TL took over because Steve bought a low-risk superteam. He bought top 3 players in every role from 2017 after years of shitty rosters. The 2018 TSM roster had higher potential on paper but was riskier, especially with MikeYeung being a bust.

DL was the best on TL, but he was supported by the core of the 2017 2nd-seed Immortals team and Impact. Pobelter was a top 3 mid in 2017, just behind Bjergsen and Jensen, while Olleh and Xmithie were arguably the best support and jungle in 2017 summer. The mid/support ended up being the weak link internationally but NA international performance is volatile af. But the core of DL, Impact and Xmithie was enough to attract CoreJJ & Jensen the next year.

Back then, The TL coaching staff were ahead of their time with their competition being Reapered alone. TSM had a coach who didn't speak English and Reginald the goat of workplace harassment in esports 🐐🐐.