TL;DR
- TSM will utilize both Grig and Akaadian as rotating jungle starters throughout the 2019 LCS Summer Split
- The rotation strategy emerged from Grig’s wrist injury and Akaadian’s unexpectedly strong performances
- New talent Spica joins academy team while Johnsun awaits visa approval for trainee role
- This approach provides strategic flexibility while creating development opportunities for emerging players
- The organization balances immediate competitive needs with long-term talent cultivation
Team SoloMid has unveiled an innovative roster strategy for the upcoming 2019 LCS Summer Split, implementing a dual-jungler system featuring both Jonathan “Grig” Armao and Matthew “Akaadian” Higginbotham sharing primary jungle responsibilities. This groundbreaking approach marks a significant departure from traditional esports roster management practices.
Originally, TSM’s 2019 season blueprint positioned Grig as the definitive starting jungler with Akaadian designated for academy team duties. However, Grig encountered persistent wrist discomfort that gradually intensified, ultimately requiring medical intervention and temporary removal from competitive play.
Akaadian’s elevation to the main roster during Grig’s recovery period yielded unexpectedly impressive results. His performance quality proved so substantial that when Grig received medical clearance to return, the coaching staff opted to maintain Akaadian in the starting position throughout the spring split’s concluding stages. Grig consequently completed the spring season competing with TSM’s academy squad.
With the summer competition phase approaching, TSM has determined to leverage both jungle specialists within their LCS lineup. The specific rotation methodology remains under development, with the organization planning to refine the optimal implementation strategy during the split’s initial weeks. Both competitors are projected to receive substantial playing time across the coming competitive period.
Naturally, this strategic shift created a vacancy in TSM’s academy team jungle position. To address this organizational gap, the team has secured Mingyi “Spica” Lu, a prospect originally identified during the 2017 Scouting Grounds event. Having recently completed secondary education, Spica now joins TSM with the organization expressing considerable confidence in his potential development trajectory.
Additionally, TSM extended an invitation to trainee AD carry Johnson “Johnsun” Nguyen, who will commence working with the academy roster once his United States visa authorization processes complete.
Implementing a dual-jungler system within the LCS framework provides the primary squad enhanced compositional versatility and strategic diversity. Simultaneously, it generates developmental opportunities across TSM’s broader organization, allowing emerging talents to gain experience within one of esports’ most prestigious franchises. Spica and Johnsun represent potential cornerstone pieces for TSM’s future competitive aspirations.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate player performance metrics across multiple competitive scenarios
- Develop clear rotation criteria and communication protocols for shared positions
- Establish talent identification and development pipeline systems
- Create contingency plans for injury management and roster adjustments
- Implement performance tracking for both main roster and academy players
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » TSM to use both Akaadian and Grig during the 2019 LCS Summer Split TSM implements innovative jungle rotation strategy while developing next-generation talent pipeline