Tom Connors · @tconnorscs
17th Aug 2020 from TwitLonger
Quitting CS (actually tho)
As of today I am stepping down from Third Impact.
Typically I'm not one to make something like this since it's pretty hilarious seeing players announce "retirement" and then post a LFT tweet a month later but... I am 100% done with CS and most likely competitive games in general so I thought it would be a good chance to write some thoughts out.
Honestly, I considered myself "retired" when I quit Big Frames back in March of 2019. That was my first re-entrance into the scene where I took it seriously and wanted to progress through the divisions. I realized while playing with them that the semi-pro grind while also working full time and having free time for a gf was just not worth it. I won't even get into the entire state of the CS semi-pro scene topic as @nohte has already said what I think better than I ever could (http://www.dust2.us/News/4184-pillars-of-sand-pug-platforms-and-the-erosion-of-north-america-foundation). Needless to say I have a pretty pessimistic view of the scene in general.
When I started playing on Stay Frosty it was purely for fun as I love those guys to death. I never planned on taking it too seriously and mostly just wanted to go to lans with my friends. When I decided I wanted to spend more of my free time working on myself and indulging in new hobbies, I stepped down. At the same time, Third Impact sponsored the team and brought a financial incentive to stay. I decided to ride it out so that I could save more for a house and hopefully get to attend some more lans in the future.
I never thought that I would play for another 9 months and win advanced. At this point, the team is looking to dedicate more time and make a push for the top of MDL and hopefully pro. My level of dedication is not enough to get them there, so I decided it would be best for everyone if I stepped down. With the right replacements, that team will accomplish great things.
I can't express how much CS has done for me in the last 4 years. I've traveled to countless tournaments, met so many amazing people including the love of my life, and even got my current full time job through a CS teammate. I can't begin to list all of the people who made my experience great, but you know who you are and I love you guys. I'll see you all around :j