Sentinels star Zellsis torn over “toxic” yet “loving” fans amid VCT Americas woes

Sentinels’ star player Zellsis opened up over the team’s “toxic” yet “loving” fans after their first VCT Americas loss of 2024. 

VCT Americas is off to a roaring start as many a crowd favorite team plays their first matches after various roster shake-ups, with Sentinels in the sights of hardcore fans after their additions of Zellsis and johnqt, along with a controversial benching of pANcada. 

However, their first Kickoff match against LOUD on February 17 wasn’t exactly the start many fans would’ve been hoping for, with a 2-0 loss against the Brazilian giants. 

Speaking after the match, Zellsis opened up on Sentinels’ fan base and what it’s like playing for a team with such “diehard” supporters. 

Tina Jo/Riot Games

Speaking to Esports.gg after the LOUD match, Zellsis was asked if Sentinels’ intense fan base would have any effect on his mental game. 

Zellsis said, “Depending on who you are, the fan base for Sentinels is very loving, but also very toxic. They just want the best for the organization and the players.

“They’re just diehard fans, like sports fans, where they want the best for their team. They want the best for the players, so they’re ruthless.” 

However, Zellsis added he no longer reads comments from fans anymore, growing up from his “young phase” of caring what supporters think. “As long as I know I have my teammates, that’s all that matters to me,” Zellsis said. 

“For me, it’s all just love with the Sentinel fan base, win or lose. You’re going to lose. You’re not always going to win. Even the best teams lose. It’s just about how hard you care, how hard you grind, and how you get back up when you do lose.”

Sentinels’ next VCT Americas game will be against 100 Thieves on February 19 in an elimination match.