TSM had a successful run in the 2022 LCS Summer playoffs, thanks largely to their top laner, Solo. He performed exceptionally well in their League of Legends series against FlyQuest, helping TSM secure a 3-2 victory.
Even in the face of hour-long delays against EG, Solo remained composed and played a crucial role in pushing the series to Silver Scrapes and a game five, although TSM ultimately lost.
Despite being eliminated from LCS and not qualifying for Worlds 2022, Solo remains optimistic about his future in the LCS.
Solo’s Journey in League
Solo has been playing professionally in the LCS for eight years. He started in 2014 as a member of the Zenith Esports roster but has since moved from one organization to another, either playing in their Academy rosters or the main lineup.
Throughout his extensive LCS career, Solo has represented nearly every North American organization in the league.
In an interview with Dexerto, Solo expressed confidence in his League skills and ability to adapt to different teams and playstyles.
“I’m pretty malleable, so I can fit into whatever team,” he said. “Whenever I join a team, I’m just trying to fill in what needs to be filled in and not dominate and be like, ‘this is what we’re doing now, everything works around me, I’m doing comms now’. It just really varies.”
Entry into TSM and Playoff Performance
After Huni announced his retirement, TSM needed a capable top laner, so they promoted Solo from Academy and sent S0ul in his place.
This decision proved to be in TSM’s favor, as Solo delivered an impressive performance against FlyQuest, helping his team make a comeback and win the series.
He also played a crucial role in the series against Evil Geniuses.
Regarding his performance, Solo said, “I think I obviously play well. I play at the level of any of the top players in the league, right? Be it Impact or Ssumday. I’m never a liability, but I think a lot of the value comes from day-to-day behind-the-scenes things, just being extremely consistent.”
Solo also believes he adds a lot of value to teams and helps them win crucial games. According to him, out of all the other teams making similar late-season moves, he and TSM were the only ones who successfully pulled it off.
Future Plans in the LCS and League
Despite moving between many teams in his career, Solo remains optimistic about his future in the LCS. His recent performances have established him as one of the best top laners in the region.
“I mean… I’ll play for any LCS team if they’ll have me. I think that’s always been the case. I’ll try, for sure, to start next Spring. That means a lot to get a whole year in. It’s definitely much harder to come into the split where everyone’s practiced up and try to be as dominating—I mean, yeah I’d love to do that,” Solo expressed.
After TSM’s elimination, Solo was seen on the analyst desk of the LCS broadcast, casting game two of the Liquid vs. 100 Thieves series with Kobe and Captain Flowers.
With Spica leaving TSM, the organization will be looking for an experienced League player to lead them. They may consider Solo or let him go when his contract expires in November.
Regardless, Solo may soon return, either with TSM or another team.