TSM buyout Tactical from Team Liquid, signing as their new bot laner

TSM has bought out Edward “Tactical” Ra’s contract from Team Liquid, signing him as their bot laner for 2022 according to a report by Dot Esports. After the news of top laner Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon and jungler Mingyi “Spica” Lu staying with TSM, this new bot laner adds another piece to the puzzle for their 2022 LCS roster. This news comes after the team released their former bot laner Lawrence “Lost” Sze Yuy Hui, making Tactical the new bot laner for TSM’s future.

Tactical’s path to TSM

Tactical started his professional League of Legends career on North American squad Team Exile Surge and eventually found his way to TSM Academy. He played for a year within the TSM organization, from late 2018 to 2019. After that stint, he made a move to Team Liquid Academy. After four months in their academy team, he got promoted to the Team Liquid roster in early 2020. At the time, he had big shoes to fill as his predecessor in that role was Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, one of the most decorated North American players. Since his promotion in 2020, he’s been the starting bot laner for TL. His Jhin and Kalista play stand out amongst other bot laners.

His performances for Team Liquid have been admirable, finishing second in the League of Legends Championships Series 2021 Championship and helping the team reach the League of Legends World Championship in 2020 and 2021. However, the international success was the downside. Tactical and Team Liquid have been eliminated in the group stage both times he’s been at the tournament. Now, this Tactical signing marks a new start on a new TSM team who bought out his contract to get him.

TSM’s future

With this signing, TSM have three of their five players for their 2022 roster. Huni at top, Tactical at bot lane and Spica in the jungle. The two roles of support and mid are two big holes for TSM, with Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage and Hu “SwordArt” Shuo-Chieh gone.