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"I think it’s pretty motivating": TSM FTX raring to finally get going at SI

One more day, and the full TSM FTX will finally take the server.

Image via Ubisoft

While the rest of the world’s Rainbow Six Siege teams are hitting the server for the first day of the Six Invitational, TSM FTX are still on the sidelines. In a way, they’ve been on the sidelines for nine months. 

The last time the full TSM FTX roster competed together in an international tournament was at the Six Invitational 2021. They were hobbled at the Mexico Major by a positive COVID-19 diagnosis for Bryan “Merc” Wrzek, an asterisk that’s becoming as tiring to write as it is to hear. They missed the Sweden Major holistically — role issues and subsequent subpar play held them up in NAL play. 

Finally, there are no more asterisks…tomorrow. 

“I think it’s pretty motivating,” said Jason “Beaulo” Doty in a Ubisoft-organized press conference when asked about the length of time between full-strength TSM FTX appearances, “especially going through the Qualifier.You know, it made us really want it, it made us really earn it.”

As far as prestige goes, TSM FTX are practically NA royalty. They’ve placed in the top four in the past two Six Invitationals, and have been a force internationally in every event they’ve competed at with this roster. 

While TSM FTX looked dominant during the NA Qualifier, they know that SI is a whole different level. 

“I think we played the qualifiers to our strengths pretty well. And uh other than that, I don’t think there’s a whole lot to take away [from the Qualifier],” said head coach Owen “Pojoman” Mitura. The teams they’ll be playing are fundamentally different than the ones back home. 

The biggest change that helped the team punch their ticket to Sweden for SI was moving Merc to IGL, freeing up Matthew “Achieved” Solomon to do what he does best – play top down. 

“I hope so,” said Achieved when asked if he feels freer to make plays with the swap. “I think it, you know, allows me to focus more on myself.”

Achieved went on to explain that he’s still helping with some mid-round adjustments, but the step back he’s taken in the communications hierarchy is real. Whether that freedom turns into play-making on the international stage remains to be seen. 

TSM FTX will take on FURIA in their first match of the tournament, tomorrow Feb. 9. 

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