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TSM’s possibly last LCS run ends with early playoffs exit

· Aug 04 - 3 minutes read

The first lower bracket series of the 2023 LCS Championship has officially finished, with an unexpected squad moving forward in the Summer Split, while the other might have seen their final campaign in the North American League of Legends scene.

After a chaotic 5 game series, both squads gave their all to hopefully advance in the bracket, however, this time around it was Dignitas beating TSM and continuing their LCS campaign in the lower bracket.

Dignitas’ victory was not an easy one, nevertheless, TSM is now officially the first team to be eliminated from the LCS Championship, with what could be the final time TSM fans will see the squad play under the NA LCS region.

Back in May of this year, a plethora of rumors started to circulate around the scene, with most of them suggesting the future of TSM would not be within the LCS. Soon after TSM’s CEO Andy Dinh confirmed the organization would leave the North American scene in order to pursue a rebrand within a different Tier 1 region. It was a rather weird Summer Split for TSM, including several roster rumors and fluctuations in performance throughout the entire split. Nevertheless, they managed to advance into the playoffs thanks to a 6th place finish in the regular season.

Weirdly enough, this “forced” roster actually performed better than their carefully crafted lineup for the Spring Split. The squad landed in a series versus Evil Geniuses, where most of the community believed they would be absolutely demolished. The series went to a 5th game that saw both squads exhaust most of their champion pool and playbook, however even with TSM’s mid-laner Insanity getting a slight edge, Evil Geniuses ultimately closed out the series in their favor.

Forcing EG to a 5 game series gave TSM fans a line to hold to, with some analysts even suggesting TSM had the upper hand against the boys in yellow. Dignitas came with some unique picks for the series, opting for the likes of Ziggs, Sett support, and Leblanc top, giving them enough unpredictability to force the series into a game 5.

The true X factor for Dignitas was their team fighting, constant early rotations toward the battle zone were enough for them to force TSM members into uncomfortable positions, ultimately closing team fights and objectives in their favor.

If this is ultimately TSM’s last appearance in the LCS, the organization leaves the North American scene as one of the most historic squads in the region. With a total of 7 domestic trophies, several appearances at Worlds, and nurturing talent that would become legendary players in the scene, TSM has definitely left a mark in North America.

As for Dignitas, they will continue to climb an upward mountain, also known as the lower playoffs bracket. Nothing is impossible for experienced players, however, a single misstep will prove enough to send them home.

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