The end of an era has arrived for many longtime North American League of Legends fans.
On Saturday, May 20, CEO Andy “Reginald” Dinh confirmed that TSM has begun the process to leave the LCS permanently to join another tier-one region. The organization has been shrouded in speculation after reportedly “pausing” its esports efforts due to financial issues, and after multiple disappointing seasons, it is making the tough decision to wipe the slate clean in a new league.
Related: TSM to leave LCS after a decade of North American League of Legends
Across the past decade, TSM has been synonymous with the League and general esports ecosystem, making way for a historic run as the face of the LCS. It brought in fans from around the world with legendary rosters, hilarious content, and unforgettable moments that have been etched into the history of this league.
But now, one chapter closes and another begins. With one of the most recognizable faces in the LCS departing, there are only a handful of esports organizations that could take their place and help lead the league into the future.
Here are three esports organizations that could acquire TSM’s slot and field an LCS team.
Who could replace TSM in the LCS?
Sentinels
As one of the fastest-rising esports organizations in NA, Sentinels fans could migrate over to the LCS after the team took over with great performances in VALORANT, Apex, and Halo.
The org’s social media presence has been elite, with a content creator team that features popular names like Tarik, 39daph, Aceu, and Zombs. Most importantly, Sentinels knows how to build championship-winning rosters, as seen with the multiple trophies it’s collected over such a short time span.
This team could rise to the challenge of joining the LCS, all while trash-talking anyone who stands in their way.
Moist Esports
Although Moist Esports hasn’t been around for too long, this popular esports organization has already amassed a loyal fan base through its endeavors in the fighting game community, Rocket League, Apex, and, most recently, a new VALORANT roster.
The biggest selling point, however, is how MoistCr1TiKaL and Ludwig are two of the biggest content creators at the moment. That level of exposure would not only lift up Moist during its inaugural season but also help elevate the LCS by bringing new fans to the league while giving remaining fans a new organization to cheer for.
Maybe it’s time for the LCS to welcome a completely new org to its shores with one of the wettest teams in esports.
MrBeast Esports
Over the last five years, one name has risen in the content creator space as one of the biggest in the world: MrBeast. The 24-year-old has skyrocketed to new heights across multiple spaces, including social media and through his various viral videos that feature other popular content creators across Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram.
Last year, however, MrBeast made waves when he announced that he was “100 percent” going to purchase and build a League team to compete in the LCS at the 2022 World Championship. His only concern was choosing when the right time was to join the league, rather than choosing if he’d want to enter the league at all.
With his massive fan base spread across multiple different target demographics, MrBeast’s possible team would be an injection of hype for a league that may lose two of its legacy organizations. His outreach could introduce League esports to a whole new audience while becoming a front-facing leader in the LCS.
