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Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener, a Czech professional VALORANT player who last played for Team Vitality, died on Wednesday (7 June) at just 19-years old.
Twisten’s passing was first announced by Team Vitality on Twitter, saying they were “devastated by this news”.
“We are deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and our first thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time,” added Team Vitality.
Prior to his passing, Twisten had posted a final message on his personal Twitter account.
Twisten began his VALORANT career in 2020 playing for Czech organisations such as eSuba and Entropiq, where he made himself known as an up-and-coming talent.
He got his big break in 2021 when he joined German organisation BIG (aka Berlin International Gaming) and competed in the 2022 VCT in the EMEA region.
Twisten left BIG in October 2022 and joined Team Vitality the following month. As a member of Team Vitality, he competed in VCT 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo in February 2023 and the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2023: EMEA League in May of this year before his passing.
VALORANT, esports community mourn Twisten’s passing
An outpouring of condolences and sympathies to Twisten’s family and friends from both the VALORANT and the greater esports community followed the announcement of his passing.
Team Vitality VALORANT captain Santeri “BONECOLD” Sassi said Twisten was “the most genuine human I’ve met, always had us smiling.”
Michał “MOLSI” Łącki added that the team lost a “teammate, friend, and brother” with Twisten’s passing.
“I don’t have a words that can describe how I’m feeling right now. He was a big talent with big aspirations to become the best. I love you Karel, farewell my friend,” said MOLSI.
VALORANT pros and teams also honoured Twisten’s passing.
Team Liquid’s Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel said the late player was his “nemesis in scrims, my shorty buddy and a good friend.”
“I envy human beings that have such fire within them, such compassion & love […] I wish peace for you, your family and team. Rest easy,” said Sayf.
Teams in the VCT including Fnatic, NAVI, and DRX, among others, also mourned Twisten’s passing.
VALORANT developer Riot Games also offered their sympathies to Twisten’s family and friends over his passing through a statement on the official VCT EMEA Twitter account.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, teammates at Vitality and members of the VALORANT community impacted by the news. We extend our support to his family and team during this exceptionally difficult time,” Riot’s statement read.
Danny “zonic” Sørensen, the coach of Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike squad, said Twisten’s death was “terrible news to wake up to.”
“My thoughts are with the Valorant team, Karel’s family & Vitality take care of your loved ones please,” added zonic.
Counter-Strike organiser BLAST also said they were “heartbroken to hear of the passing of Karel”.
If you have thoughts of suicide or are feeling distressed, you can call SOS’ 24-hour hotline at 1800 221 4444. You can also email pat@sos.org.sg.
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