TSM signs Kanpeki to VALORANT roster

The changes in the lineups of the different esports organizations worldwide continue, and this time we move to North America, where TSM has announced a new signing for its VALORANT team.

TSM signs Kanpeki in place of Hazed

In the last few hours, the popular North American organization, TSM, has announced a change in the starting lineup of its VALORANT division. It is the addition of Eric “Kanpeki” Xu, former Sentinels player, who will take the place of James “Hazed” Cobb, who is leaving the team. There is no doubt that this is a significant change, and TSM will benefit from Kanpeki’s experience in his role as a starter and duelist.

Kanpeki joined TSM’s ranks hours before their NA VALORANT Challengers League Week 3 match, where the team took on The Guard. It was an outstanding debut for Kanpeki in the team, as he finished with a 1.21 Rating, a 39/35/33 record, and 134 ADR. Additionally, the experienced player was key for TSM in their 2-0 win over The Guard.

Hazed did not feel comfortable on the team

According to Hazed’s statements, he did not feel entirely comfortable playing under the TSM banner. He felt no ideal Team Play would lead the team to victories and said he felt like “the odd man out on the team.” Hazed said:

“The best thing for everyone was to take a step back. We didn’t have a perfect vibe in the game, and I felt like the odd man out.”

The player then mentioned that he made the decision and communicated it to team coach Jake “Daeda” Hale.

Hazed’s second stint in TSM’s VALORANT division has ended. The player first joined the organization in 2020, when TSM signed the MouseSpaz squad with star players such as Matthew “Wardell” Yu and Yassine “Subroza” Taoufik. However, the player left the team at the end of 2021 to play under the NRG banner in 2022.

In early 2023, Hazed returned home to TSM to help the team digest the failure to be selected for Riot Games’ partnership program.

About Kanpeki

Now, Kanpeki comes in to be Hazed’s replacement in this TSM. This player jumped from a lower division to the Sentinel’s starting lineup in 2022. However, the team could not sustain their performance or level of play and finished 0-5 in the group stage.

After five months of inactivity, Kanpeki rejoined the VALORANT servers and is giving his all to help TSM earn a spot for the VCT 2024, following his dropping from the Sentinels lineup a few months prior.

Header: TSM