Sacy Announces Retirement from Professional VALORANT
In an unexpected turn of events, Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi, one of VALORANT's most accomplished players, has announced his retirement from professional play. His announcement comes just a day after his Sentinels teammate, Tyson "TenZ" Ngo, announced his own retirement, sending shockwaves through the VALORANT community.
Although rumors had surfaced early on that Sacy was not planning on re-signing with Sentinels, he has decided to step away from the competitive scene, leaving behind a legacy few can match.
Sacy's Farewell to the Fans
Sentinels, a team that Sacy had joined in 2023, paid tribute to their former player by uploading a heartwarming video in which Sacy shared his thoughts with fans. The message was a heartfelt thank you to those who had supported him throughout his time in competitive VALORANT.
The emotional address highlighted the difficulty of his decision, with Sacy pointing out that after years of competing, it was time to focus on his personal life.
“It’s been a tough one, but I think it’s the right choice now for me, for my family. You guys know me as Sacy. I know myself as Sacy as well since I was 13 years old. But I think now it’s the time to know about Gustavo.”
Sacy concluded by expressing his continued support for his former team. "I’ll keep cheering for you guys. And I hope that you guys get a Champions soon."
A Decorated Career in Valorant
Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi's career in VALORANT stands out as one of the most decorated in the game's history, with two international titles under his belt.
His rise began in 2021 with Team Vikings, where his stellar performances in VCT Brazil Challengers helped the team qualify for VCT Masters Reykjavík 2021. Despite a 5th-6th place finish, Sacy shone individually, even earning MVP honors in a victory over X10 Esports. That same year, despite a disappointing exit from VALORANT Champions 2021, Sacy met Matias "Saadhak" Delipetro, a key figure in his future success.
The Rise with LOUD
In 2022, Sacy and Saadhak moved to LOUD, a newly formed Brazilian team that would become a dominant force. The duo, along with their teammates, including young talents in Erick "aspas" Santos, Bryan "pANcada" Luna and Felipe "Less" Basso dominated the regional scene once again, but international success remained elusive until Champions 2022.
After a flawless playoffs run in VALORANT Champions 2022, LOUD defeated Optic Gaming once again in the Grand Finals, having beaten the North American side once already in the Upper Bracket Finals. This victory earned Sacy his first international trophy, cementing his place as one of Brazil’s finest VALORANT players.
Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesA Rollercoaster with Sentinels
Sacy’s transition to Sentinels in late 2022 came with challenges, as the team faltered throughout 2023. However, taking it all in as a learning opportunity, the 2024 season brought a resurgence.
Sentinels underwent a significant rebuild in the off-season, and their renewed roster started to show its strength. The team’s newfound synergy paid off early in the year when they claimed the VCT Americas Kickoff trophy.
Sentinels then went on to dominate the competition at VCT Masters Madrid 2024, where they didn’t lose a single match on their way to the title. For Sacy, the victory in Madrid was a triumphant moment, marking his second international title and reaffirming his place among the game’s greats.
Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesDespite a few setbacks later in the year, including missing out on VCT Masters Shanghai, the team bounced back to finish 4th at Champions. While it wasn’t the fairy-tale ending Sacy may have hoped for, it was still a solid finale to an illustrious career.
A Legacy Remembered
Sacy’s decision to retire marks the end of a decade long career as a professional esports athlete. With two international titles in VALORANT and a storied career, Sacy's impact on the game is undeniable. His fans and peers will remember him not just as a champion, but as a player who represented Brazil on the global stage with heart and determination.
As Sacy steps away from the competitive scene, his legacy is secure, and the VALORANT community will undoubtedly continue to celebrate his remarkable achievements.
All of us from the Strafe team thank Sacy for his contributions to the competitive Valorant scene and wish him all the best for the future.
Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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