The esports community was blindsided by the abrupt dismissal of Duncan "DUNC" Cox, the longstanding social media manager for TSM. Cox, who announced his departure, shed light on the alarming transformation within TSM, revealing that only nine individuals were reportedly left on the team when he was let go. The shock extended beyond the departure itself, as Cox disclosed that he had to shoulder additional responsibilities following the reduction of his team.

The repercussions of Cox's announcement rippled through both TSM's fanbase and the broader esports landscape, drawing criticism for the suddenness of his departure and the alleged absence of severance despite his five years of service with the organization. According to Cox's LinkedIn page, his journey with TSM commenced as a social media/community manager for the TSM-owned app Blitz in February 2019, culminating in his ascent to the position of head of socials just before the commencement of 2022.

TSM, once an esports titan synonymous with North American LoL and the LCS, has witnessed a series of setbacks over the past year, diminishing its once-unassailable public image. The exit from the LCS and the sale of the brand's slot last year marked a pivotal moment that did not resonate well with loyal fans. Additionally, the revelation by legendary TSM top laner Dyrus that he never received payment from the organization further strained relations with the community.

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Further exacerbating the situation, TSM withdrew from both R6 Siege and Dota 2 over the past year. Notably, the organization's exit from Siege occurred just a year after securing a world championship at SI 2022. In July of the same year, TSM bid farewell to its VALORANT roster, with plans to return to Challengers. However, with open qualifiers looming, there have been no official announcements, leaving fans in suspense.