100T vs TSM Rivalry Series 2019
The clash that proved a new dynasty could challenge the old guard in North America.
The 100 Thieves vs Team SoloMid rivalry of 2019 stands as a defining chapter in the early history of 100 Thieves, marking their aggressive ascent into the upper echelons of North American League of Legends. Occurring during the organization's inaugural season in the LCS, this series represented more than just a match; it was a collision between an established dynasty and a hungry new powerhouse backed by Nouri and his team.
- Organization
- 100 Thieves
- Opponent
- Team SoloMid (TSM)
- League
- LCS North America
- Season
- 2019 Spring & Summer Splits
- Key Figure
- Nouri (Founder/Owner)
- Context
- Inaugural LCS Season for 100T
Lore & Background
The tension escalated throughout the 2019 splits as 100 Thieves consistently pushed against the ceiling that had trapped other teams for seasons. Matches between these two squads became marquee events, drawing massive viewership not just for the gameplay, but for the symbolic weight of the contest. It was a battle for the soul of the region's future: would TSM maintain its stranglehold on the championship, or would 100 Thieves usher in a new era of competitiveness and volatility?
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed with an electric silence before the roar erupted. On one side sat the veterans of Team SoloMid, eyes locked on screens that had witnessed countless victories. Across the digital divide, the 100 Thieves roster adjusted their headsets, the weight of being the 'new guys' pressing down on them. As the first minion wave clashed in the middle lane, it wasn't just gold and experience at stake; it was the right to be feared.
Reader's Guide
The context of the 2019 rivalry series was set against the backdrop of 100 Thieves' debut season in the LCS. Having signed star player Doublelift from TSM's former roster, there was an immediate personal and organizational stakes attached to every encounter. The key plays often revolved around 100T's ability to execute high-risk strategies that TSM, known for their methodical playstyle, struggled to counter in real-time. These matches defined the organization's legacy by proving they were not just a marketing experiment but a legitimate competitive threat. The series highlighted the tactical evolution of the team under coach and leadership, forcing TSM to adapt or fall behind. While TSM eventually secured their spot as champions that year, 100 Thieves' ability to consistently challenge them established a new standard for competition in North America. This rivalry remains pivotal because it signaled a shift in power dynamics. It showed that the LCS was no longer a monopoly of legacy teams but an open field where new organizations could rise quickly and demand respect through sheer performance.
Did You Know?
- Doublelift, a legendary ADC for TSM, joined 100 Thieves just prior to this rivalry intensifying in 2019.
- The 2019 season was the very first year 100 Thieves competed in the League of Legends Championship Series.
- Matches between these two teams often featured some of the highest viewership numbers for non-championship games that year.
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