Jacky “EternaLEnVy” Mao may actually be done with Dota 2 esports, and he’s now discussing his new plans on social media.
On July 2, EternaLEnVy took to Twitter and simply said “retired competitive.” While the message was clear, it’s never easy to accept a retirement in Dota 2 esports, as players routinely call it quits and come back months or even just days later. EternaLEnVy himself isn’t immune to this phenomenon, having flirted with the idea of streaming full-time in the past only to later return to competition.
But now EternaLEnVy is seemingly committed to moving away from esports. He plotted out a clear plan on Twitter:
EternaLEnVy plans to do a trial run of moving to streaming full-time. If that doesn’t work, he intends to move out of the pro gaming world entirely. If he actually sticks to this plan, it’s a potentially unceremonious and abrupt end to the career of one of Dota 2’s most interesting figures.
EternaLEnVy is walking away from Dota 2 esports after burning bridges with many figures within the competitive scene at a time when opportunities are slim at the game’s pro level.
The Canadian carry player has attracted adulation from fans and savagery from naysayers in equal measure throughout his career. He has developed a reputation over the years for manufacturing controversial roster changes. Though competitive success would typically trump hurt feelings, some of these maneuvers have sunk successful teams or dissolved unsuccessful teams, leaving destruction in their wake.
EternaLEnVy has been able to maintain a spot in the scene thanks to his raw skill as a competitor. His unique builds and aggressive playmaking have consistently led to success at the highest levels of Dota 2 esports. That talent gave him a landing spot after every misfire.
His most recent official team was Black N Yellow, which he played with during the 2021 Dota Pro Circuit season. The team went 2-5 and split in a controversial fashion after EternaLEnVy tried to wrest away the team’s Dota Pro Circuit slot in order to put together his own team for the qualifiers to The International 2021.
After The International 2021 he stated that he wasn’t competing at the level he desired and indicated he would step away from pro Dota 2. For the eight months since, his plan beyond esports was unclear.
A comeback always remains possible, especially if Valve actually makes competitive Dota 2 a reliable source of income for its pro players. But for the time being, fans should start adjusting to a post-EternaLEnVy world.
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