The TFT Vegas Open Is A Test Of ‘Teamfight Tactics’ Esports Potential

TFT esports is about to get its biggest test yet.

Teamfight Tactics, the auto-battler in the League of Legends universe, is one of the last remaining auto-battlers from the craze that every developer wanted in on a few years ago. With the backing and resources of Riot Games it was always likely to succeed, but given even Valve couldn’t make Dota Underlords work it is impressive that TFT still has a massive fan base. Now, Riot hopes that fan base can fill out the MGM Grand Conference Center for the TFT Vegas Open, which is being billed as a celebration of the game that features a massive tournament.

Today over 500 Teamfight Tactics players and over a thousand spectators will arrive in Vegas for the TFT Vegas Open, which is the first open event for Teamfight Tactics that features a gargantuan 512-player tournament and an impressive prize pool of over $300,000.

Instead of being a traditional Riot Games style esports tournament with the best of the best competing in an arena, the TFT team has taken things in a different direction, with an open tournament anyone could enter, in a venue capable of hosting hundreds of matches going on at the same time. Riot is hoping that this is the ideal way to present TFT as an esport, which has been a difficult thing to figure out.

“Strategy games have been notoriously difficult to perfect on the esports side as we’ve seen a myriad of formats tried across different titles across the years,” says Michael Sherman, Global Head of TFT Esports at Riot Games. “We took inspiration from other strategy games, chess, poker, Magic: The Gathering, and even FGC events like EVO to develop our event strategy and find an innovative format that matches how unique and complex TFT is. The TFT Vegas Open is our first attempt at a uniquely TFT esports strategy that celebrates everyone competing and their aspirations to become a champion.”

Riot Games is of course no stranger to hosting massive events, just a few weeks ago they put on a massive arena show for the League of Legends World Championship, yet again redefining what an esports event can be with an impressive opening ceremony. But this is a totally different experience, one that is on a much larger scale when it comes to running the actual tournament, and one that has presented a lot of problems that needed to be solved before doors open.

“It brings a lot of unique challenges that we haven’t had to tackle before such as storytelling across 500 competitors and broadcasting up to 32 games happening at once,” says Sherman. “To manage the complexity of running 32 concurrent games, we developed tools to automate match invites for players, implemented tools that made it easier to get observers into the game without holding up the start of matches, and implemented live stats into TFT so we could aggregate information about every match played at the event.”

While the format makes this a challenging event to put on, the response from the TFT community has been positive leading up to the competition. With TFT being all about strategy and less about mechanics, anyone who figures out an ideal way to play can be a contender at the top level, unlike say Valorant where without mechanical skill you aren’t going to stand a chance against pro players. Having 512 players gives everyone who thinks they are good enough a chance to prove it, which seems to be going down well.

“No matter how old or bad you are at video games even someone like [Disguised] Toast can win this tourney,” said Milk, a TFT player for Disguised, the esports team owned by Jeremy “Disguised Toast” Wang. “I think the format is good because they have to include so many people. And the thing about this event is that it's more like a TFT-con. In TFT, there are a lot of friend groups so everyone will be able to meet up which is the best part. I don't think anyone thinks they have a decent chance to win and it’s more just a fun event. If you do well then, you do well.”

This is the championship belt the winner will claim.

The Disguised organisation, which has multiple TFT players on its roster, enters the TFT Open as a top contender, something the young organisation is not particularly used to. Due to being self-funded by founder Jeremy “Disguised Toast” Wang, the org doesn’t have the capital to compete at the top level in the top games, with Wang publicly saying that he has lost over a million dollars on the venture.

But the organisation is more of a passion project than something designed to make a ton of money, and with its roots in the TFT scene the Vegas Open is a big milestone for Disguised. While winning the event would be a great achievement, the organization is more focused on making sure the brand is visible throughout the tournament, and that they can interact with fans who show up to support, or even compete against them. This, they hope, will help secure their place as one of the top teams in TFT as the game’s esports scene looks set to grow.

“It’s really hard for DSG to compete with Tier 1 orgs in major esports titles as we don’t have any outside funding,” says Disguised Toast. “However, since not a lot of teams are invested in TFT and also given my background in the game, we can level that playing field. TFT as an esport is still in its infancy and has a lot of potential for growth so I want to be here supporting it from the beginning. I don’t think any other team put as much effort into this event as we did. I really hope DSG can grow with this esports scene and maybe one day be a household name in TFT.”

