Esports Giants Retreat: Is the Industry Cracking?

Look Sports Media – The esports world is reeling as both TSM and Sentinels announce departures from prominent titles, fueling anxieties about the long-term health and stability of the competitive gaming landscape. These exits have ignited a fierce debate about the trustworthiness of both esports organizations and the game ecosystems they inhabit.

TSM, a long-standing name in esports, revealed on November 3rd that they are stepping away from Valorant "with no immediate return in sight." This decision marks the end of a journey that began in 2020, during which TSM built a comprehensive Valorant program, including a main roster, an academy team, and a Game Changers squad. Despite their efforts, TSM struggled to break into the Tier One Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) due to the game’s franchising system. While Riot Games recently introduced changes to support lower-tier teams, these adjustments were insufficient to convince TSM of a viable path to the top.

Simultaneously, Sentinels, known for their success in Marvel Rivals, announced a pause in their operations within the game. Just months after winning the Marvel Rivals Ignite 2025 Stage 1: Americas circuit, Sentinels released their entire roster, citing concerns about the lack of ecosystem support for organizations. They indicated a willingness to reconsider their decision if NetEase, the game’s developer, implements a program with team incentives.

These concurrent departures have sparked widespread discussion and concern within the esports community. Some fans criticize TSM’s pattern of withdrawing from esports ecosystems, while others point to the restrictive nature of Valorant’s franchising system. Similarly, Sentinels’ exit has been attributed to both the game’s management of its competitive scene and the organization’s own financial stability.

The situation with TSM is further complicated by the organization’s past association with the now-bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. The collapse of their $210 million naming rights deal with FTX in 2022 led to cost-cutting measures, including TSM’s departure from the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). With their exit from Valorant, TSM no longer competes in any Riot Games titles.

While the phrase "esports is dying" has been a recurring sentiment throughout the industry’s history, the current climate of mistrust and uncertainty cannot be ignored. The decisions of TSM and Sentinels serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing esports organizations and the need for greater stability and support within the competitive gaming ecosystem.