TSM Officially Leaves Riot Games' VALORANT After Five Years
TSM, a major force in North American esports, announced on November 3rd their official exit from competitive VALORANT. This marks the end of a significant five-year involvement in the FPS scene under Riot Games.
Early Involvement and Contributions
TSM was among the pioneers entering VALORANT in 2020. Their farewell message highlighted their role in advancing the scene, including signing one of the first Game Changers rosters and promoting co-streaming initiatives.
Competitive Journey and Challenges
The organization always aimed to compete at the highest levels, but recent years saw struggles in achieving that goal. Since 2023, TSM competed in the Challengers League, the Tier 2 circuit of VALORANT.
Despite inconsistent results, TSM aimed to reach the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), the game’s top league, and came close multiple times. In 2024, after a second-place finish in the Challenger Playoffs, they qualified for the Ascension Tournament, where VCT promotion was at stake.
2024 Ascension Tournament Performance
TSM's first attempt at promotion in this tournament ended in disappointment:
- Failed to advance past the Group Stage
- Finished 6th overall
- Missed the opportunity to join the VCT
Still determined, TSM returned in 2025 aiming for the same objective.
"TSM was one of the first major organizations to enter VALORANT back in 2020 and helped pioneer several initiatives within the scene — from signing one of the earliest Game Changers rosters to promoting co-streaming."
"Despite struggling to find consistent results, the organization’s goal remained clear: to earn a place in the VCT, the game’s premier league."
Author's summary: TSM’s five-year journey in VALORANT ended with their official departure in 2025 after near misses in promotion, underscoring their impact and persistent ambition in the competitive scene.