Sentinels will face off against 100 Thieves in their debut match at VCT 2025: Americas Stage 1. This match presents an opportunity for 100 Thieves to break their losing streak and make a statement against a strong opponent. Let's evaluate the form of both teams and predict the winner of this match.

Current Team Form

Sentinels

Sentinels started the 2025 season promisingly, finishing second at the VCT 2025: Americas Kickoff, earning them a slot at the VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok. However, the international tournament proved unsuccessful as Sentinels didn't win a single match, finishing in 7-8 place. Out of their last five matches, the team won only one. Notably, two losses were at the Masters, and two more were at the Kickoff against G2 Esports, who became the tournament champions. Thus, despite a weak streak, Sentinels faced extremely high-level opposition.

100 Thieves

100 Thieves began the season in 9–12 place at the Kickoff. They won their debut match but lost the next two. From their last five matches, they secured only one victory. Three matches were part of the Kickoff, another in the off-season, and the earliest loss was back in 2024. Unlike their opponent, 100 Thieves did not make any roster changes before the start of VCT 2025: Americas Stage 1. The team continues to build their game with the existing lineup despite the lackluster results.

Team Map Pool

Based on the history of map selection, the following sequence can be anticipated:

• Sentinels Ban: Fracture — the team consistently blocked this map in the first stage.
• 100 Thieves Ban: Pearl — the team has 0 wins on this map, while Sentinels often choose it.
• Sentinels Pick: Lotus — an alternative to Pearl, which they have picked before.
• 100 Thieves Pick: Icebox — a map the team might return to after the map pool update.
• Sentinels Ban: Haven — statistically the worst map for Sentinels.
• Remaining Map: Split — remains in the pool, both teams have experience on it, but Sentinels feel more confident on it.

Thus, the anticipated map pool:

• First Map: Lotus (Sentinels' pick)
• Second Map: Icebox (100 Thieves' pick)
• Third Map (Decider): Split

Head-to-Head

The last encounter between the teams was on January 19 during VCT 2025: Americas Kickoff. Sentinels came out on top, defeating 100 Thieves 2:1. In total, the teams have faced each other 16 times, with Sentinels having a commanding lead: 12 wins against 4 for 100 Thieves. Historically, Sentinels have always been a challenging opponent for the "Thieves," and the latest victory only reinforced this dominance.

Match Prediction

Considering the current form of the teams, the map pool, and their head-to-head history, Sentinels appear to be the favorites in this matchup. Despite their losing streak, they have shown a high level of play against strong opponents, whereas 100 Thieves have not been convincing even against less formidable teams. An additional factor in favor of Sentinels is the psychological advantage in head-to-head meetings.

Prediction: Sentinels win 2:1.

VCT 2025: Americas Stage 1 runs from March 21 to May 4. During the event, 12 teams will compete for three slots at VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and Americas Points, which are necessary for further qualification for VALORANT Champions. More details on the match schedule and tournament results can be found here.