Twisten Passes Away: Team Vitality’s Pro Valorant Player

Introduction

Team Vitality, one of the French Valorant organizations, announced on June 7 that their young pro player, Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener, had passed away at the age of 19. The news of Twisten’s sudden demise has rocked the Valorant community and is a poignant reminder of the significance and impact of mental health struggles.

Early Life and Career

Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Twisten was a prodigious talent in online gaming from an early age. He made his mark in the Czech gaming scene, playing for organizations such as eSuba and Entropiq. However, he quickly outgrew his domestic fame and made a name for himself on the international stage.

Breakthrough with BIG

In 2022, Twisten was picked up by BIG, a German-based organization, where he played a key role in their success at the VCT 2022 EMEA Challengers tournaments in Stages 1 and 2. His exceptional skills and talent did not go unnoticed, and soon he received an offer from Team Vitality.

Joining Team Vitality

In November 2022, Twisten joined the ranks of Team Vitality’s Valorant team, where he played Jett. Throughout his brief stint with the team, he showed immense promise and prowess, becoming a fan favorite. His passing has come as a significant shock to his teammates, fans, and the Valorant community at large.

Battle with Depression and Self-Harm

Twisten was transparent about his long-standing struggle with depression and self-harm. He revealed in a Twitlonger post in February 2023 that he had been battling depression for a couple of years and even spent some time in a mental health hospital. However, he sought the support of his team, friends, and family to overcome his struggles.

Shorty Kills for Charity

Twisten’s pledge to donate €25 ($27 USD) for every frag with a Shorty in the VCT LOCK//IN tournament made headlines. He donated €1450 (approximately $1553 USD) to Hunderettung Europa, a non-profit animal welfare association.

Team Vitality’s Announcement

On June 7, Team Vitality took to social media to announce the unfortunate passing of Twisten. The organization expressed profound sadness and extended their condolences to Twisten’s friends, family, and teammates.

Gorilla’s Tribute to Twisten

Harry “Gorilla” Mepham, Assistant Coach for Team Vitality, shared a heartwarming tribute to Twisten. He described him as a close friend and a brother-like figure and expressed the overwhelming sadness and grief he felt.

Legacy and Importance of Mental Health Awareness

The sudden passing of Twisten has served as a stark reminder of the impact of mental health struggles on individuals, even those who may appear well accomplished and successful on the outside. It underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support within the esports community and beyond.

Condolences from the Valorant Community

Several players, teams, and other members of the Valorant community have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Twisten. Michał “MOLSI” Łącki, Tomas “Destrian” Linikas, and Salah “Salah” Barakat are among the many who have offered their condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and Team Vitality members.

Conclusion

The untimely passing of Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener has left a void in the hearts of many. His talent, skill, and personality were a light in the Valorant community, and his passing is a great loss. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for mental health awareness and support, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.

FAQs

Q. What was Twisten’s role in Team Vitality?

A. Twisten played Jett for Team Vitality’s Valorant team.

Q. What was Twisten’s pledge for the VCT LOCK//IN tournament?

A. Twisten pledged to donate €25 ($27 USD) for every frag with a Shorty in the VCT LOCK//IN tournament and donated the amount to Hunderettung Europa, a non-profit animal welfare association.

Q. What was Gorilla’s tribute to Twisten?

A. Gorilla shared his tribute to Twisten, describing him as a close friend and brother-like figure. He expressed his immense sadness and grief over Twisten’s passing.

Q. What was Twisten’s battle with depression?

A. Twisten was transparent about his long-standing battle with depression and self-harm. He revealed in a Twitlonger post that he had been struggling with depression for a couple of years and had spent some time in a mental health hospital.

Q. What was the response of the Valorant community to Twisten’s passing?

A. The Valorant community was deeply saddened by Twisten’s passing and offered their condolences and heartfelt tributes to the bereaved family, friends, and Team Vitality members.