TSM Exits VALORANT Esports: No Immediate Return Planned
In a move that marks the end of an era for North American VALORANT, legendary esports organization TSM has officially announced its departure from the competitive scene. The organization confirmed it is stepping away from the title "with no immediate return in sight," closing a significant chapter that began with the game's launch in 2020.
The decision follows a challenging period for the team, which has been a cornerstone of the VALORANT community since its inception. TSM's exit signals a major shift in the esports landscape, leaving a dedicated fanbase to reflect on a journey filled with dominant highs and heartbreaking lows.
A Storied History Comes to a Close
TSM was one of the first major organizations to dive headfirst into VALORANT, signing a roster in May 2020 that quickly became a regional powerhouse. The initial lineup was famed for its aggressive, pugnacious style and raw mechanical skill, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
The team's peak came in December 2020 when they conquered the competition to win the first-ever official Riot Games tournament, the First Strike: North America event. This victory cemented their status as the kings of early VALORANT and set a high bar for excellence. For nearly a year, TSM was widely considered one of the best teams in the world, consistently battling at the top of the regional leaderboards.
However, as the professional circuit evolved into the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), TSM struggled to replicate that initial, unassailable success. Despite numerous roster iterations and a clear commitment to competing, the team faced mounting challenges in qualifying for international events.
The VCT Partnership and the Path of a Challenger
A significant turning point came with the introduction of Riot Games' VCT partnership program in 2023. TSM was not selected as one of the franchised teams for the premier VCT Americas league, a move that relegated them to the Tier 2 Challengers circuit.
Rather than bow out, the organization recommitted to its VALORANT division with the clear goal of earning promotion. They invested in a promising roster and set their sights on winning the VCT Ascension tournament, the sole pathway for a Challengers team to be promoted into the partnered league for a two-year stint.
Throughout the 2023 season, TSM demonstrated flashes of their former brilliance, battling through the grueling Challengers league. They successfully qualified for the VCT Ascension Americas tournament, putting them just one step away from their goal. However, they ultimately fell short of winning the event, closing the door on a potential return to Tier 1 competition until at least 2025. This outcome appears to have been the final catalyst for the organization's decision to exit the scene.
What Led to the Departure?
While TSM's official statement did not delve into exhaustive detail, the context of the VCT ecosystem provides clear insight. For an organization of TSM's scale, competing in a Tier 2 league for another full year without a direct path to the highest level of competition presents significant financial and strategic challenges. The resources required to field a top-tier roster, including player salaries, coaching staff, and support infrastructure, are substantial.
Without the exposure, prize pools, and in-game digital item revenue associated with the partnered VCT leagues, the long-term viability of maintaining a Challengers team becomes a difficult proposition. TSM's exit highlights the high-stakes, all-or-nothing nature of the current Ascension system.
The Future of the Roster and TSM
With the organization's departure, the talented players and staff from TSM's final VALORANT roster are now free agents, exploring new opportunities. The final lineup that fought through the Ascension tournament included:
- Corey "corey" Nigra
- Johann "seven" Hernandez
- Anthony "gMd" Guimond
- Kevin "poised" Ngo
- Alex "aproto" Protopapas
TSM has expressed its gratitude to the players, staff, and fans who supported their VALORANT journey from the very beginning. While the organization is stepping back for the foreseeable future, the legacy of its iconic black and white brand will remain a memorable part of VALORANT's competitive history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did TSM leave VALORANT?TSM exited VALORANT after failing to win the VCT Ascension Americas tournament, which was their only path to being promoted into the top-tier VCT Americas partnered league. Continuing to compete in the Tier 2 Challengers circuit was likely deemed strategically and financially unsustainable for the organization.
Will TSM ever come back to VALORANT?In their official announcement, TSM stated they have "no immediate return in sight." While this leaves the door open for a potential return years down the line, there are no current plans for the organization to re-enter the VALORANT esports scene.
What was TSM's biggest achievement in VALORANT?TSM's most significant achievement was winning the First Strike: North America tournament in December 2020. This was the first major, official tournament hosted by Riot Games for the title, and the victory established TSM as the inaugural regional champions.
What happens to TSM's VALORANT players?The members of TSM's final VALORANT roster have all been released from their contracts and are now free agents, free to sign with other professional teams.