Of course, this is the first massive open event for TFT that has been held, so there is no guarantee that it will grow into a major esport in the future. With Riot at the helm, the assumption from many is that the end goal is for the TFT scene to grow in a similar way to LoL and Valorant’s competitive scenes. But for many of the people attending the Vegas tournament, the hope is that this type of community-focused tournament will work and become the standard going forward.

“In general, I'd like to see TFT esports be inversely related to League of Legends esports,” says Dan “Frodan” Chou, TFT commentator and content creator. “LoL focuses on the incredible skills of the few elite players in the world who train most of their young lives to become a top professional player. I think the best version of TFT esports is being accessible for anyone to get started, regardless of their background. We have seen players begin their pro careers as young as their teenage years all the way up to their 40s. So I'd love to see Riot invest more into the grassroots communities and get people more active in the scene.”

This weekend and the TFT Open is, in many ways, a big experiment for everyone involved. Everyone seems confident that this style of tournament and community celebration can work for TFT, and that Riot can pull off a much larger event than they are used to, but until the tournament takes place no one really knows for sure. There will likely be some teething issues, but if the consensus at the end of the event is that it all went well then there is a good chance this becomes the standard for TFT esports moving forward. If not, then it's back to the drawing board, not just for Riot, but also organisations like Disguised and its players.

Awesome Plymouth businesses that have stood the test of time

It’s been a tricky year for businesses, with inflation, high interest rates and waning consumer demand, yet despite this the vast majority have survived and will prosper. And to prove that there is longevity in the city’s economy here are eight Plymouth area businesses that all celebrated milestones in 2023, each operating for at least a decade and proving success can be sustained.

One of the most trusted names in the construction industry celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 with a new brand identity. JH Lidstone, which was founded by Jack Henry Lidstone in 1963, continues as a family business based in Mutley.

The company, which employs more than 50 skilled professionals is a tried and tested brand for construction companies, developers and architects for its screeding, tiling and plastering expertise. Over the years JH Lidstone has laid the foundations and applied more finishing touches in the region than most companies, undertaking projects ranging from hospitals to housing, the NHS, Tesco, Asda, Kier, BAM and several local authorities.

To mark its major milestone, the company has worked with marketing agency Fuel to create a new brand identity and website to celebrate its past whilst communicating it is at the forefront of new techniques, equipment and materials for the industry. Managing director Damian Lidstone said: “We were looking for a way to capture not just our heritage but also the way in which we work too.

“One of the reasons we are trusted by the leading names in the industry is they rely on us to provide experienced advice on the right materials and methods to enable contractors to get on site and get the job done. If that bit goes wrong, the whole project can suffer. They know, by working with us, they can have confidence that they are working from sound advice.

“I would like to thank each and every person who has worked for and with us since the day we started and we are looking forward to continuing relationships and building new ones in future.”

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The business celebrated 45 years of trading in 2023 and Dr Suzanne Sparrow marked her 99th birthday. Dr Sparrow remains one of the city's inspirational women business leaders having served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

She was the first woman entrepreneur to encourage and set up the international trade desk at what is now Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, in 1989, to foster global business links.

Even after Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine, her business continues to thrive and welcomes new students to Plymouth. The language school was started after Dr Sparrow’s stint at the Marine Research Laboratory at Newton Ferrers, where she met visitors from overseas, some of whom spoke limited English. Realising business people needed to learn English she started by hiring premises in the Plymouth Art Centre, at that time in Looe Street, and at Prysten House.

Now based at North Road West, day-to-day control of the school has passed to Dr Sparrow’s daughter Hilary Desvernay, who is now principal. Dr Sparrow was awarded her doctorate in 2009 by the University of Plymouth for her contribution to education. In 2016, she won the Lifetime Achievement honour at the Plymouth Live Business Awards.

Plympton-based Tamar Caravan Centre hit its 40th anniversary in business with record revenue and demand for its caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and after-sales service. The business was started in Plymouth in 1983 when Dagenham-based Jeff and Sandra Wray moved to the city to offer the best products for towing and tow bar fitting.

They established a strong reputation for their products and services before selling the business to Robert Paige and his son Tim in 2005. The new owners expanded the business by spotting a gap in the market for fitting modern towing systems which complimented new safety features being introduced by car manufacturers such the Trailer Electronic Stability System.

