Michael “SEVERiNE” Winata Confirms His Retirement From Competitive VALORANT

In a heartfelt announcement, Michael “SEVERiNE” Winata, a prominent figure in the competitive VALORANT scene, has revealed his decision to retire from professional play. SEVERiNE’s retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career that began in 2020. While he bids farewell to active competition, he reassures the gaming community that his passion for VALORANT remains unwavering, as he plans to contribute his extensive 15-year first-person shooter (FPS) experience behind the scenes.

A Journey with BOOM Esports

SEVERiNE’s decision to retire comes approximately two months after he was given the freedom to explore other opportunities while still under contract with BOOM Esports. The parting of ways between SEVERiNE and BOOM Esports was amicable, with SEVERiNE expressing gratitude for the nearly year-long journey they embarked on together.

In his farewell message, SEVERiNE reminisced about the team’s growth and shared experiences, acknowledging that despite facing challenges, their collective journey had been invaluable. Notably, the team’s participation in the Ascension tournament marked a highlight in their journey.

A Legacy Beyond VALORANT

SEVERiNE’s legacy extends far beyond VALORANT. He had proudly represented BOOM Esports even before VALORANT’s inception, during his competitive days in Point Blank. A defining moment in SEVERiNE’s career was winning the PBNC 2016 title with Guardian Force, a team that would later become BOOM Esports (formerly known as BOOM ID).

SEVERiNE’s involvement in VALORANT dates back to the game’s early days when he competed for ONIC G during the First Strike Indonesia tournament. He continued to represent ONIC G for the subsequent two seasons. As part of ONIC G, SEVERiNE was a key player in various tournaments, including the 2021 VCT Southeast Asia Stage 3 Challengers and the 2022 VCT APAC Stage 1 and Stage 2 Challengers.

The pinnacle of their journey was reaching the grand finals of the VCT APAC Last Chance Qualifier at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Unfortunately, they fell short of securing victory, which would have qualified them for VALORANT Champions Istanbul. Ironically, it was BOOM Esports, the team SEVERiNE leaves behind, that emerged victorious in the crucial match against ONIC G.

SEVERiNE’s Departure Paves the Way for New Talent

With SEVERiNE’s retirement, BOOM Esports enters a period of transition. His departure coincides with Gary “blaZek1ng” Dastin moving to a benched position. In response to these changes, BOOM Esports has welcomed Sheldon “NcSlasher” Andersen and Oliver “m0rea” Budi to fill the void left by SEVERiNE.

BOOM Esports, with a still formidable roster, looks to the future with the support of their dedicated fan base. Meanwhile, SEVERiNE’s contributions to the world of VALORANT are far from over. He remains committed to the game and plans to share his insights and expertise from behind the scenes. SEVERiNE’s legacy as a competitive player endures, and his journey takes a new direction in the ever-evolving realm of esports.

Also Read: Russ Signs With Global Esports As Their Third Valorant Player For VCT 2024