Officially retiring from @RLEsports As many know, I've dealt with severe tendonitis and carpal tunnel since 2025. Within the past few months, it has greatly worsened, and I have been left with a severe case in both arms, wrists, and hands. Additionally, I am dealing with nerve issues all throughout my back and lower neck that cause unbearable pain and sensations. It is safe to say, that unless I stumble upon a miracle, it is out of reason to believe I will be able to use a controller or keyboard (except for short bursts of typing—which is still something I should not be doing) for an indefinite amount of time. Writing this is a sacrifice that must be made... This is not something that has come about purely because of gaming. I have suffered other ailments that have let my body vulnerable to these kinds of things. It was only a matter of time. If it wasn't for gaming, I would have had a few more years until this was to come. I can say, though, that by the people I have met and the opportunities I was given, I am beyond grateful for that tradeoff. To anyone I disrespected, I deeply apologize. It is only a game, after all. That is something I have thoroughly realized. I hope my sincere apologies find you well. I am currently on my path to recovery, yet am aiming into a few years of it. I will continue to be active in the community and follow RLCS as much I have in the past. To those of you I am close with, I would be delighted to join you for your matches! Recently, I have been asked a certain question many times: "Are you happy with your career?" To that, I was at first mixed in my thoughts. I had achieved a goal I had always dreamt of, yet still had so far to go. However, as time has passed, I have since come to terms with the fact that life will cut things short. It is not a question of where you end up, why you are where you are, or why something had to end. The real question is simple. "Was the journey worth it?" To that, I answer yes. I spent roughly 7,000 hours in the game and consumed the majority of my life doing so. I could have started a business, created a strict educational program for myself, or worked myself to the floor for all those 7,000 hours. While that alternative may be structurally sound for my future, I think I would much rather bring into my future the memories I have made than anything else I could have achieved in that time. I will leave you all my honest departing thoughts: - I regret not working harder to achieve my goals. Now having no opportunity to play, I wish that I had optimized the time I spent. - I regret making a name for myself out of my skill as a player rather than who that player truly was beyond the game. - I am extremely grateful to have proven to myself that I am capable of whatever I set my mind upon. - I cherish the people I have met through this journey more than anything. To those of you who know my past, each one of you has immensely inspired healing through it and helped me see clearly what I love about you all. - I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I was given the miracle to. I look forward to whatever the future holds, and to continue to be surrounded by an incredible group of people. I hope to see some of you at Worlds! With love, gratitude, and care, Kade "StormM" Seo