Professional Player exits Cloud9’s VALORANT Roster

Anthony Malaspina, also known as “vanity”, has recently disclosed his exit from his role as IGL in Cloud9’s professional VALORANT roster. The major reason for his withdrawal, as per his statement on the X account, is the reduced fun he experiences in playing VALORANT’s ranked mode. According to vanity, this mode has turned into an unpleasant and demotivating space.

Vanity has always emphasized that his participation in competitions is not motivated by money, but rather by a lifelong dedication to the game. He has been candid about not desiring to carry on if his zeal for the sport weakens. Reportedly, his enthusiasm for VALORANT has indeed dwindled, leading to his current decision to step back from the professional setting.

Plans for the Future

Regarding the road ahead, Malaspina has unveiled his intentions to delve into another game, Counter-Strike 2. Utilizing streaming as his platform, he aims to familiarize himself with the game and, in due time, potentially return to the competitive gaming arena.

Vanity’s decision to pursue another game isn’t unprecedented. Many professional players, after reaching a certain stage in one game, decide to switch to another to reignite their passion and challenge their skills in a new territory.

Coping with Change

Change can often be challenging, particularly when it involves abandoning a familiar environment for an unknown one. However, vanity has made it clear that he is prepared for this change and is optimistic about his future in Counter-Strike 2. It would be intriguing to see how his skills, refined by his experiences in VALORANT, translate into this new game setting.

Regaining Confidence

In his farewell statement, vanity acknowledged that if his self-belief in his abilities were to rejuvenate, he might consider a comeback to competitive gaming. Undoubtedly, the transition to a new game might enable him to regain his lost enthusiasm and self-confidence. However, the timeline and certainty of this hopeful return remain unknown, as these depend on his forthcoming experiences and performance in Counter-Strike 2.

Acknowledging the Challenges

It deserves mentioning that professional gaming is not devoid of challenges. It is a domain that requires immense skill, a knack for rapid learning, adaptability, and above all, an unwavering passion for the game. The decision to leave a familiar gaming environment, like VALORANT, and explore something new like Counter-Strike 2 displays a willingness to face new challenges head-on, a quality that is essential in the gaming industry.

A Defining Moment

Vanity’s decision certainly marks a significant moment in his gaming journey – a transition that is bound to have an impact on both him personally and professionally. Nevertheless, his sincerity, dedication, and willingness to embrace change signpost promising prospects for his future in competitive gaming.