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TSM Is Leaving the LCS After a Decade Full of Success, Setting Its Sights on a Spot in LCK, LPL or LEC

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TSM Is Leaving the LCS After a Decade Full of Success, Setting Its Sights on a Spot in LCK, LPL or LEC

One of the cornerstones of the North American League of Legends scene, TSM, is leaving the LCS to pursue a World Championship in another major region.

TSM, one of the most iconic organizations in the history of League of Legends, has announced its departure from the LCS (League of Legends Championship Series) after over a decade of participation. CEO Andy Dinh revealed that the team has made the decision to transition to another tier one region, a significant change for the organization and its fans.

TSM has been going through a restructuring of its management roles for a while now. Many of their executives left the organization in the last year including general manager Glen Yang, team manager Kristine Huang and TSM COO Walter Wang. Speculation about TSM selling its LCS slot had been circulating since March, with reports suggesting financial struggles within the organization following the failed sponsorship deal with the crypto exchange FTX. Investigative reporter Jacob Wolf hinted at a potential move to the LPL (League of Legends Pro League) in China, as sources revealed talks between TSM and LPL organizations had begun in November 2022.

Once considered the most dominant team in the LCS, winning six titles in the first ten NA LCS splits, TSM has faced setbacks in recent years, notably during 2022 and 2023 where they finished in the bottom half of the standings, failing to make playoffs in both Springs. Despite their domestic success, TSM has failed to achieve its ultimate goal of winning the prestigious World Championship, with their highest placement being eighth in 2012 and 2013.

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While TSM is expected to compete in the upcoming 2023 LCS Summer Split, they have already started making roster changes. They signed former Team Heretics mid laner Lee “Ruby” Sol-min and brought in Seong “Reven” Sang-hyeon as the new head coach from Cloud9 Challengers.

TSM's departure from the LCS marks a significant chapter in the organization's history and signifies their determination to pursue a World Championship title. North America's lack of international success in League of Legends has prompted TSM's decision to explore opportunities in another tier one region. CEO Andy Dinh expressed that the decision to transition has been in the works for the past three years, and TSM is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure a World Championship, even if it means relocating to a different country.

The specific region TSM will be moving to has not been disclosed, but it is likely to be one of the LPL, LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea), or LEC (League of Legends European Championship). The transition process and timeline are yet to be determined, and TSM's focus remains on competing in the upcoming LCS Summer Split as they continue their pursuit of success on the domestic stage.

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