Cover-Credits:
Content creator and esports player Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins is best known for Fortnite, but few know that he kickstarted his career as an esports player with Halo. He debuted back in 2007 as a professional player with Halo 3 and continued to compete in the franchise’s esports events up until 2015. The Halo franchise has gone through drastic change, with Bungie, the original developers of Halo, no longer being a part of the franchise. 343. Other FPS titles like CS:GO, Overwatch and Valorant dominate the esports scene today but Microsoft hopes to bring Halo to the forefront with Halo: Infinite. Ninja is very keen on playing Halo: Infinite, and he may be considering a return to Halo esports once the game launches.
Will Ninja return to competitive Halo
Earlier in August, Ninja told Comicbook that he hopes Halo: Infinite is a game which he can enjoy with his friends and family instead of taking it up professionally. He revealed "For me, Halo is what connected me to my oldest brother, John. I love him to death, infinitely. It was where we could, like, play together and actually spend time together was Halo.”
He also revealed that he was disappointed by 343 Industries’ Halo titles and wishes the game returns to its roots. Despite dismissing the chances of a return to competitive esports, Ninja is involved in the esports community for Halo. On 20 August, he added $100,000 to the prize pool of the recently concluded Twitch Rivals Halo 2 tournament.
Following the reveal of Halo: Infinite’s release date last night at Gamescom, Ninja may have had a change of mind. 343 Industries revealed information about Halo: Infinite’s first season and all the multiple content coming to the game.
Ninja put out a tweet shortly after the reveal which can be left open to interpretation. It remains to be seen if the former Halo pro decides to return to the franchise as an esports player. Halo: Infinite is slated for launch on 8 December, 2021.
