BeastMode, 16, walks away from esports unhappy: “It took a toll on my mental health”

After only the first RLCS regional in the North American region and failing to qualify for the second, esports org Shopify Rebellion revealed the shocking news that their Rocket League player Landon "BeastMode" Konerman was leaving the team effective immediately.

“We’re disappointed to share that as of today, Beastmode will be stepping away from Shopify Rebellion and competitive Rocket League”, the org announced on 25th October, describing the unexpected leave as a “setback.”

The Rebels entered the scene after buying out the Kansas City Pioneers back in April 2021. The roster stayed pretty much intact until Beast’s departure earlier today.

Manager Dion "Base" Rees-Harris describes himself as “gutted about the situation like the rest of Rebellion”, attempting to remain hopeful for the rest of the nine-month-long season.

Whilst the community did not take BeastMode’s sudden leave of absence too kindly, jumping to conclusions and calling the prodigy “immature” and “reckless” for his choice, the former SR member spoke up hours after the news broke.

In a short and sweet TwitLonger, the 16-year-old opened up about the reasoning behind this difficult decision, pinning his reasons mostly on “the environment and how things were as a team.”

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“Things were stressful and as well as tiring for a lot of reasons, at least for me, that I won't get into. In general I wanted to step away and leave. It started to take a toll on my mental health and I just wasn't happy with anything”, the rocketeer revealed.

BeastMode will be focusing on real-life sports and reconnecting with his family and friends which he felt he was neglecting due to his context yet the former pro doesn’t plan on steering too far away from car soccer.

“I still will be playing Rocket League whether it is ranked, 6mans, or anything. I still have such a huge desire to play just not in the environment I was in.”

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“I really appreciate everyone that has reached out to me and thought of me during my decision. Much love to all you guys and I will be back soon”, he concluded.

We wish the best for BeastMode and hope to see him happy and healthy very soon.

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Feature image courtesy of Twitter and Psyonix.