Welcome to all Valorant fans and viewers! From September 12 to October 5, 2025, the biggest tournament of the year — VALORANT Champions 2025 — is taking place. Sixteen teams will battle for the title of “Global Valorant Champions” and a massive prize pool.
On the eighth day of the competition, we’ll focus on the upcoming Group A match between the Chinese team XLG Esports and the North American team Sentinels. Both squads have already played one group match and suffered defeats: XLG fell to Paper Rex 2-0, while Sentinels lost to GIANTX 2-1.
After these losses, both teams will need to analyze their mistakes and make adjustments, as this will be a decisive elimination match. As the teams prepare for this crucial battle, let’s take a closer look at their current form and share some betting insights.
How bookmakers see it: XLG — SEN
According to most bookmakers, Sentinels are considered the clear favorites in their upcoming match against XLG at VALORANT Champions 2025. The odds reflect this: 1.22 for the North American squad compared to 4.02 for the XLG roster. Both teams have already lost their opening group matches, which makes this clash decisive — an elimination match for survival in the tournament.
Despite Sentinels holding the favorite status, the situation is not entirely straightforward. Matches like this are always played under immense pressure: a single mistake could cost a team their place in the championship. XLG, on the other hand, come into the game without the heavy burden of expectations, which could work to their advantage. For Sentinels, this is a chance to reaffirm their status as a top team, while for XLG, it is an opportunity to create an upset and stay in the fight.
XLG Esports form: What result can be expected from XLG?
XLG Esports are a young but rapidly rising team on the Chinese Valorant scene. Although they only recently reached the top level after success in Ascension, XLG have already shown that they are capable not just of competing but of achieving meaningful results at major tournaments. The 2025 season has become an important milestone for the team, as they entered it with the ambition to prove their right to be considered one of the best in the region.
The current roster includes: Arthur “Rarga” Churyumov — a key figure whose versatility allows the team to adapt to different situations; Teng “happywei” Min-wei — one of the statistical leaders in ACS and ADR, often delivering strong individual performances; Colin “coconut” Chung — the captain and a stabilizing presence in clutch scenarios; Ran “Viva” Lifan — a young talent bringing fresh energy and game sense; and James “NoMan” Man — the newest addition ahead of Stage 2, providing the roster with greater flexibility. The squad is led by coach Aleksandr “hvoya” Eremin. XLG Esports roster: Viva, NoMan, Rarga, happywei, coconut
XLG’s 2025 season started with challenges: roster changes, communication issues (notably when they played Masters Toronto with a stand-in). However, the team quickly adapted, securing podium finishes at VCT China Stage 1, earning strong results in regional tournaments, and locking in their spot at Champions 2025 through circuit points.
Statistically, XLG shine on maps such as Lotus (a frequent map pick with a solid win rate), while also looking comfortable on Bind and Ascent during CN Stage 2. Their weaker spots tend to appear on maps like Corrode, where opponents can disrupt their tempo with aggression and strong site control.
Overall, XLG can be described as a team with huge potential. They have standout individuals capable of swinging rounds on their own, but at times still lack consistency in long series against experienced squads. If XLG can minimize lapses in focus, improve communication, and maintain their pace against top-tier opponents, they have a real chance to pull off surprises at Champions 2025.
Sentinels Esports form: What result can be expected from SEN?
The Sentinels have remained one of the most iconic and recognizable teams on the North American Valorant scene for several years. Despite constant competition and frequent roster changes, the squad consistently ranks among the region’s strongest and continues to deliver solid results on the international stage. The 2025 season began with a refreshed lineup, maintaining a balance between experience and young talent, which has allowed the team to further cement its status as a favorite in the Americas.
The Sentinels’ roster for this year features: Zachary “zekken” Patrone — one of the team’s main sources of aggression and firepower, capable of turning the tide of a match; Mohamed “johnqt” Ouarid — a versatile player providing both flexibility and stability in strategic decisions; Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro — a reliable anchor, using utility effectively and maintaining map control; Sean “bang” Bezerra — a duelist and flex player who creates space for the team and frequently opens up key rounds; and N4RRATE — a young talent whose adaptability allows Sentinels to diversify their drafts and shift playstyles unexpectedly. The roster is supported by a coaching staff that ensures tactical depth and maximizes the players’ strengths. Sentinels roster: zekken, johnqt, Zellsis, bang, N4RRATE
In the first half of the 2025 season, Sentinels performed strongly in VCT Americas Stage 1 and Stage 2, not only reaffirming their level but also proving they can consistently compete with the region’s best. On the international stage, they maintained stable results, with a high series win rate that underlines their ability to contend for playoffs at any major event.
