Tyson “TenZ” Ngo, a well-known figure in the VALORANT community, has revealed his return to competitive play by joining Cubert Academy, the academy roster of Sentinels. He steps in as a temporary substitute for Logan “skuba” Jenkins, who recently moved to NRG, and will remain with the team until a permanent replacement is found.
Stepping into the VCT Challengers Playoffs
TenZ is gearing up for his debut in the VCT Challengers Stage 2 Playoffs, where he’ll showcase his skills on the Cubert Academy roster. Fans can catch his perspective as he plans to stream his gameplay live on his Twitch channel. He shared his excitement on social media, noting that he’s ready to make his mark in the Challengers League.
First Match and Expected Hype
The highly anticipated debut will see TenZ and Cubert Academy face off against Winthrop University on May 20th in a best-of-three series. This matchup is generating significant buzz, with expectations that it could set new viewership records for the Challengers League due to TenZ’s massive fanbase. The game will be broadcast live on the official VCT North America Twitch and YouTube channels, with additional watch parties hosted by various content creators to amplify the excitement.
TenZ’s Journey and Temporary Role
Previously, TenZ stepped away from competitive VALORANT in 2024, choosing to focus on content creation with Sentinels. After parting ways with the organization, his return to the esports scene as a substitute for Cubert Academy has caught many by surprise. Sentinels CEO Rob Moore expressed enthusiasm about the move, calling TenZ the ultimate choice for a standout substitute when the team needed one.
Cubert Academy’s Playoff Path
Cubert Academy is entering the playoffs in the Upper Quarterfinals of the double-elimination bracket. While the team has secured a spot in Challengers North America Stage 3, they won’t be earning circuit points toward qualifying for VCT Ascension Americas 2025. This is due to academy teams from VCT-partnered organizations like Sentinels being ineligible for Ascension tournaments. However, this status also grants them protection from relegation, offering a safety net not afforded to other lower-ranked Challengers teams.