Introduction:
TSM has been one of the most dominant teams in League of Legends for years, winning numerous championships and breaking records. When they were knocked out of the Upper Bracket by Cloud9 in the World Championship, many believed that this would be the end of TSM’s reign as champions. However, to everyone’s surprise, they managed to make it back into the tournament through the Lower Bracket, where they will face 100 Thieves in a best-of-five series. In this article, we will explore why TSM advancing to the Lower Bracket is a sign of their growth and resilience, and what lessons they can take away from this experience.
Why TSM’s Lower Bracket Run is Significant:
- The Challenger System:
TSM’s advancement into the Lower Bracket was made possible by the new Challenger System introduced in 2020. This system replaced the traditional Double Elimination format, where teams were eliminated from the tournament after a single loss. In contrast, under the Challenger System, teams are given a chance to earn their way back into the tournament through the Challenger Gauntlet, which features a series of best-of-five matches between the top 16 teams in North America and South Korea. TSM finished second in their group during the regular season and qualified for the Challenger Gauntlet as a result.
- The Impact of COVID-19:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the League of Legends community, forcing teams to adapt to new circumstances and playstyles. TSM, like many other teams, struggled to find their rhythm early in the season due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. However, they managed to regroup and put together a strong finish, securing second place in their group and qualifying for the Challenger Gauntlet. This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to TSM’s strength and adaptability as a team.
- The Importance of Experience:
TSM has been one of the most successful teams in League of Legends history, with multiple World Championship titles and countless domestic championships under their belt. This experience has given them an edge over other teams, allowing them to navigate the challenges of the Lower Bracket with greater ease. In addition, TSM’s veteran players, such as Søren Bjerg and Trevor Harris, have played in numerous lower-tier tournaments throughout their careers and bring a wealth of experience to the table.
- The Power of Teamwork:
TSM is often praised for their exceptional teamwork and communication, which has been instrumental in their success over the years. These skills were on full display during their run through the Challenger Gauntlet, as they worked together to overcome adversity and secure a spot in the Lower Bracket. TSM’s ability to communicate effectively and work together as a unit is a testament to the importance of teamwork in competitive League of Legends.
What Lessons TSM Can Take Away from This Experience:
- The Importance of Adaptability:
TSM’s Lower Bracket run has shown them that adaptability is crucial in today’s competitive environment. As the game evolves and teams continue to innovate, it is important for TSM to remain flexible and open to change. By embracing new strategies and playstyles, they can stay ahead of the competition and maintain their status as one of the top teams in the world.
- The Power of Experience:
As mentioned earlier, TSM’s veteran players have played in numerous lower-tier tournaments throughout their careers and bring a wealth of experience to the table. This experience has given them valuable insights into how to navigate the challenges of the Lower Bracket and come out on top. TSM should continue to rely on this experience as they move forward, using it to guide their decision-making and improve their performance as a team.
- The Importance of Communication:
TSM’s exceptional teamwork and communication have been instrumental in their success over the years. As they continue to compete at the highest level, it is important for them to maintain open lines of communication and work together as a unit. By doing so, they can overcome adversity and emerge victorious in even the most challenging of situations.
Summary:
TSM’s advancement into the Lower Bracket is a testament to their growth and resilience as a team. Their ability to adapt to new circumstances, rely on experience, and communicate effectively has allowed them to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and earn a spot in the World Championship. As they continue to compete at the highest level, TSM should take these lessons to heart and use them to guide their decision-making moving forward. Ultimately, this experience will only serve to strengthen their bond as a team and make them even more formidable in the future.