This might look and feel like an obituary. Brian “hpx” Christensen is not dead but his professional career in electronic sports may as well be.

Today was probably the end of the road for the famous AWPer as mTw announced Jonas “whimp” Svendsen as his replacement. It’s a swap with some interesting undertones. At 19 one would think the experienced Christensen was ousted by the up and coming kid.

As a matter of historic fact that notion is incorrect.

“whimp” was along with “KK” the engine room of the acclaimed “The Titans” team. Svendsen had his breakthrough in 2004 - at the same time as other modern day stars like SK’s “walle” and Virtus.Pro’s “Lex.”

In this context the older Christensen (22, at retirement) was always the underdog. As was “Zonic”, “MJE” and even their manager “Guddo.” They worked their way out of “The Titans’” shadow in Clan IT and Asylum as “whiMp” ultimately lost his hunger – perhaps as a result of his coming of age.

Ironically the core of mTw had their gaming ascent aligned with Svendsen’s recline to adolescent real life.

Oh and by the way:

The “gone IRL” citation has claimed more top level gamers than education.
Sadly they are usually all coming back after they realize how glamorous professional computer gaming is opposed to working shifts at a real job. More often than not their skills and competitive edge cannot be regained.

It took “whimp” some time to get his back and he is one of the select few that have been able to come back, full force. He is now able to make the same impact as when he won ESWC 2004 as a 15 year old child. “KK” could never regain the spark that made him stand out before “retiring.”

The fact that Svendsen did comeback and that he today completed mTw’s roster only adds to the ironic storyline of this debacle:

Svendsen is rising again as Christensen lost his drive and goes off in the real world.

“Hpx’s” stellar play was gone, perhaps due to the absence of the hunger to keep improving. Top players can become a liability in a heartbeat - their status as stars is that fragile. Consider the emotional aspect as “Guddo” and “Zonic” had to inform their long time compatriot that he was no longer cutting it. It might even have been easier for Christensen, who was on the receiving end, just to let go.

Don’t bank on him being gone though.

To young aspiring gamers this should only illustrate how hard it is to get to the top -and stay there. The biggest threat to a career in the pros will always be complacency
It also goes to show that under the surface of a perfectly normal player swap is a story with past, present and future implications for all of those involved.

And that’s what makes eSports interesting - if you ask me.