A Storied Journey Comes to an End

North American esports giant TSM has officially announced its departure from VALORANT, marking the end of a five-year chapter in Riot Games’ tactical shooter. The organisation confirmed the news on social media, following a strong run in 2025 that culminated in a VCT Ascension Americas Grand Finals appearance.

In the statement, TSM reflected on its long history with the title, writing, “After half a decade in VALORANT, we plan on exiting the space with no immediate return in sight.” The post also thanked Riot Games, past players, and fans who supported the black-and-white banner throughout its journey.

From Early Glory to the Challengers Grind

TSM entered the VALORANT scene in 2020, just as the game began taking off as one of the most competitive shooters in the world. The organisation’s first roster quickly gained attention with WARDELL and Subroza leading the charge, securing a runner-up finish at First Strike: North America.

However, the years that followed proved difficult. Despite early momentum, TSM struggled to break into the top tier of North American competition, often falling short against powerhouses like Sentinels, 100 Thieves, and ENVY.

By 2023, the team temporarily withdrew from the scene before returning ahead of the 2024 season with renewed energy. The comeback led to a remarkable resurgence, highlighted by a VALORANT Challengers North America Stage 3 title and back-to-back Ascension Americas appearances in 2024 and 2025.

Their 2025 campaign ended with a second-place finish at the Ascension Grand Finals on October 26th, earning the team $22,000 (approx. £18,100).

TSM’s Final Roster and Tier 2 Efforts

In their final competitive season, TSM fielded a promising roster featuring:

• Jordan “vora” Pulwer
• Johann “seven” Hernandez
• Anthony “gMd” Guimond
• Timothée “Timotino” Lavigne Dupont (Stand-in)
• Alvin “alvinboy” Hong (Stand-in)
• Laurynas “Nbs” Kisielius (Head Coach)

The team consistently performed in the VALORANT Challengers circuit, embodying TSM’s long-standing goal of developing young talent and competing for promotion to Tier 1.

“Throughout the last three years we have continuously navigated the Challengers circuit in the hopes of finally reaching Tier 1,” TSM wrote. “We improved gradually, year over year, culminating in an Ascension Grand Finals berth in 2025.”

A Changing VALORANT Landscape

TSM’s exit comes at a time when Riot Games is restructuring the Tier 2 ecosystem, adding new promotion and relegation mechanics and expanding the Game Changers pathway for women and marginalised genders.

While these changes aim to create a healthier long-term system, they’ve also placed financial and logistical strain on organisations competing outside the main VCT partnership leagues. Several teams have scaled back or paused participation in Challengers, while others have doubled down on investments, betting on future promotion opportunities.

TSM acknowledged Riot’s ongoing efforts, stating, “We would like to thank Riot for their continued attempts to restructure the Tier 2 ecosystem for the better, and for creating a game we all love.”

Community Reaction and Legacy

The VALORANT community was quick to respond to TSM’s announcement. Long-time fans expressed heartbreak and nostalgia, recalling the early rivalries between TSM and 100 Thieves that helped define North American VALORANT’s formative years.

“GG TSM! Hopefully you’ll be back soon,” one fan wrote, while others reminisced about iconic plays and players like WARDELL and Subroza. Some even speculated about potential future moves for the roster’s current members, suggesting they could be picked up by other top-tier teams such as 100 Thieves.

Despite the farewell, many fans believe this might not be the end of TSM’s presence in VALORANT. As one comment put it, “See you in 26/27.”

What’s Next for TSM

While leaving VALORANT, TSM remains active across other major esports, including Apex Legends, Halo, and Rocket League. The organisation has also been expanding into new ventures and collaborations, from anime partnerships like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to exploring new titles such as The Finals.

For now, TSM’s departure marks the end of an era for one of North America’s most recognisable brands in VALORANT. But given its track record and history of comebacks, few would be surprised if the black-and-white logo makes a return in the years ahead.

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