Can TSM recover from last place in the 2022 LCS Spring Split?
Esports titan TSM has plummeted to
last
place in the 2022 LCS Spring Split, but just what happened to the organization to see them fall from grace and can TSM recover?
TSM is the most successful League of Legends team in the history of the LCS, taking home seven split championships over the course of the LCS’ existence. The team’s 2022 spring split has been one of its worst performances on record, bottoming out at 10th place. How can TSM recover from this sudden drop?
How did TSM get last place in the 2022 LCS Spring Split?
Many members of TSM’s legacy staff, both on-air talent and behind-the-scenes organizers, left the organization ahead of the 2022 LCS Spring Split. Two of the most notable names to depart were Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, and Parth “Parthenaan” Naidu, the team’s franchise mid laner and its longtime coach, respecitvely. This led to TSM rebuilding around jungler Mingyi “Spica” Lu and top laner Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon.
The team filled new openings with two scouted imports that weren’t yet well-known names, mid laner Zhu “Keaiduo” Xiong and support Wei “Shenyi” Zi-Jei, the latter being a Chinese support player who had played for FunPlusPhoenix’s sister team and only briefly showed up on the LPL stage. The roster was rounded out by marskman Edward “Tactical” Ra. On paper, and the team has incredibly potential. Tactical made his name replacing Peng “Doublelift” Yilang on Team Liquid, going from sudden subsitute to near the top of his role in the LCS.
Shenyi was suddenly removed from the team after just two weeks before being substituted back in after a week of absence, while Keaiduo stepped down temporarily. Despite making many roster changes, the team can’t seem to find any more wins. The players find themselves at 2-9, below teams including Counter Logic Gaming and Golden Guardians that many fans have gotten used to seeing in the bottom half.
While the squad still has great potential, it seems difficult for the roster to rally against the strength of competition. Despite its high ceiling, the team’s coordination has been severely lacking and shows no sign of a cohesive identity. It seems that TSM’s developmental split may end up requiring yet another rebuild when the 2022 LCS Summer Split arrives.
Nicholas James
About Nicholas James
Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
League of Legends
LoL: Europe Shines Against Korea in 2026 As NA Struggles To Keep Pace
Ben Boland
In 2026, Europe has had its best results against the East in LoL Esports history. While their losses to North America may overshadow their achievements, EU has a winning record against South Korea this year. Meanwhile, NA has the LEC’s number but has its worst head-to-head against the East since 2023 — here I will break down the key statistics that show this. After years of Europe being a shell ...
League of Legends
Which League of Legends Region Will Win 2026 Worlds?
Hannan Mundia
The League of Legends World Championship is easily the game’s most important annual tournament. The top teams from every major region compete for a chance to win the substantial cash prize and etch their names in League of Legends history. This year will be no different, with the 2026 Worlds coming beginning on October 15. Teams from multiple regions have already qualified for the tournament, though their performances throughout the ...
Esports Betting
Cloud9 vs LYON LCS Summer Playoffs Upper Bracket: Best Bets and Predictions
Ben Boland
It’s a great time to be a League of Legends esports bettor with the LCS Summer playoffs heating up. We have Cloud9 looking to slay their playoff demons against LYON, a side that is looking to win their third straight championship. With LYON picking Cloud9 as their opponent, perhaps they are extremely confident they will get the job done, or are they underestimating the boys in blue? Stay tuned as ...
League of Legends
Team Liquid vs FlyQuest: Predictions & Best Bets for the LCS Summer Playoffs
Ben Boland
With the LCS Summer Playoffs heating up, Team Liquid is looking to make history with a surprise win over FlyQuest this weekend. It would mean TL would be competing at Worlds 2026 on home soil for the first time in the organisation's history. For FlyQuest, this is a chance to progress ahead of schedule with their young squad, getting some valuable reps on the biggest stage esports has to offer. ...
Esports Betting
Gen.G vs HLE: Best betting odds and picks for LCK 2026 grand final
Hannan Mundia
The 2026 LCK grand final will see HLE challenge Gen.G to determine which team walks away with the first-place prize, giving the winning team a much-needed confidence boost before the World Championship. After every top professional Korean League of Legends team has poured sweat and time, this year’s LCK split is finally about to conclude. The grand final match will be between the powerhouse team Gen.G and the challenging Hanwha ...
Esports Betting
Here Are My Predictions For The Hanwha Life Esports vs T1 LCK Lower Final
Ben Boland
LCK fans are in for a treat as Hanwha Life Esports and T1 both battle for a ticket to the grand final, where Gen.G awaits. The last time these two met, they tore the house down. I expect more of the same this time in the lower final. Here are the best bets to make on HLE vs T1 in the LCK 2026 Summer Playoffs Lower Final at GG.BET, one ...
League of Legends
Riot Games eyes Polymarket and Kalshi for esports sponsorships
Michael Hassall
Riot Games, the creator of League of Legends and VALORANT is reportedly exploring the protentional of sponsorship deals with prediction market operators including Polymarket and Kalshi, as per reports emerging late last night (Sep. 10). First reported by Cecilia D’Anastasio of Bloomberg, Riot has started conversations with the two top prediction market operators, Kalshi and Polymarket, with a view to one or both of them becoming sponsors within Riot Games’ ...
