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Serbian League of Legends player Pavle "Yoppa" Kostić passed away at the age of 23 due to Covid-related health issues. Yoppa was one of the first players in the UK League of Legends pro scene. He competed with TCA Esports in the ESL Premiership and then moved on to bigger teams like MAD Lions, Team Vitality, and Schalke Evolution.
Yoppa was the first Serbian player to reach #1 on the Challenger ranking list
Yoppa was the first Serbian player to make it to the top of the EUW Challenger leaderboards and he was also among the first Serbian players to join major international teams according to Russian news outlet Sportklub. While Yoppa spent a very short time in the UK scene in 2016, he was nominated for the MVP of the Week for his performance against GLB Esports.
The news of his death at an early age comes as a shock to his former teammates and organizations he was a part of. MAD Lions’ head coach James MacCormack tweeted “Tragic news to all of us at MAD, and all those who knew and played with Yoppa. My heart goes out to his family and friends, I cannot even begin to imagine their grief at losing him at such a young age.”
Team Vitality tweeted, “We have wonderful memories of you and our time spent with you in Berlin. You will remain forever engraved in our memories.” The Schalke Evolution team and Yoppa's teammates also showed its support to his family and loved ones and expressed its condolences.
Evil Geniuses UK head coach Peter Dun said, “Gifted player, great team mate, pleasure to coach and all-around good guy. If not for visa complications throughout his career, would have played LEC and been one of the best. My thoughts go out to his family and friends on this sad day. Rest in peace.”
The global pandemic has affected the global population as a whole and it has affected numerous people within the esports community as well. While players and event organizers are taking strict precautions, many are still getting affected. Almost two years have passed since the COVID-19 breakout and it is still just as important to take proper precautions and keep yourself safe.
Yoppa will be remembered by his family and friends as well as the global League of Legends community.
