TenZ announces retirement from Valorant professional play after historic career with Sentinels

Valorant superstar TenZ has announced his retirement from professional play, citing a desire to pursue other interests outside of gaming.

Sentinels’ Valorant star TenZ, one of the most iconic players in the game's competitive history, has officially announced his retirement from professional play. In a statement posted on September 14, 2024, TenZ shared that he has decided to step away from the rigorous demands of professional gaming to focus on other interests. “There’s just a lot of stuff that I wanna do outside of the game that I’m very ambitious about,” TenZ explained in his announcement.

TenZ revealed that he had known this would be his final year of competitive play since the beginning of 2024, telling himself, "This is my last year." He emphasized that his goal was to give everything he had to the game without any regrets. Despite retiring from the starting roster, TenZ mentioned that he may still sub in for Sentinels occasionally if needed.

In a follow-up video, TenZ disclosed that he informed his teammates of his retirement just before Valorant Champions Seoul, and his decision was met with understanding. Reflecting on his career, TenZ said, "I’m grateful for this incredible journey, and it’s time to start a new one."

TenZ is widely regarded as one of the best Duelist players in Valorant, known for his dominating performances in major tournaments. He is the only North American player to have won two Masters events and leaves behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the game's competitive scene.