Summary:
- North American org Sentinels will be an LCS partner team for the 2026 season, replacing 100 Thieves.
- The organization first joined the LCS in 2016 under the name Phoenix1, before leaving the league and rebranding to Sentinels in 2018.
- Sentinels’ return is expected to boost fan interest and viewership, thanks to their large following from other esports titles.
Known by many as a powerhouse in VALORANT, Sentinels are expanding their reach into the game’s MOBA counterpart—League of Legends. The North American organization has been officially confirmed as a new partner team for the LCS 2026 season, taking over 100 Thieves’ spot. However, this isn’t exactly their first time in the scene. Here’s what this announcement could mean for Sentinels, the LCS, fans and viewers, and the North American LoL esports scene.
Sentinels Officially Join the LCS
The news was confirmed in a special announcement video featuring former LCS superstar Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, who jokingly welcomed Sentinels to the league. While the clip sparked rumors that Doublelift might join the team, he later clarified he won’t be part of their roster—it was simply a fun way to celebrate their entry.
According to Riot Games, Sentinels will officially join the LCS when the league returns to its independent format in 2026. The organization plans to invest heavily in its League of Legends division, focusing on strong coaching, player development, and building a competitive team that can grow over time.
Sentinels CEO Rob Moore shared that the move was part of their long-term vision. “We’ve succeeded in some of the biggest esports titles in the world,” he said. “Now, entering League of Legends—the most iconic competitive game—is the next step for us.”
A Return to Their League of Legends Roots
For newer fans, this may seem like Sentinels’ first step into the LCS, but it’s actually a return to their origins. Before rebranding as Sentinels, the organization was known as Phoenix1, a team that joined the North American LCS in 2016 after acquiring Team Impulse’s slot.
Phoenix1’s short run in the league still left a strong mark. The team represented North America at Rift Rivals 2017, where they helped the region beat Europe. Their roster at the time included standout players like Ryu, Arrow, and MikeYeung, who won Rookie of the Split that year.
When franchising began in 2018, Phoenix1 stepped away from the league, later rebranding as Sentinels. Now, almost a decade later, they’re back in League of Legends—this time with a much larger fanbase and proven experience in other esports.
Sentinels’ Track Record of Success
The Sentinels are known for their strong performances in other major games. In Fortnite, they rose to fame when Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf won the 2019 Fortnite World Cup under their banner. In VALORANT, their roster—led by Tyson “TenZ” Ngo—became one of the most dominant and popular teams in the game’s history, winning multiple international events.
Now, fans are eager to see if Sentinels can achieve the same level of success in League of Legends. The organization has not yet announced its player roster or coaching staff, but it’s expected that more news will come in the next few months.
A Fresh Start for the LCS
The addition of Sentinels to the LCS also comes at an important time for North American League of Legends. In recent years, the league has lost several major organizations, including NRG, TSM, and most recently, 100 Thieves. With the LCS often viewed as smaller compared to international powerhouses like the LCK and LPL, maintaining strong engagement and viewership has become more important than ever.
With many teams leaving, it’s been tough for the league to keep building momentum. However, many fans and analysts believe that Sentinels’ arrival could help revive interest in the LCS. Their huge following from other games could also attract new viewers who haven’t watched League of Legends before.
Conclusion
With the Sentinels LCS debut confirmed, the team now looks to prepare for the upcoming 2026 season. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the official roster, which we’re likely to get very soon. More than that, many are looking forward to seeing whether the org’s LoL venture will pay off immediately or take time to find its rhythm. For now, all we know is that their presence will make the 2026 LCS season more exciting than ever.
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