Cover-Credits:
Former XSET and Global Esports Valorant in-game leader (IGL) Jordan “AYRIN” He announced his retirement from professional esports. The esports athlete took to social media to reveal that he is hanging up his keyboard and mouse.
AYRIN noted that the last ten years of competing in professional CrossFire and Valorant esports has been an incredible journey for him. The 27-year-old Canadian player also touched upon his future and opened up about his eye surgery and recovery process in his Twitter posts.
AYRIN Hangs Up Keyboard & Mouse
On 7th December, AYRIN said, "Had some time to ponder and I have decided to hang up the mouse and retire from competitive gaming. The last 10 years competing in Crossfire and Valorant has been an incredible journey. Been to amazing places and met some remarkable people. Thank you all for the support."
He also noted that in the future, he will be looking to put together his education and pro experience to continue working in esports and the gaming industry.
AYRIN added that Valorant revitalized and rekindled his passion for games and made him realize that it is an esport that he has to pursue in this phase of his career.
The ex-IGL also revealed that he had undergone a laser eye surgery a few months ago and that it has been a "brutal recovery with numerous complications."
As a piece of advice, he urged fellow competitors against any refractive surgery if they are still playing professionally. "It has been a slow recovery but it is getting better," AYRIN added.
Reminiscing on good times, AYRIN's former teammate Ganesh "SkRossi" Gangadhar wrote, "Good luck ayrin thanks for being a great teammate roommate and a friend , thanks for all the good times."
Likewise, former XSET player Brendan "BcJ" Jensen wrote, "One of my favorite teammates of all time, my favorite roommate, and most importantly, a friend for life. Love you so much and can't wait to see what's next for your career."
In Valorant esports, AYRIN participated and qualified for two international tournaments — Masters Copenhagen 2022 and Valorant Champions 2022 — XSET.
With Global Esports, AYRIN failed to make it to major international events. Global Esports finished the regular season in eighth place in Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2023: Pacific League.
On 12th September 2023, Global Esports bid adieu to Jordan "AYRIN" He. AYRIN tweeted that his contract with the Indian organization had expired and that he was not renewing. Initially, he had noted that he would be actively seeking opportunities in North America (NA) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) as an in-game leader (IGL).
