Counter Logic Gaming beats TSM for first time since 2016

TL;DR

  • CLG ended 1,176-day losing streak against TSM in week 5 of 2019 LCS Summer Split
  • Wiggily and PowerOfEvil delivered standout performances to secure the victory
  • The team’s strategic roster rebuild and meta adaptation fueled their resurgence
  • CLG now sits in three-way tie for first place with Team Liquid and Cloud9
  • This marks CLG’s first win over TSM since Spring 2016 Finals

Counter Logic Gaming has achieved what many thought impossible, finally shattering their lengthy losing streak against longtime rivals Team SoloMid in a dramatic turnaround.

During the fifth week of competition in the 2019 LCS Summer Split, CLG decisively halted their three-year drought against the organization, accomplishing this feat exactly 1,176 days after the unfortunate streak began. The pivotal victory was primarily secured through exceptional contributions from jungler Raymond “Wiggily” Griffin, whose map control proved instrumental, and mid laner Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage, who dominated the lane phase and team fights.

The competitive history between CLG and TSM represents one of North America’s most storied esports rivalries, originating from the League Championship Series’ formative years when both squads consistently battled for championship supremacy. CLG’s previous triumph over TSM occurred during the NA LCS Spring 2016 Finals held in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they captured the title through an intense best-of-five series that earned them qualification for that season’s Mid-Season Invitational tournament.

At the international MSI competition, CLG demonstrated remarkable performance by advancing all the way to the championship match where they ultimately faced the legendary SK Telecom T1 roster. The Spring 2016 championship remains CLG’s most recent domestic title conquest, highlighting the significance of their current resurgence.

The subsequent competitive year witnessed TSM establishing themselves as North America’s premier team by securing the Summer 2016 championship followed by consecutive title victories throughout 2017. Simultaneously, CLG commenced their organizational decline coinciding with the LCS’s transition to the franchising model era. Trevor “Stixxay” Hayes stands as the sole remaining player from CLG’s 2016 championship roster, providing crucial continuity during the rebuilding phase.

CLG experienced a severe competitive downturn from that point forward, with the 2018 season presenting particularly challenging circumstances for both the organization and its competing athletes. The squad failed to qualify for postseason play in both competitive splits and was widely regarded as a lower-tier contender entering the 2019 season.

The consistently underwhelming competitive outcomes compelled the organization to implement substantial structural changes. Weldon “Weldon” Green transitioned into the head coaching role while top laner Kim “Ruin” Hyeong-min joined to strengthen the starting lineup, bringing fresh strategic perspectives.

Throughout the current competitive split, CLG has demonstrated significant improvement with the roster proactively positioning themselves as early adopters of the game’s evolving strategic meta, a crucial factor in their recent success. For teams looking to improve their strategic approach, our Complete Guide offers valuable insights into meta adaptation strategies.

The strategic philosophy shift has enabled their ascent in the standings and maintained their position among the league’s elite. The decisive victory against TSM propelled CLG into a three-way tie for the top position alongside Team Liquid and Cloud9, positioning the organization as a formidable playoff contender for the summer postseason.

Action Checklist

  • Analyze roster weaknesses and identify key reinforcement opportunities
  • Implement strategic coaching changes to address team dynamics and performance gaps
  • Develop early meta adaptation protocols to gain competitive advantages
  • Establish consistent performance metrics to track improvement and identify areas needing refinement

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Counter Logic Gaming beats TSM for first time since 2016 CLG breaks 3-year losing streak against TSM with strategic roster changes and meta adaptation