canezerra Joins Sentinels, Riot Shortens Ban

After a hardware ban ended his contract with ENVY earlier this year, VCT Americas pro canezerra is returning, and sources say he will end up on Sentinels. Let’s recap the move and what this means for the VALORANT esports scene.

Update: canezerra Has Officially Joined Sentinels

As of 4:00 EST on October 6, Sentinels has officially announced that canezerra is joining the org for its VCT 2027 season.

Sentinels CEO Rob Moore called him an “S tier rookie,” and said the team was considering who should be their fifth player.

S tier rookie. Who should fill the 5th. Do you think we should prioritize Vibes?? https://t.co/Uf1kvJkFDT

— Rob Moore (@robmooreEsports) November 6, 2026

Why Was canezerra Banned?

On April 16, 2026, Riot Games issued a 12-month ban to Alex “canezerra” Banyasz. The American VALORANT pro had earned a full hardware ban stemming from “multiple violations of [the] Terms of Service.”

canezerra’s suspension was due to hate speech, toxicity, and unsportsmanlike behavior. His former team clarified that he had not used cheats or scripts.

pic.twitter.com/xFURyBKR9v

— ENVY (@Envy) April 16, 2026

canezerra had previously played for ENVY, notably winning VCT Americas Ascension in 2025. ENVY immediately terminated canezerra’s contract following the incident. The team confirmed the ban also prevented him from streaming or competing in Riot-sponsored tournaments.

canezerra, who was 17 at the time, wrote an apology statement: “I made a serious mistake and said things I deeply regret. There’s no excuse for it.”

I made a serious mistake and said things I deeply regret. There’s no excuse for it.

I’m really sorry to my fans, Envy, Riot, and everyone who supports me — I’ve let you down.

Ever since I started playing this game, I’ve wanted to be the best. For the past five years I’ve put in…

— canezerra (@canezerra) April 16, 2026

“I want to become a better example, not a bad one. I accept my punishment and will use this time to grow and make sure it never happens again. I’m fully committed to this game and to coming back the right way.”

Riot Shortens canezerra’s Ban

On October 29, Riot reportedly shortened canezerra’s ban. He is now able to return to competitive play. As soon as this occurred, canezerra posted that he was LFT for the 2027 VCT season.

canezerra wrote an update on November 6, confirming Riot had given him “a second chance.”:

“I can only apologise for past actions and being ignorant on certain topics, this year I’ve become an adult and had to deal with realities in life that made me realise I needed to mature. My actions going forward will show you that. Thanks to those that have helped me and been willing to give me a second chance. I won’t take it for granted.”

I can only apologise for past actions and being ignorant on certain topics, this year I've become an adult and had to deal with realities in life that made me realise I needed to mature. My actions going forward will show you that. Thanks to those that have helped me and been…

— canezerra (@canezerra) November 5, 2026

Reports: canezerra is Joining Sentinels

This development emerges as Sheep Esports reports canezerra has reached a verbal agreement with NA team Sentinels to join their VCT 2027 roster. This would mean the org’s starting lineup next year features:

• Francis “OXY” Hoang
• Amine “johnqt” Ouarid
• Brock “brawk” Somerhalder
• Alex “canezerra” Banyasz

The fifth slot remains empty, opening the door for another potential transfer. JonahP, Jerrwin, N4RRATE, cortezia, kyu, and reduxx have all departed the org since last year, meaning it has undergone significant reshuffles.

What’s Next for Sentinels in VCT 2027?

SEN remains a household name in VCT Americas, but the team’s 2026 results have been lacking. The org did not qualify for any international events this year, and its performance in Americas splits sharply declined.

This was a contrast from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. SEN placed fourth in Champions 2024 and won Masters Madrid, capping off star player TenZ’s career before his hiatus from pro play.

SEN has been reselected as a VCT 2027 Partner Team. The org is entering a new competitive circuit, as Riot is shifting to prioritize Open Qualifiers and keep partnered orgs rotating. SEN has earned an entry point into the new VCT era, but it will have to stay on its toes to remain in the scene.