August marks the return to school for many gamers, including many professional Heroes of the Storm. Gale Force eSports' own David

"Roflcopter" Young numbers among them, and as he nears the final year of his Bachelor's and the completion of his electrical engineering degree, he faced the difficult choice between continuing to pursue his career in the professional Heroes of the Storm scene, or to dedicate his full time and attention to his schoolwork.

It was with a heavy (and pragmatic) heart that he decided to focus his current energies on his education and, thusly, his future. Earlier today he released a statement on his private twitter concerning his retirement:



"Today, I woefully announce my retirement from competitive HotS. I have questioned this decision for nearly two months now as this has been one of the happiest periods of my life. I have met so many great people and made even more friends. I'm so thankful for the opportunities that Yuuj presented to me, and even more thankful for my GFE family for making my dreams come to fruition. I've accomplished so many goals with them that I never dreamed of attaining.



Additionally, I'm thankful for my time with some of my best friends. Michael Udall is the best shot caller I've ever had the privilege of playing with. He always knows our path to victory and how to set down that path. Look at our second set against TNC. In game two, I don't think any other team would have called to take that boss, and while our core went down to 3% it was the only call that would have won us the game given the circumstances.



Akaface is arguably the best support by far in NA. He always has the most clutch cleanses and the most efficient healing throughout a game. He also has one of the most sound minds in drafting. He is always thinking of innovative draft strategies or a more efficient way to draft a composition.



One of the most positive and uplifting people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. It also helps that he is a God on not one but two heroes now. All joking aside, Khroen has really proven himself as not just a great player on some amateur team but one of the best ranged carries in the world. I've learned a lot from him as a player but also as a person.



Bkid or his more appropriate name BGod has become one of my closest friends. He brings such a positive attitude to the team dynamic and has pretty much started every meme in the Heroes community. Since his addition to GFE I think he has really flourished and has secured his spot as the best tank in North America. I always felt I could rely on Bkid to carry us with his legendary mosh pits or his life-saving Sanctifications.



Lastly, I'm thankful for our management and owner. General clean has been one of the best managers in the Heroes scene and I'm so happy to have been under his care. Ryan has also gone great lengths to care of us and is extremely dedicated to not only the scene but to us as people. Mavnis has a great plan and direction for this organization and I'm sure he will accomplish his goals. He has a great business mind and at the end of the day can be relatable as any of my teammates or my manager.



While this ends my journey with them, that does not mean I cannot help them reach their dreams. Until we find an appropriate replacement I'll be practicing with the team. I may seek a role within the organization, however considering my dedication to my education and the time required to be successful in school the position will be limited."

“Obviously I am saddened by the retirement of Roflcopter,” said Gale Force eSports General Manager Freddie “Mavnis” Crespo JR, “but we definitely put school first. He isn't leaving the GFE family, he's merely leaving the roster. He'll stay on as a valued member of the team as well as a featured streamer.

“Roflcopter was one of the first people I reached out to when forming this team, and his attitude and dedication have helped form the community, environment and atmosphere that we currently have,” Crespo added. “He has been an amazing part of our success here, and one of the main reasons as to why we did so well in such a short amount of time. We wish him success in his final year of school and we'll be supporting him in any way we can. He has been phenomenal in finding us a replacement in such a short amount of time and has made this transition as easy as possible.

“We're excited for what the future holds for him. He's a part of the GFE family and always will be.”

Best of luck in your studies, David!