After almost 18 years, Team Fortress 2 just had its toughest tournament ever, and there could be more to come

Team Fortress 2 resides in the long shadows cast by Valve's pair of popular titans, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2. But the class-based FPS has managed to endure despite its little-brother status, perpetuated by a passionate community that includes a competitive scene that's still producing fireworks.

During May’s Physgun Fireside Denver LAN, one fan I spoke to called the tricontinental tournament “the toughest competition in TF2 history.” The game is nearing 18 years of age, and the caliber...