Team SoloMid said their goodbyes to Season 9 after falling to Clutch Gaming in a reverse sweep this past weekend, meaning Clutch Gaming will make their first appearance at the World Championship. TSM will be missing worlds for the second consecutive year.
In exhilarating fashion, Clutch Gaming stole the hearts of many whilst breaking the hearts of TSM fans after another best of five that saw a reverse sweep, adding to the many that we have seen already in the summer split.
Congratulations to @ClutchGaming on qualifying for the 2019 World Championship! #Worlds2019 pic.twitter.com/aYRAioduKy
— lolesports (@lolesports) September 9, 2019
Team SoloMid came out of the gates like a house on fire, storming their way through Game 1. Game 2 was a lot closer, but the six-time North American champions were able to pull through, pushing themselves to match point. This was when the hearts of many were shattered, as Clutch were able to live up to their name and pull off three consecutive impressive games.
With the loss to Clutch Gaming, Team SoloMid will miss the League of Legends World Championship for the second consecutive year. Following their tragic loss, Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg shared his disappointment on Twitter, insisting the light will shine on him once again.
I played too poorly this series and year to deserve going to Worlds. GGWP Clutch and good luck at Worlds.
This won’t be the last you’ll see of me.
— Søren Bjerg (@Bjergsen) September 9, 2019
Team SoloMid could not pull it together when it mattered the most, a team that has continued to lack identity despite their array of All-stars could not turn the clock back one time to reach the World Championship.
TSM left a sour taste in the mouths of the whole community after the way they handled the situation regarding their Junglers. TSM shocked the world when the announcement was made that neither Matthew “Akaadian” Higginbotham or Jonathan “Grig” Armao would be on their roster for the postseason. This left the fate of the most winning organisation in North American history at the hands of an untested rookie in Mingyi “Spica” Lu.
Bjergsen – Courtesy of Riot Games
Spica was figured out very quickly by experienced Junglers, and apart from one game on Skarner Spica played only Sejuani in the games he did play at the end of the regular season and their playoff bout against Clutch Gaming.
It was a situation that is not desirable for any rookie, let alone doing it for TSM. Spica was out of his depth and was put into a situation that could have huge ramifications on his career. To this day fans are still wondering why TSM decided to leave both of their veteran Junglers at home, paying the ultimate price in the end.
The management for TSM must take the time to evaluate the future of their roster. Their cornerstone player’s contract is expiring, and with the rumors of him leaving it will be interesting to see if TSM can tie Bjergsen down to a new contract.
It is unlikely for Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen to remain in North America after this season. Zven was considered to be a part of the ongoing problems behind the scenes and it is looking likely he returns home to the LEC. The ongoing problems hindered the progression of Sergen “Broken Blade” Çelik, who is the most likely to stay at TSM or at least remain in North America due to his age and talent.
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