The Sentinels cycle (also known as the SEN cycle) is a term used by esports analysts to describe a team that consistently over-performs in matches that hold little to no significance, while failing to show up during events that can lead to actual titles. Named for the professional VALORANT team, Sentinels, and their 2022-2025 run, the Sentinels cycle has been used widely in case studies for those interested in esports management as a guide for how not to fuck up.