TSM announces 2021 Academy roster including Hauntzer, Cody Sun

Team SoloMid has strategically assembled its Academy lineup for the 2021 competitive season, blending established LCS veterans with promising international prospects. The organization revealed its complete roster featuring top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell making a highly anticipated return and bot laner Liyu “Cody Sun” Sun joining the black and white banner for the first time.

Complementing these experienced players is Taiwanese support Wang “Yursan” Sheng-Yu, previously competing with Alpha Esports in the PCS region. These three strategic acquisitions finalize the TSM Academy composition, which previously included jungler Leo “Babip” Romer and mid laner Rico “Swordd” Chen, creating a balanced competitive unit.

Our 2021 #LCS Academy roster is now complete. Introducing our new Top @htzr, ADC @CodySun, and Support Yursan.

Please welcome the boys (back) to #TSM ????

Learn more about our Academy moves this offseason: https://t.co/rapAcIihYH pic.twitter.com/aD01029MX0

— TSM (@TSM) December 9, 2020

This Academy roster demonstrates TSM’s calculated approach to talent development by mixing proven competitors with fresh faces. The most significant addition is Hauntzer, rejoining the organization following a two-year tenure with Golden Guardians. During his initial TSM period from 2015-2018, Hauntzer contributed to the team’s most successful era, securing three LCS championship titles and establishing himself as a cornerstone player.

Cody Sun brings substantial LCS experience, though this marks his debut representing TSM. After competing with 100 Thieves in the previous season without contract renewal, the veteran marksman publicly disclosed receiving no LCS starting opportunities, making his Academy participation an expected development path.

Yursan represents the international scouting component, having maintained a relatively low profile compared to his roster counterparts. His integration likely focuses on skill development and learning from legendary Taiwanese support Hu “SwordArt” Shuo-Chieh. TSM’s reputation for cultivating emerging talent through its development system positions Yursan as a potential future star in the making.

Collectively, this TSM Academy lineup presents formidable competitive potential and appears positioned as a serious contender within the revamped 2021 Academy competitive structure.

Hauntzer’s return to TSM represents more than just a roster move—it signals a homecoming for one of the organization’s most successful alumni. His championship experience and familiarity with TSM’s culture provide immediate leadership value beyond mechanical skill. Many organizations underestimate the importance of veteran presence in development rosters, but TSM recognizes this strategic advantage.

Cody Sun’s situation highlights the evolving LCS talent landscape. Despite consistent performance throughout his career, the contraction of import slots and team budget constraints have created unexpected opportunities in Academy rosters for established players.

For aspiring competitive players, studying Cody Sun’s career trajectory offers valuable lessons in professional resilience and adaptation to changing market conditions.

Yursan’s recruitment demonstrates TSM’s global scouting network in action. The PCS region has consistently produced exceptional support talent, and Yursan’s development under SwordArt’s mentorship could yield significant long-term dividends.

What is TSM Academy?

TSM Academy functions as the organization’s secondary League of Legends competitive team, specifically designed to nurture emerging talent and provide reliable substitute options for the main LCS roster when needed. Historically, Academy teams competed in segregated leagues, but the 2021 season introduces transformative structural changes. Riot Games has implemented an innovative competitive framework that integrates both Academy and amateur organizations into a unified ecosystem.

The new system creates more meaningful competition and better preparation for LCS transitions. Teams that master this new format will develop players more effectively and create sustainable competitive advantages.

Is KatEvolved on TSM?

Jackson “Evolved” Dohan, previously competing under the KatEvolved identity, has concluded his tenure with TSM. During the 2020 season, Evolved demonstrated considerable promise as an emerging mid lane talent within TSM’s system and potentially positioned himself for future LCS starting opportunities. Currently, Evolved has transitioned to full-time content creation, a path increasingly common for players between competitive opportunities.

Today we bid farewell to @KatEvolvedlol

Thank you for everything you contributed to #TSM during your time with the org. We wish you all the best with your future endeavors. pic.twitter.com/3vY7ljC6gL

— TSM (@TSM) December 9, 2020

Who is TSM Sword?

Swordd assumes the mid lane position for TSM Academy in 2021. The developing player has progressed through TSM’s amateur development program for over twelve months and now earns his competitive stage debut. Swordd fills the vacancy created by Evolved’s recent departure from the organization.

This roster transition exemplifies the natural progression within successful development systems. Understanding these player movements helps fans appreciate the strategic long-term planning behind competitive roster construction.

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