Ahri's unqualified thoughts #39
Random articles, quotes, videos, musings. Easy to consume content: 1 quote, 1 tweet/storm and 1 article/video.
In today's edition, we're featuring a tweet announcing Shopify Rebellion’s acquisition of TSM’s LCS spot and an article about G2 esports finally joining the big leagues in Valorant.
1 quotable thingy to look brilliant in your next young socialites’ meet-up
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt."—Bertrand Russell
1 tweet/storm to keep you up to date
For several months, rumors circulated that TSM (Team SoloMid), one of the early giants of the LoL/LCS scene, was considering an exit from the North American League. The speculation has now materialized; TSM sold their slot to "Shopify Rebellion", a team founded by Shopify's CEO, Tobias Lutke, and spearheaded by former StarCraft pro, Dario "TLO" Wunsch.
Historically, TSM and CLG stood as the LCS titans. Yet, both departed this past year, with CLG selling its slot and assets to NRG. TSM's tenure had its complexities, but it undeniably shaped the league's narrative through Reginald’s leadership (and TF blue card, never forget), iconic moments with players like Dyrus, TheOddOne, Doublelift, and Bjergsen, and… questionable roster decisions.
Their departure symbolizes the end of an era in LCS history. Moreover, it highlights the ever-growing challenges of sustaining an LCS organization, given the high operational costs in LA, escalating player salaries, and perceived diminishing returns on investment. Reports suggest league entry fees exceeded $10 million, and some teams face monthly burn rates upwards of $1 million.
Regarding TSM's future, rumors suggest potential moves to the LEC alongside KCorp or, most likely, to the lucrative Chinese market.
1 article/video to discover something new, maybe
In September 2022, then CEO of G2 esports, ocelote, decided to show himself partying with Andrew Tate. After being called out, he decided to double down and say that “no one will be able to police his relationship”… Well, as we say “fuck around, find out” - Riot Games decided to not attribute a slot to G2 esports as a “partnered team” in their upcoming Valorant NA League. What ensued was a massive shitstorm for the team, that led them to suspend ocelote for 8weeks, and then to fire him as a CEO, since then he went down the rabbit hole of Dubai influencers peddling his riches, and web3 + masculinist scams.
Fast forward to one year later… September 23rd, G2 Esports announced they're joining the VCT Americas for the 2024 season. Originally, The Guard was to join, but a missed agreement led to them being rejected. Despite Riot Games wanting to retain a 10-team league, community pressure allowed a new team, with at least three The Guard players, to join. G2 signed four players from the team and is still deciding on the fifth. G2's addition promises to infuse new competition and energy into the VCT Americas for 2024.