TSM leaves Brazil, and Free Fire

After the U.S. esports organization revealed it is leaving Brazil and Free Fire esports, TSM’s ambitious development plans in the area appear to have hit a wall.

TSM arrived in Brazil in July 2021 after agreeing to a $210 million rights deal with cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The region was expected to lead the organization’s mobile esports initiatives. Instead, they acquired a lineup from Wild Rift before expanding to include Free Fire.

TSM leaves Brazil, and Free Fire

The company tweeted that it is leaving the LBFF and the Brazilian competitive scene after almost three years in Free Fire esports. However, they hinted at a future return.

“We live unforgettable moments and launch eternal talents. We were champions, we hit the beam and heard the alvinegra fans scream. So this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later.”

Passage of TSM in Brazilian Free Fire

TSM entered the Brazilian Free Fire by acquiring the Black Dragons Esports squad in the LBFF Serie A, the highest regional competitive Free Fire level. However, they had a dismal debut season, finishing in 16th place and being relegated to the Ascension Phase.

As a result, they were forced to compete in the LBFF Series B in the first half of 2022. However, the team fielded a new squad for the season, which yielded better results. They made it through Serie B and the Promotion Phase to return to the LBFF Serie A, where they put in a great effort that tested even the best teams.

It ended with a third-place finish that deprived them of participating in Bangkok’s World Series (FFWS). TSM revealed their decision to quit the game just as the team started gaining ground.

Problems with Free Fire esports

TSM’s departure is not entirely unexpected. For starters, there are problems with Free Fire esports in general. Once the most popular mobile esport in the world, the game has lost its audience. One example is the November 2022 Bangkok FFWS which experienced a drop in viewership of over 90% from its peak at the Singapore FFWS. Similarly, there has been a drop in viewership at the LBFF.

On the other hand, in 2023, Garena also significantly altered the league. The developer opted to limit the league to only 24 invited clubs instead of having a relegation mechanism that would encourage a grassroots system.

Unsurprisingly, TSM is rethinking its investments, given the poor prospects for Free Fire esports. This is especially relevant given that FTX, the group’s most prominent sponsor, filed for bankruptcy last year.

TSM currently has only one Indian mobile esports team. Initially, they had contracted a roster with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). But the roster participates in New State Mobile because the government has banned the game.

Header: TSM