TSM FTX is aiming to pull its players closer together than ever before.
The world’s largest and most valuable esports company is making one of its most important moves yet, and it may well help shape a better future for the industry as a whole–at a time when change is more crucial than ever.
After discussions with its athletes, TSM FTX–ranked number one in Forbes’ latest list of most valuable esports companies in the world–has built on its mental health initiative by launching a thorough wellness training program across all its teams, securing a deal with an organization which prioritizes the welfare of players in the face of competitive gaming’s challenges.
TSM, which operates highly competitive squads in League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG Mobile, and Apex Legends, has partnered with Vancouver-based startup Adamas Esports to develop team chemistry through out-of-game training that heavily focuses on mental wellbeing, communication, and team building, with the ultimate aim of creating a family-like bond among its members.
“Committing to sports-specific mental support with Adamas by our side is a great investment in our players,” says Dominic Kallas, vice-president of esports at TSM FTX. “We have some of the most gifted athletes within esports on TSM FTX, but if they’re not managing their mental and physical health, or getting enough sleep outside of the game, they will never realize their full potential.
“Knowing we have the team, approach, and resources in place to win will ensure we remain competitive for a long time.”
Dominic Kallas, vice-president of esports at TSM FTX, is among those pioneering mental wellness at … [+]
The move builds on TSM’s growing dedication to mental wellness training. In 2020, TSM launched its new headquarters complete with a dedicated gym, lounge, coaching rooms, and wellness center, as well as full-time performance coaches, to promote athlete health throughout the year.
“The needs of modern, digital athletes are forever changing, and partnering with Adamas allows us to prioritize mental wellness with specialists who can tailor programs for our players,” Kallas continues. “Our partnership allows us to stay ahead of evolving needs. We want all our players to feel they have the space and resources they need to be the best possible person, player, or creator at TSM.”
Caleb Cousens, CEO of Adamas Esports, says his company isn’t about “checking a box or delivering a blind recipe,” adding: “Modern athletes need a modern approach to stay competitive. This partnership signals a real commitment to recognize mental wellness as a matter of performance.
“We’re dedicated to helping TSM players, and all of our athletes, perform at their absolute best; this takes a comprehensive training program that looks beyond in-game strategy.”
Adamas and TSM plan a long-term strategy for all athletes.
Adamas’ sessions are purposefully structured to the individual needs of each organization, and for TSM, it provides team-wide access to support on a weekly basis, with room to change things on an ad-hoc basis as demands require; for instance, esports veterans who have spent years in competitive leagues will require markedly different assistance when compared to newly-discovered rookies.
In this regard, Adamas spends time with each player to build a custom program that supports their goals, focusing on athlete development, emotional regulation training, and mindfulness exercises that tie into each one’s in-game performance.
While many esports teams have appreciated and responded to the very real demands of mental health–something that many of the top sports leagues around the world appear to overlook, despite the young talent that makes them so exciting–it’s heartening to see a global leader make a clear step in an applaudable direction. Let’s hope it works out–and many more teams continue to deepen their commitments to the same critical cause.
