shroud returns to pro play, joins Sentinels’ Valorant roster

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and streaming icon Michael “shroud” Grzesiek is not done with competitive play just yet. The famous Twitch streamer is returning to esports, this time in a Sentinels Valorant jersey. 

The 2021 VCT Stage 2 Masters champions have been going through a slump in 2022, barely making it to the VCT NA Last Chance Qualifier. However, it seems like Sentinels have found a solution for their ills. In a surprise announcement, the North American team has revealed shroud as a professional player for its run to the VCT NA LCQ. 

shroud had long ago stepped away from competitive play, switching to streaming as his full-time career. But it seems like he still has a competitive itch to scratch. The jaw-dropping announcement has set the Valorant community ablaze as fans wait for more information on shroud joining Sentinels. 

Is Shroud returning to pro play in Valorant? 

Yes, shroud is legitimately returning to pro play and will be competing at the top level in Valorant. The streamer has confirmed that he’s soon starting a boot camp with the Sentinels roster led by Shahzeb “Shahzam” Khan. The streamer further revealed that he’ll soon begin practicing with the team to prepare for the LCQ tournament in August. 

“I will be in the LCQ. I have a lot of grinding to do and catch myself up. But, hey, I’m not alone,” shroud said.

The legend returns, and he's here to win@shroud joins the Sentinels Valorant roster pic.twitter.com/VaIYTeR2nq

— Sentinels (@Sentinels) July 8, 2022

shroud has previously written off the possibility of a competitive return, so the announcement was a massive surprise for his fans. The streamer had mentioned that competitive gaming can be “too much work.” But Sentinels seems to have convinced him. shroud will now don the red jersey to enter competitive Valorant at its highest level.

shroud will be stepping into the place of Hunter “SicK” Mims, who’s been out of the roster due to mental health issues. ShahZaM Khan will stay on as team leader, which means shroud will join the squad as controller. 

Sentinels could surely use an experienced player like shroud to overcome this recent slump. The starting roster has been looking weak as SicK was replaced by Sentinels head coach Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty. The shuffle didn’t work well enough as the team still left Stage 2 Challengers early, failing to make it to the playoffs. 

shroud has made a name for himself in FPS esports and is often included in the list among the best-known Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players in North America for his great performances. As a member of Cloud9, shroud led his team to victories against some of the world’s top CSGO teams and a championship at ESL Pro League Season 4.