After just 12 months, with the new systems clearly in demand, they moved to larger premises in Valley Road, Plympton, where they expanded their services into caravan repairs, maintenance and servicing. That formula, coupled with their understanding that caravans were enabling holidays and special memories for people in the region, ensured continued growth which resulted in a short move to the company’s current base in Marshall Road. With a Swift Caravan Dealership added in 2016, the company also expanded into used caravan sales.

Tim Paige, managing director, said: “The leisure and tourism market has grown rapidly over the past 40 years and, by staying close to our customers, we’ve grown with it. Today, we take pride in being a one-stop-shop for all our customers' towing and caravan needs as the ‘Home of Adventure’. Whether it's fitting a towbar, servicing a trailer, or maintaining a caravan, our team of experts is here to provide the highest level of care and expertise.”

With annual revenue now in excess of £7m, Tamar Caravan Centre continues to invest in its 22-strong team, many of whom have played a significant role in its sustained progress. Sales director Ian McNulty has been with the company 15 years; engineer Laurence Peart eight years; and parts supervisor Chris Whitty more than seven years; whilst Dorain Jones, Tracy Saxby, Phillip Goodhall, Mathew Semark have all given more than five years of dedicated service.

Continuous personal development is central to the company’s success with its technicians having undergone specialised training to gain expertise in caravan systems, including gas, water, plumbing, and electrical systems. Meanwhile, its customer services team has specialist expertise in assisting customers on maintenance, usage, and offering tips for maximising their caravan experience.

Mr Paige said: “As the automotive industry moves towards electric vehicles, it is crucial for our business to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to these advancements. We understand the challenges surrounding towing with electric vehicles safely and efficiently, and we are committed to expanding our knowledge in this area particularly with the range capabilities.

“Wherever technology and innovation takes us, we’ll always be focussed on ensuring that every aspect of our customers' vehicles are in top working order, guaranteeing their safety and comfort during their travels.”

Over the years, the company lived up to one of its core values of supporting the local community with a trek up Kilimanjaro to raise funds for St Luke's Hospice, a notable example in 2013. More recently, they organised a charity event for Plymouth Argyle’s Project 35 initiative to support vulnerable individuals and families in the city.

Plymouth-based roofing company Stormforce recorded its 20th anniversary by hosting an open day for its clients and suppliers and committing to 20 good community deeds to mark the occasion. The company was started by Adrian Howe, Sarah Howe, Simon Kalas and Neil Phillips in 2003 and has established itself as one of the leading roofing firms in the region with 45 staff and a list of commercial clients which include the Ministry of Defence, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, NHS England, Devon County Council, Somerset County Council and Plymouth Community Homes.

Specialists in tiled, flat, pitch and heritage roofing, Stormforce has undertaken some high-profile projects in the South West including the 78m high Beckley Point development in Plymouth, completed in May 2018. It has also invested in its skills such as drone surveying and expertise in environmentally friendly roofing which saw them complete a pioneering project at the Chemotherapy Unit at North Devon District Hospital.

Central to the company’s progress has been its consistent investment in apprenticeships and training for its team which has seen it plough over £250,000 in careers and skills for over 200 local people, as well as 18 apprentices whom they have guided through their qualifications. This commitment to excellence in the industry has seen Stormforce have four apprentices make the national finals in the last five years and one in the Great British Slate Off Finals.

Director Adrian Howe said: “It has been great to look back on and celebrate the trusted relationships we have built, careers we have started and projects we have completed. I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in that. Looking forward, we’ll continue to grow our reputation and knowledge so that we can continue to provide robust and environmentally friendly roofing systems for our clients.”

Marketing agency Fuel celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023 with a revenue hike after the implementation of a four-day week. The agency, which started up at the University of Plymouth’s Formation Zone in 2008 increased its group revenue by 9% in 2022/23 whilst conducting a six-month four-day-week trial for its 14-strong team.

With offices at The Crescent, in Plymouth, and at Birmingham City University’s Steamhouse, the company advises regional, national and international clients on strategic growth through its expertise in advertising, affiliate marketing, brand development, marketing campaigns, immersive tech, search engine optimisation and web development. Its clients include Red Paddle Co, The i-Outlet, Kamado Joe, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, Smile Together, GA Solicitors and Agile Comms.

