After a decade of competing professionally in League of Legends, veteran jungler Santorin has officially announced his retirement. The Danish star, known for his time with teams like TSM, FlyQuest, and Dignitas, made the decision public on Twitter on October 8.
Santorin’s journey from aspiring gamer to professional player began in 2013 when he joined his first esports team, Intellectual Playground. However, after years of ups and downs, the jungler has decided to step away from competitive play.
In his retirement announcement, Santorin shared the personal sacrifices he had to make as a pro player. He missed important family moments, including his grandfather’s funeral, and struggled with his health. These challenges, along with the mental burden of being an esports athlete, ultimately led him to prioritize his family and friendships over his career.
While Santorin’s retirement may come as a surprise to LCS fans, it was a decision he had been contemplating for some time. Other retired League pros, such as Bjergsen and Danny, have faced similar dilemmas, having to choose between personal and professional lives or dealing with the toll that competitive gaming takes on their well-being.
Despite the hardships, Santorin’s career had many highlights. He competed at the highest level with renowned teams like TSM, FlyQuest, and Dignitas, playing a total of 602 pro games throughout his career. In his rookie season in the 2015 LCS, he even earned the title of Rookie of the Split with TSM.
Although Santorin will no longer be seen on the pro stage, he plans to transition to full-time streaming. He will continue playing League and other esports titles while engaging with his audience through streaming.
In conclusion, Santorin’s retirement marks the end of an era for the League of Legends community. His decision to prioritize personal well-being and relationships serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by professional esports players. While his competitive career may be over, fans can still enjoy his gameplay and presence through his streaming endeavors.
Source: DOTESPORTS
