Packing up: TSM announces departure from LCS for another major region, sells slot.

If you can’t beat em, join em.

Long-time LCS North American staple Team SoloMid has announced their planned departure from the LCS. Team SoloMid, or more affectionately known by fans and critics alike as TSM, is one of the most iconic esports brands in the world, and one of the most legendary and storied organizations connected with League of Legends.

Staple of LCS History

TSM has played a large part in the history of League of Legends, most specifically dating back to the early days of North American League of Legends during the grassroot scenes. Legendary players such as Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, Yiliang “Peter” Peng, and Marcus “Dyrus” Hill have all shone within the LCS as veritable stars at one time whilst donning the famed black and white.

Despite having a poor record in international competitions, domestically, TSM has attained an almost cult-like following due to their popularity and success during their early years, and their collection of ex-players who have gone on to be icons in the current LCS landscape.

Victory over History

Seeking a Worlds victory, CEO Andy “Reginald” Dinh has announced on their Twitter that TSM would be selling their slot and leaving the LCS to pursue a spot in another Tier 1 region. This suggests the LEC, LCK, or LPL most likely. Many speculations include the LPL, however, this has yet to be confirmed.

Domestically, TSM has always been relatively successful, having netted 7 of the 16 LCS titles to date. They have regularly finished in the top 3 in the region, despite numerous roster changes over the years. However, like many other LCS teams, internationally, they have struggled to perform. At both MSI and Worlds, North America was often the region who underperformed the greatest. For representatives of a major region, this was considered unacceptable, and critics were plenty for both the team and region.

In 2020 Worlds, TSM became the first top seed from a major region to exit Worlds with an 0-6 record, having not won a single series. In their latest announcement video, TSM re-affirmed their desire to ‘compete at the highest level’ whilst ‘sacrificing whatever it takes to get there.’ For many fans, the latter is bittersweet. For TSM’s departure in search of the trophy signals an end to their support and faith in the region, and in the eyes of many, a further degradation of the crumbling LCS institution. Moreover, in switching regions, TSM leaves behind their storied fanbase and regional support system, a ‘sacrifice’ for the competition.

In the video, “Reginald” admits the frustrations experienced from year after year of underperformance at Worlds, stating ‘every time we’ve gone to Worlds, we’ve failed to deliver, and we’ve never brought back a trophy.’ He goes to say, ‘but what this means, is that the job is not finished.’

‘I believe moving to another region will re-ignite our hunger to do whatever it takes to win a Worlds championship’ “Reginald” continues. He also acknowledged that the move may feel sudden, but it has been something [TSM] has been working towards for the last 3 years. It is currently unknown how long the transition to another region will take, however, TSM is set to play out the LCS Summer Split 2023 at least.

Criticisms levelled.

While they have received plenty of support and encouragement, TSM has also received an equal measure of concern from discerning parties. Their departure, combined with the declining state of the North American League of Legends scene entirely, draws too many question marks on the future of the region as a whole.

Just days ago, Riot announced that LCS teams would no longer be required to field an NACL (North American Challengers League) roster. The move has been controversial, with the NACL often seen as the place to develop future North American talent. Thanks to the announcement, out of the 10 NACL teams, 7 have decided to end their support for their NACL teams for the time being, citing unprofitability.

Moreover, TSM’s own departure of the region they have played such a pivotal part in developing, further signals an end to the talent pipeline in NA. Many have criticized TSM’s departure as preferring to ‘purchase’ a Worlds trophy rather than spend time correcting and strengthening a weakening major region.

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Credit: TSM LoL // LCS LoL Esports