TSM recently released its entire Valorant women's roster, TSM X. The team would have been part of the first-ever Valorant Game Changers Championship LAN in Berlin if they didn't get eliminated in the qualifier's lower bracket.TSM X was introduced last year as TSM's first all-women's Valorant team, with Mirna “athxna” Noureldin as the in-game leader (IGL). Since its formation, the team couldn't break past fifth or sixth place in Valorant Game Changers North America main events. The team also went through different iterations in the past year as some of their players were replaced. It wasn't until September this year when TSM X won third during the Valorant Game Changers NA Series 2.Unfortunately, TSM X failed to qualify for the Valorant Game Changers Championships after losing in the first round of the lower brackets. The team ended up finishing seventh or eighth. Shortly after, the esports organization announced that it was releasing the entire roster. It said it was a bittersweet decision, but stated that the org was excited to see where the players would end up next. Likewise, TSM told fans that it would provide an update on its Game Changers strategy in 2023.
Fans were saddened by the news, literally flooding the replies with sad face emojis. Some said TSM X was the reason they became excited about Valorant esports. Former players Emily "mle" Peters and Karnthida "dodonut" Chaisrakeo tweeted on their respective accounts that they were grateful for TSM for giving them their first esports opportunity. They also thanked the people in the org who supported them. Meanwhile, April "bungee" Haight said that "things didn't work out."
This is the latest in TSM's talent releases. Along with TSM X, the organization also dropped its entire League of Legends Academy team a few days earlier. Many fans have theorized that the releases were due to FTX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges and TSM's naming rights sponsor, filing for bankruptcy. TSM reassured shareholders and fans that it remained financially stable and profitable despite the controversy.
Upset fans can support other women's teams in esports. Riot Games is about to host its first all-women's League of Legends tournament, Rising Stars, in late November. If this succeeds, it's possible that top organizations like TSM will invest in teams for female League players.
Valorant is available now on PC.