North American esports organisation TSM has confirmed it has exited VALORANT after five years in the title, following a runners-up finish at VCT Ascension Americas.
The organisation shared the decision in a statement posted to social media, thanking Riot Games, past players and fans, adding that there is ‘no immediate return in sight.’
TSM’s VALORANT journey began in May 2020, amid the game’s early competitive boom. The organisation’s first roster featured several former Counter-Strike professionals and helped establish TSM as an early NA contender.
“Throughout the last three years, we have continuously navigated the Challengers circuit in the hopes of finally reaching Tier 1,” the organisation wrote. “Now, after half a decade in VALORANT, we plan on exiting the space.”
VALORANT Ascension Competitive History
TSM’s most recent campaign marked one of its most promising in years. The team reached the VCT Ascension Americas 2025 Grand Finals on October 26th, finishing second after a 3–1 loss and earning $22,000 (~£18,100). The roster also won VALORANT Challengers North America Stage 3 in September, securing a $25,000 (~£20,600) prize.
TSM’s exit follows continued structural adjustments to VALORANT’s Tier 2 landscape. Riot Games has introduced multiple changes to its Challengers and Ascension framework, including expansion of the Game Changers pathway and new promotion–relegation rules designed to create more upward mobility for teams.
While several organisations have scaled back involvement in Challengers over the last two years, others have increased investment following the introduction of extended VCT tenure for successful Ascension teams.
TSM continues to operate across multiple esports titles, including Apex Legends, Halo and Rocket League.
