The world of eSports moves fast, as players rise to fame, dominate for years, and then (sometimes suddenly) retire. For fans, predicting who might quit next can be just as exciting as placing money down on match outcomes…. But how do you guess which pro gamers are nearing retirement? Let’s break it down, so when you’re using your IviBet login, you’re completely up-to-date!
Why Do eSports Players Retire?
Unlike traditional sports, eSports careers are often brief, and many pros retire before they reach 30. Why is this the case?
1. Physical and Mental Burnout
Gaming at the highest level isn’t just fun, it’s gruelling, and players train for 10+ hours a day, leading to wrist injuries, eye strain, and mental exhaustion, so when performance drops, some choose to step away.
2. Changing Interests
Some leave because they lose passion. Streaming, coaching, or content creation often offer better pay and less stress than competing.
3. Age and Reaction Time
While experience matters, reaction time slows with age, and younger newcomers often outperform veterans, pushing older pros into retirement.
How to Predict Who Might Go Next
Betting on retirements isn’t an exact science, but certain signs can hint at a player’s exit.
Key Warning Signs
- Declining Performance: If a once-dominant name starts losing consistently, retirement may be near.
- Fewer Tournament Appearances: Skipping major events could mean they’re losing interest.
- Public Statements: Some drop hints in interviews or on social media.
Games With High Retirement Rates
Some titles see faster turnover than others:
- League of Legends & Dota 2 – High stress, frequent meta shifts.
- Counter-Strike – Demands peak reflexes; older participants often retire sooner.
- Fighting Games – Requires intense practice; many users burn out quickly.
The Betting Angle: Can You Wager on Retirements?
Most sportsbooks don’t offer direct retirement bets… yet. But some niche markets let you speculate on:
- Which name retires next in a team?
- Whether a star will quit before a certain date.
If you follow these signs, you might find value in long-shot bets, so for instance, if a veteran misses two big tournaments, odds might shift in favor of them quitting soon.
The Financial Side
Money has a huge role in when (and why) expert gamers retire. Unlike conventional athletes, eSports players rarely have long-term contracts or pensions. So, what keeps them competing, and what pushes them out?
Earnings vs. Longevity
Top-tier faces in titles like Dota 2 can earn millions from tournaments and sponsorships… But mid-tier pros? Many struggle to make a stable income, so once prize money dries up, leaving becomes a real option.
Streaming & Sponsorships: A Safety Net
Some retire early because they can make more money streaming (Ninja famously left competitive gaming for full-time content creation). Others stick around for sponsorships, but brands often prefer younger, trendier faces.
Savings and Future Plans
Very few pros in this niche have retirement funds, but the smart ones invest early or transition into coaching, casting, or management. Those who don’t plan ahead may be forced out when their skills decline.
The Role of Team Dynamics
Not all retirements are about the player, and sometimes, the team pushes them out. Esports organisations are ruthless when it comes to winning, and even legends get replaced.
Roster Changes & ConflictsInternal drama can speed up retirements, as some names quit after clashing with teammates or coaches (see: Faker’s near-retirement in 2018), and others leave if their unit disbands.