Doublelift reveals shocking TSM betrayal that forced retirement and fuels potential LCS comeback in 2022
The Shocking Fallout: Doublelift’s Retirement Bombshell
Legendary LCS marksman Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng delivered a stunning condemnation of his former organization TSM, characterizing their management approach as “disgusting” following the disastrous 2021 offseason that precipitated his abrupt departure from professional competition.
The eight-time LCS champion unleashed his frustration toward TSM’s front office, highlighting how systematic roster management failures during the critical preseason period destroyed the team’s Worlds qualification hopes. This explosive revelation surfaces concurrently with industry whispers about his potential return to competitive play in the upcoming 2022 season.
Doublelift’s trophy case contains eight LCS championship titles, with three specifically earned during his tenure with TSM across the Summer 2016, Summer 2017, and Summer 2020 splits, establishing him as one of the most decorated players in North American League of Legends history.
However, the celebrated ADC’s relationship with the organization he helped bring multiple championships to completely shattered due to fundamental disagreements about roster construction philosophy and player acquisition timing during the pivotal 2021 offseason period.
SwordArt Saga: The Contract Negotiation Debacle
The central conflict point revolves around TSM’s disastrous handling of support player Hu ‘SwordArt’ Shuo-Chieh’s acquisition process. The Taiwanese veteran’s signing had been rumored throughout the entire offseason, but owner Andy ‘Reginald’ Dinh delayed finalizing the offer despite mounting pressure from his star players.
Compounding the problematic timeline, TSM management simultaneously evaluated Vietnamese support Nguyễn ‘Palette’ Hải Trung as an alternative option. Doublelift specifically advocated for an English-speaking support to ensure seamless in-game communication and strategic coordination within the bot lane partnership.
By the time Doublelift received confirmation about SwordArt securing the TSM roster spot, the damage had already been done—he had officially announced his retirement from professional League of Legends, creating an irreversible situation that destroyed the team’s championship aspirations.
“SwordArt contacted me after the fact and confirmed ‘I’m coming to TSM’,” Doublelift revealed during his November 9 Twitch broadcast, highlighting the frustrating communication gaps that plagued the entire negotiation process.
Broken Trust: Inside the TSM Front Office Failure
“He still expressed desire to compete alongside me, so I immediately reached out to Andy and explained ‘SwordArt still wants to play with me and I would be thrilled to continue representing the organization.’ Andy rejected the proposal outright, citing ego-related concerns as the primary justification,” Doublelift elaborated during the emotional stream segment.
Following SwordArt’s eventual transition to North America, Doublelift arranged a meeting with his would-be support partner. The bot lane duo concluded that TSM’s failure to qualify for both MSI and Worlds 2021 could have been prevented with different organizational decision-making and maintained roster continuity.
Doublelift reflects on iconic MSG moment and teases his next chapter in League
100 Thieves exit competitive League of Legends amid massive LTA viewership decline
T1 LoL finally explain why Gumayusi was benched for Smash
What Could Have Been: The Championship That Got Away
“If I had remained on TSM’s starting roster last split, we would have unquestionably qualified for Worlds,” Doublelift asserted with conviction, reflecting on the missed competitive opportunity.
“I met with SwordArt during the Spring split—we shared hotpot… around MSI timing—and he explicitly stated that if both myself and Bjergsen had continued playing, victory would have been absolutely guaranteed.
“Every competitive split I’ve played with TSM resulted in championship victories, yet I still received this treatment—it’s absolutely disgusting,” the frustrated veteran expressed.
Doublelift escalated his criticism by confessing “it would bring me personal satisfaction to never witness TSM achieve competitive success again, given how abysmally they treated the very individuals who delivered them championship glory.”
Redemption Arc: The 2022 Comeback Possibility
“I don’t need to actively hope for their failure—they’ll accomplish that outcome through their own mismanagement,” he added with resigned certainty.
Doublelift acknowledged in December 2020 that TSM’s inability to finalize SwordArt negotiations promptly contributed significantly to his retirement decision-making process.
“The entire situation made me recognize: retirement represents my optimal path forward,” he declared at that time.
Industry sources indicate Doublelift is seriously considering a professional return for the 2022 season, currently evaluating offers from multiple LCS organizations. However, his comeback hinges entirely on securing a partnership with an elite-level support player within a competitively viable team structure.
With several LCS franchises already finalizing their roster constructions behind closed doors—including Team Liquid’s super team assembly and TSM’s youth-oriented lineup—Doublelift faces increasing time pressure if he intends to return to professional competition next season.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Doublelift slams “disgusting” TSM after LCS 2021 roster issues Doublelift reveals shocking TSM betrayal that forced retirement and fuels potential LCS comeback in 2022