we were able to win in some capacity for this year and for my closure year. It was a very nice memory,” TenZ said, reflecting on the Madrid triumph.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Valorant Pros
Throughout his career, TenZ has not only dominated the competitive scene but has also become a role model for aspiring young players. He has expressed pride in being able to inspire the next generation, much like Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek did for him during his Counter-Strike days.
“I want to give a big thank you to all my teammates that I’ve had throughout my time with Sentinels, it’s been amazing and there have been a lot of high points, a lot of low points,” TenZ said, expressing gratitude to his teammates and fans.
What’s Next for TenZ?
While TenZ’s retirement from professional play marks the end of an era, it also opens up new opportunities for the talented player. In his announcement video, he expressed excitement about focusing on content creation and pursuing other ambitions outside of esports.
“I definitely poured my heart into this year and tried to be the best that I could, even switching roles to a role that I’ve never played in my life. I just wanted to be the best teammate that I could be and be the best player that I could be,” TenZ said, reflecting on his final season.
As TenZ embarks on this new chapter, the Valorant community can expect to see more of his engaging content and entertaining streams. With over 4.1 million followers on Twitch and 2.27 million subscribers on YouTube, TenZ’s influence on the scene is undeniable.
The news of TenZ’s retirement has sent shockwaves through the Valorant esports world, with players and fans alike expressing their gratitude and support for the legendary player. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Tyson “TenZ” Ngo has left an indelible mark on Valorant history, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of players to come.
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