Fuel officially adopted its four-day-week model in May after positive feedback from its clients and team. Martyn King, managing director, said: “The market has changed considerably over the past 15 years with an explosion in digital channels which has changed the way in which consumers are influenced by brands.

“This has coincided with generational economic turbulence from the financial crisis to Brexit to Covid and now inflation. Amongst the uncertainty, it is even more important that brands can stand out from the crowd by telling their story better than ever in order to attract new business and employees.”

A group of property professionals, which first met in the lounge of its founder and has progressed to be the leading network of investors in the region, marked its 10th anniversary in 2023. The Professional Investment Group (Pig) holds monthly gatherings of investors, professionals and tradespeople in Plymouth and Truro.

It celebrated its milestone in style with special birthday celebrations at Boringdon Park Golf Club and Truro Golf Club. From its humble beginnings in founder Angelos Sanders’ lounge, the group has developed into the biggest of its kind, facilitating joint ventures in excess of £10m in property deals amongst its 1,000-plus member network.

The topics and experiences have enabled Mr Sanders to publish two number-one bestselling books: Property Nightmares and Your Success (Hidden Traits of Successful People). The latter has developed into a podcast in which local, international and celebrity speakers have shared their personal stories.

He said: “We have delivered over 160 events in Devon and Cornwall all based on our group principles to learn, inspire and act. I’d like to thank all of our members and preferred partners for their enthusiasm and support and it was great to mark the occasion in their company.”

Pig preferred partners include Balance for Business, Bright Solicitors, Fire Safety Matters, Inspector Asset, LMB Insurance Services, Paddle & Cocks, The Mortgage Guy and Westcotts.

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) marked its 10-year anniversary in 2023 as it looks to prepare for the next decade of social impact. PDSE has played a vital role in the training of the next generation of dental professionals, offering first-hand, real-world experience that’s become so important to the development of the profession regionally.

The University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School students provide the majority of the patient treatments while being supervised by a team of qualified dentists and supported by a dedicated team of dental nurses, hygiene therapists and clinical support workers. The aim of the organisation has always been to improve the oral health of the community across their Dental Education Facilities in Devon and Cornwall, supporting the most vulnerable by keeping them out of hospital and reducing the burden on the NHS budget at the same time.

PDSE is committed to improving oral health in the South West through provision of treatment, education and engagement and across the past 10 years it has made an impressive impact on communities. Through its status as a Community Interest Company, it has reinvested £2.5m into the community.

It has been responsible for 636 dental graduates with the University of Plymouth and has supported 269 community groups with oral healthcare messages. In addition, PDSE has helped 39,596 children with oral health education, encouraging learnt behaviours as the basis for staying healthy in the future.

But the most direct impact has been the treatment of more than 50,000 patients through dental education facilities in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro. Professor Robert Witton, PDSE chief executive, said: “We are immensely proud of the impact that we’ve made on so many people over the past 10 years. Our great work here in the peninsula is now seen as an inspirational model across the UK and overseas. Here’s to the next decade.”

The UK’s largest peer-to-peer lending platform celebrated its milestone 10th anniversary this year. The company provides access to finance for small business owners, and monthly income for private investors.

Originating in Cornwall, amid the remnants of the financial crisis in 2013 when funding for businesses was drying up and savers were receiving rock-bottom levels of interest, Folk2Folk was founded to address the significant funding gap that faced local businesses, and to provide investment opportunities for savers and investors. Co-founder Louis Mathers said: "There was definitely an anti-establishment element to why Folk2Folk was started.

“We wanted to demonstrate that we could provide funding, and investment opportunities, better than the banks. There are invisible barriers to finance for rural small businesses and in effect, they are discriminated against compared to their urban counterparts. We wanted to level the playing field for these businesses and our answer was to organise the funding ourselves.”

Within a year, Folk2Folk, based in Launceston, facilitated £22m in loans. Early growth propelled the company beyond its Cornish roots, and by early 2015 nearly £50m of funding had been invested within Cornwall and Devon.

The company went on to expand nationally, providing funding for regional small businesses and presenting attractive property-secured investment opportunities for private investors across the UK. Folk2Folk has since grown to become the largest platform for peer-to-peer lending, having facilitated more than £653m in business loans across regional UK. For its investor community, Folk2Folk facilitates additional income in excess of £1m a month.