(Updated: January 2025)
PSG Talon has established itself as one of the standout teams in the world of competitive League of Legends. Formed as a collaboration between the globally-renowned football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Asian esports organization Talon Esports, the team has carved a unique identity in the esports landscape. From dominating the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) to repeatedly making its mark on the World Championship stage, PSG Talon’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. This article takes an in-depth look at their history, player rosters, notable achievements, tournament results, and impact on the competitive League of Legends scene.
The Formation – PSG Talon’s Foundation
PSG Talon was born in June 2020 as a result of a strategic partnership between Paris Saint-Germain—the renowned French football club—and Talon Esports, a dynamic Asian esports organization. This collaboration brought together PSG’s brand power and Talon’s competitive expertise, creating a team uniquely poised to dominate the League of Legends Pacific Championship Series (PCS). The partnership was a trailblazing move in combining traditional sports branding with the growing popularity of competitive esports.
How the Partnership Shaped Their Identity
PSG Talon’s formation aimed to combine the prestige of PSG’s global branding with Talon’s operational capacity and experience in the gaming industry. The team quickly earned a reputation as a powerhouse in the PCS, dominating competitions and consistently exceeding expectations on the international stage.
Player Roster – Evolution and Key Players
The team has witnessed several player changes over the years, each contributing to the evolution of PSG Talon. From early challenges such as visa issues to standout performances by star players, the roster changes have ensured the team remains competitive and dynamic.
The Initial Roster
PSG Talon’s debut roster featured talents like River, Tank, Kongyue, and Uniboy. However, visa complications during the 2020 World Championship necessitated the use of emergency substitutes, including Kongyue and Uniboy from ahq eSports Club and Dee from Machi Esports. Despite the setbacks, the team delivered memorable performances, setting the stage for future success.
Key Roster Changes – 2021 and 2022
- 2021: Tank departed the team in October 2021 and was replaced by Huang “Maple” Yi-tang. River left in November, joining Dignitas, while Maple moved to Anyone’s Legend a month later. The roster was then reinforced with Lee “Juhan” Ju-han and Park “Bay” Jun-byeong from Nongshim RedForce Challengers. Additionally, Huang “Azhi” Shang-chih and Jason “Pretender” Ng Cheuk-lun joined as substitutes.
- 2022: After the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), Juhan and Bay exited the team, making way for Jeong “Burry” Seung-hwan and Kim “Gori” Tae-woo. Gori, a rising star, brought valuable experience from his previous stints with Nongshim RedForce and FunPlus Phoenix.
Notable Achievements – A Record of Excellence
PSG Talon has built an impressive legacy in a relatively short span of time, with notable achievements in both regional and international tournaments. The team’s accolades have firmly cemented their status as one of the top squads in competitive League of Legends.
Consistent PCS Dominance
- PSG Talon conquered the Pacific Championship Series, winning an unparalleled seven PCS titles.
- They routinely demonstrated excellence, including undefeated seasons and sweeping victories against their regional rivals.
World Championship Appearances
PSG Talon’s track record in the League of Legends World Championship underscores their competitive prowess:
- 2020 World Championship: Despite using emergency substitutes during the play-ins, PSG Talon topped their group and advanced to the main stage. They finished third in Group B, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
- 2021 World Championship: After an unbeaten run in the PCS Summer season, PSG Talon secured their spot at Worlds. They delivered competitive performances in Group C of the main event, finishing third but narrowly missing the knockout stage.
- 2022 and 2024 World Championships: Marked by a mix of victories and losses, these tournaments highlighted the team’s enduring strength on the global stage.
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Success
PSG Talon participated in multiple MSI tournaments, with their standout performance coming in 2022 when they finished second in their group and fifth in the rumble stage. While they fell short of winning the event, their matches showcased their evolving strategies and individual player brilliance.
Tournament Results – A Detailed Overview
2020 Season
- First PCS title in their debut year.
- Excelled during the 2020 World Championship with a 2–4 record in Group B of the main event.
2021 Season
- Undefeated PCS Summer season.
- Captured another PCS championship by sweeping Beyond Gaming in the finals.
- Third-place finish in Group C at Worlds.
2022 Season
- Qualified for MSI 2022 after an exceptional PCS spring season.
- Placed second in their MSI group and fifth in the rumble stage.
- Missed out on PCS finals and Worlds for the first time in the summer season.
2024 Season
PSG Talon maintained their competitive streak during the 2024 season, qualifying for Worlds once again. While their performances were mixed, their commitment to excellence remained a cornerstone of their identity.
Recent Developments – A New Era
On January 5, 2025, the collaboration between PSG and Talon came to an end, with the team rebranding to Talon. While PSG exited the League of Legends esports scene, the organization continues to explore other titles, leaving the door open for potential future collaborations. Talon, under its independent branding, carries forward the legacy of excellence established during the partnership.
Notable Tournaments Beyond Worlds
Consistent PCS Success
Beyond their World Championship appearances, PSG Talon remains a dominant force in the PCS, where they secured multiple playoff victories and showcased a consistent winning mentality.
Impact at MSI
PSG Talon’s participation in the MSI tournaments solidified their reputation as a competitive international team capable of taking on the best teams across all regions. Although they did not secure a title, their performances were crucial in establishing the PCS as a competitive region.
FAQ – PSG Talon
Who are PSG Talon?
PSG Talon was a League of Legends team created in 2020 through a partnership between Paris Saint-Germain and Talon Esports. The team competed in the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) and on the international stage until the partnership ended in January 2025.
What is the history of their partnership?
The partnership between PSG and Talon Esports lasted from 2020 to early 2025. During this time, the team won multiple regional titles and participated in four World Championships.
What were their biggest achievements?
PSG Talon’s biggest achievements include winning seven PCS titles, qualifying for four World Championships, and consistently performing well in international tournaments such as the MSI.
Why did their partnership end?
The partnership ended on January 5, 2025, as both PSG and Talon decided to focus on other priorities. Talon continues to compete under its own brand, while PSG remains active in other esports titles.
Who were their key players?
Key players on PSG Talon’s roster included River, Tank, Juhan, Bay, Gori, and Maple, among many others who contributed to the team’s success over different seasons.
How many PCS titles did they win?
PSG Talon won an impressive seven PCS titles during their time in the League of Legends scene.
What is the relationship between PSG and esports?
PSG entered the esports scene to expand its brand footprint, collaborating with Talon in League of Legends and participating in other games such as FIFA and Dota 2.
Where can I learn more about Talon Esports?
You can visit the officially PSG Talon page for more information on their competitive journey.
What are some memorable tournaments they participated in?
PSG Talon is known for notable performances in the 2020 and 2021 World Championships, alongside impactful showings at multiple MSI events.
What’s next for Talon after the split?
Following the end of their partnership with PSG, Talon continues competing in the League of Legends Pacific league (LCP) under their own branding.