Statistically, Sentinels shine on maps such as Haven, Split, and Bind, where their win rates remain consistently high. However, weaknesses have been noted on maps like Icebox, where their performance is below average, leaving them vulnerable against opponents who thrive on aggressive strategies.
Overall, Sentinels can be described as a team that combines experience, aggression, and strategic flexibility. They boast strong individual performers capable of deciding matches, backed by a team structure that ensures consistent results. If they can minimize mistakes on weaker maps and maintain focus in clutch moments, Sentinels have every chance of once again establishing themselves among the favorites at VALORANT Champions 2025.
Head-to-Head History
The rivalry between XLG Esports and Sentinels on the international Valorant stage has already taken place several times. Over the past twelve months, the teams have met twice, with the North American squad coming out on top both times. Sentinels won both series with 2-0 scorelines, showcasing clear dominance by taking four straight maps.
However, in their most recent clash at the Esports World Cup 2025 on July 9, the situation proved more competitive. XLG managed to put up a fight and even stole a map from the favorites, though the series still ended in Sentinels’ favor with a 2-1 victory.
This history highlights that XLG have struggled against Sentinels, but there are clear signs of progress in their head-to-head battles.
Players to Watch
XLG Esports: happywei — the leader and main source of stability within XLG. His aggressive playstyle and confident aim allow the team to stay afloat even in the toughest situations. Happywei often takes the initiative into his own hands, creates space for his teammates, and can swing the momentum of a match through sheer individual skill. He serves as the team’s symbol, setting the pace, maintaining confidence, and guiding younger players. If happywei is in good form, XLG are capable of delivering strong performances.
Sentinels: zekken — the primary source of firepower and one of the most promising players on the North American Valorant scene. His aggressive style, reliable dueling, and ability to clutch in high-pressure moments make him the centerpiece of the roster. On agents like Jett and Raze, zekken can completely flip the course of a round with a single play, creating space for his teammates and setting a fast tempo for Sentinels’ game plan.
Probable Map Picks
In the upcoming BO3 between XLG Esports and Sentinels, the map pool is expected to play a decisive role. XLG feel confident on Haven and show solid results on Lotus and Pearl, but struggle heavily on Icebox, Sunset, and the newer arenas. Sentinels, on the other hand, look much more stable: their strongest maps are Lotus, Pearl, and Haven, with decent performances on Corrode and Sunset. Their weaknesses lie on Bind, Icebox, and Ascent.
Most likely, XLG will ban Lotus, as Sentinels boast an 85% win rate there, while Sentinels are expected to remove Icebox, where XLG have yet to claim a single win. In this scenario, XLG are likely to pick Haven, while Sentinels will opt for Pearl — or keep Lotus if it remains open. As for the decider, the most probable choices are Split or Sunset, where both teams have relatively even statistics.
Predicted maps:
- XLG pick: Haven
- Sentinels pick: Pearl (or Lotus)
- Decider: Split or Sunset
Anything else catch the eye?
All of the previous encounters between Sentinels and XLG have ended in victories for the North American squad. Only recently did XLG manage to take a single map off Sentinels, marking their first real sign of progress in the matchup. Even so, it’s clear that the Chinese side will face an uphill battle against an opponent that has consistently come out on top in their head-to-head meetings.
Match Prediction
In the match between XLG Esports and Sentinels, the North American side is the clear favorite — not only according to the bookmakers, but also based on their previous head-to-head results and overall analysis. In my opinion, this won’t be the easiest matchup for Sentinels, but they should be well-prepared for an opponent they’ve already faced multiple times. As mentioned earlier, the pressure will weigh more heavily on Sentinels compared to XLG, while the Chinese squad may approach this clash with greater determination.
Main prediction — Sentinels to win.
Rex Regum Qeon02.11.2501:00Bo5
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