In a devastating turn of events, the esports community was left in shock as Team Vitality announced the untimely passing of Karel "Twisten" Ašenbrener, a talented 19-year-old VALORANT player. Twisten's tragic death, confirmed by the organization on June 7, has left his teammates, fans, and the entire gaming industry heartbroken.

Team Vitality Mourns the Tragic Loss of Promising VALORANT Pro Twisten

According to a statement released by Team Vitality, the news of Twisten's demise on June 6 was met with profound sorrow. Harry "Gorilla" Mepham, the assistant VALORANT coach, shared on Twitter that Twisten had taken his own life, leaving behind a wave of grief within the esports community.

In this difficult time, Team Vitality expressed their deepest sympathies and extended their thoughts and prayers to Twisten's family and friends. The impact of his loss is immeasurable, prompting the organization to suspend all communications for the day, as they come to terms with the tragic event. "Rest in peace, Karel," the statement concluded, encapsulating the profound sense of loss.

Twisten's VALORANT journey began in September 2020, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional skills. After showcasing his talent with BIG, Twisten joined Team Vitality in November 2022, solidifying his place among Europe's top players. He represented the organization in the highly competitive 2023 VCT EMEA league and made his international debut at VCT LOCK//IN in Brazil.

Despite his successes, Twisten's personal struggles became apparent during the Red Bull Home Ground tournament in December 2022. Following a tough defeat, he openly shared his battle with depression, revealing the challenges he had faced for over two years. The VALORANT community rallied around him, offering unwavering support and encouragement.

Twisten's dedication to making a positive impact extended beyond the game. During VCT LOCK//IN, he pledged to donate $25 to Hunderettung Europa, a charity focused on improving the lives of rescue dogs and cats in Europe, for every Shorty frag in the tournament. His final donation amounted to $1,545, a testament to his generous spirit.

In the wake of the heartbreaking news, Twisten's teammates reminisced about their time together. Santeri "BONECOLD" Sassi described him as the epitome of genuineness, while Michał "MOLSI" Łącki mourned the loss of a teammate, friend, and brother. Tomas "Destrian" Linikas fondly remembered Twisten's infinite potential, infectious personality, and immense compassion.