A new identity
According to different sources, League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) franchise TSM is adding two new players to the 2023 roster: Korean jungler Lee “Bugi” Seong-yeop, and former Dignitas bot laner Toàn “Neo” Trần. TSM is looking to enter the 2023 LCS season with a revamped roster and could be one of the hardest teams to predict.
On Nov. 18, BLIX.gg reported that 2020 World Championship participant Bugi would make his LCS debut with TSM after spending two years in the Latin America League (LLA).
Shortly after, Brieuc “LEC Wooloo” Seeger also reported on Instagram that TSM is also making a change in the bot lane, as Neo is set to take the spot and play alongside support Jonathan “Chime” Pomponio.
Solo is reportedly staying with TSM to complete the 2023 LCS roster
Unless the deal for either Bugi or Neo falls through, it seems that TSM has its roster set for the upcoming season. The final piece to the puzzle is in the top lane, where Colin “Solo” Earnest will likely take the spot.
Solo is returning to TSM, according to LEC Wooloo, and will continue with the organization after taking over Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon‘s spot in this year’s summer split.
With Chime and mid laner Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang under contract until Nov. 2023, everything indicates that they will stay on the team. Together, this TSM roster looks interesting, but also a bit confusing.
With players of different nationalities in all positions, this TSM roster could either surprise or be an absolute flop. We won’t know before the team officially hits Summoner’s Rift, but from the look of it, this TSM roster isn’t likely to fight among the best. That said, Bugi’s jungle playstyle could help his laners secure early leads, and help the team be more proactive around the map.
It’s also a significant shift in identity from TSM, which used to be an organization that opted towards European imports and the best domestic talent North America had to offer.
The 2023 TSM roster looks to be:
- Top – Colin “Solo” Earnest
- Jungle – Lee “Bugi” Seong-yeop
- Mid – Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang
- Bot – Toàn “Neo” Trần
- Support – Jonathan “Chime” Pomponio
