Sentinels Return to LCS in 2026, Taking Over 100 Thieves’ Slot

The North American League of Legends scene just got the jolt of energy it desperately needed. Sentinels are officially coming back to the League Championship Series (LCS). The esports giant, famous for its world-beating VALORANT roster, will take over the slot which was previously held by 100 Thieves beginning with the 2026 season. 

The confirmation, announced jointly by LoL Esports and Sentinels, marks a seismic shift for a North American league desperately seeking a spark. This isn’t just a new team joining the fray; it’s the return of an old fan favourite and a cornerstone of the LCS’s radical new strategic direction.

This move solidifies the league’s new eight-team, NA-exclusive format, officially closing the book on the maligned League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA) experiment. 

With viewership flagging and fans frustrated by the merged league, Riot Games is betting that Sentinels’ colossal brand and passionate fanbase can help usher in a new golden era for NA League of Legends.

"This is the next stage in Sentinels’ evolution," said Rob Moore, CEO of Sentinels, in a statement. He pointed to the organisation's decorated history, from winning the inaugural Fortnite World Cup to their two international VALORANT trophies. "Now, entering the most popular and enduring game in the world, League of Legends, is the natural next step."

Sentinels' LCS Return Takes Over 100 Thieves' Slot

For fans with long memories, this feels less like a new beginning and more like a homecoming. Before rebranding, the organisation competed in the LCS as Phoenix1 during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In that short time, they left an indelible mark, famously sweeping European powerhouse G2 Esports 2-0 at the inaugural Rift Rivals in 2017 and developing Rookie of the Split jungler Mike ‘MikeYeung’ Yeung.

Their journey was cut short when the LCS transitioned to a franchised model in 2018, leaving Phoenix1 on the outside looking in. Now, nearly a decade later, they’re back to finish what they started.

In the years since their departure, Sentinels have done nothing but build a winning culture. Their dynasty in VALORANT, highlighted by dominant championship runs at Masters Reykjavík 2021 and Masters Madrid 2024, is a testament to their ability to construct a world-class program. 

The organisation has promised to bring that same dedication to the LCS, announcing major investments in infrastructure, coaching, and a player development pipeline that will blend veteran leadership with hungry, up-and-coming talent.

To celebrate their return, Sentinels dropped a perfectly executed announcement video featuring none other than LCS icon Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng. The legendary ADC, sporting a fresh Sentinels jersey, playfully welcomed the org back to the league before cheekily confirming he would not be their starting AD carry.

While the complete roster and coaching staff remain under wraps for now, the message from the Sentinels camp is ringing loud and clear: They aren’t just here to fill a spot. They’re here to win. The countdown to 2026 just got a whole lot more exciting.