Sentinels have officially announced the hiring of Marthinus Jacobus “Ewok” van der Walt as the new head coach of their VALORANT roster. The North American esports organization confirmed the move following a disappointing start to the 2026 VCT season, signaling the beginning of a new phase for the team.
The announcement, shared by Sentinels CEO Rob Moore, confirms that Ewok will immediately replace Adam Kaplan as the organization looks to rebuild and regain its championship form.
Sentinels Replaced Adam Kaplan
Sentinels’ decision comes after a ninth-to-tenth-place finish at the VCT Americas Kickoff. Despite previous success under Kaplan, including a Masters Madrid trophy in 2024, recent results have failed to meet expectations.
According to Rob Moore, the organization believes the team was heading in the wrong direction. While acknowledging Kaplan’s successful tenure, Moore emphasized that performance at Champions 2025 and the overall trajectory of the roster required immediate changes. Sentinels made it clear that waiting was not an option as they aim to position themselves strongly for VCT 2026 and beyond.
The move reflects a broader rebuild strategy focused not only on results but also on team chemistry and long-term development.
Background on Marthinus “Ewok” van der Walt
Ewok joins Sentinels after an impressive stint with Rex Regum Qeon. During his time with RRQ, he led the team to an APAC Stage 1 Championship in 2025 and secured qualification for Champions Paris. His leadership and ability to build competitive systems earned him recognition as one of the standout coaches in VCT Pacific last year.
Represented by Nivo agency, Ewok has developed a reputation for creating structure within teams and fostering steady improvement. Sentinels’ leadership highlighted his ability to construct winning systems and cultivate growth over time rather than relying on short-term fixes.
His arrival signals that Sentinels are prioritizing long-term stability and structured development.
Sentinels’ Vision for the Future
Rob Moore addressed the timing of the rebuild directly, stating that the organization does not make changes lightly. However, he stressed that when it becomes clear a team is not progressing in the right direction, decisive action is necessary.
Moore explained that the issues at Kickoff were not limited to results. The team lacked the chemistry and development needed to compete at the highest level. By making coaching changes now, Sentinels hope to maximize their chances of qualifying for Champions 2026.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to building a championship-caliber roster and promised further updates as the rebuild progresses.
Ewok’s Statement on Joining Sentinels
Ewok expressed strong enthusiasm about taking over one of North America’s most high-profile VALORANT teams. He emphasized that championships are built on trust, stability, and daily improvement.
According to Ewok, Sentinels possess the infrastructure, ambition, and player talent required to compete at the top level. His goal is to implement the structure and processes that can turn potential into championships.
The hiring of Ewok marks a pivotal moment for Sentinels VALORANT. After a challenging start to the season, the organization is clearly focused on resetting its competitive identity. With a coach known for system building and roster development, the Sentinels are betting on long-term improvement rather than quick fixes.
As the VCT season continues, all eyes will be on how quickly Ewok can reshape the team’s performance and whether Sentinels can return to international title contention. The rebuild has officially begun, and the pressure is now on to deliver results in 2026.
