Scump retires: CoD community pays tribute to OpTic legend
OpTic legend Seth ‘Scump’ Abner announced his retirement earlier than expected, and the CoD community responded with an outpour of admiration.
We all thought we had one more season of Scump on the main stage. However, on January 17, Abner decided tocall it a careerafter accomplishing everything there is to do in professional CoD.
Starting his OpTic career in 2012,Scumpwalks off into the sunset as the second-winningest player in Call of Duty history with 31 major tournament wins, two X Games gold medals, and oneworld championship.
Scump’s retirement marks the end of one of the longest-tenured and most decorated eras in esports history. The OpTic Gaming Dynasty, featuring FormaL, Crimsix, Karma, and Nadeshot, won 18 offline tournaments and one Championship Title, and now each cast member is officially retired.
Along the way, Abner created friendships, rivalries, and lifetime fans, not just in CoD but across the entire gaming industry. CoD community members and others took one last opportunity to bow down to “the king,” thanking him for everything he contributed to the scene.
CoD Community pays homage to Scump’s legendary career
It’s only fitting to begin with Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag, who teamed with Scump at the beginning of OpTic’s historic run. Nadeshot posted atributeto Twitter, saying: “The greatest Call of Duty player of all time. Scump has had more impact on the success and growth of competitive Call of Duty than any other player to date, and is one of the reasons why so many players and staff get to work in this industry that we all love so much. Love you, brother.”
The greatest Call of Duty player of all time. Scump has had more impact on the success & growth of competitive Call of Duty than any other player to date & is one of the reasons why so many players & staff get to work in this industry that we all love so much. Love you, brother.https://t.co/7jFrgEFkl0
CDL GM Daniel TsaythankedScump by saying, “A rare combination of talent, class, and charisma – we have been fortunate to have you for all these years. Competitive COD is forever grateful, and congrats on your new chapter, this is only the beginning!”
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Matthew ‘FormaL’ Piper was an integral part of OpTic’s dynasty run, and he posted atributeto Scump: “Best friend for life, insane career and proud to call you my duo. Happy to have made all those memories with you, kid.”
Anthony ‘Methodz’ Zinni and Scump’s long, storied relationship dates back to 2012. Both players broke onto the scene around the same time, becoming friends on and off-stage. The Boston beamer shared his congrats in a heartfeltpost.
Still the same kid I met in 2012 despite reaching heights that few in this world will ever reach. Thank you for inspiring me & countless others to follow your dreams while always staying true to yourself. My brother for life. And now your watch has ended..pic.twitter.com/RVoue0nllQ
There are two dynasties in Call of Duty history. OpTic’s dynasty and CompLexity’s impressive two-year streak from 2013-14. At the heart of the magical run was James ‘Clayster’ Eubanks. Clayster and Scump duked it out in some of the most memorable matches in CoD history and teamed together on OpTic during CoD Ghosts.
“Been through it all for 11+ years at this point, sad to see you go but excited to see what the future holds, Scump. Love yah brotha,” Clayster wrote.
Actually makes me really, really emotional. One of the best to ever do it, so many great battles, so many victories, so many defeats. Been through it all for 11+ years at this point, sad to see you go but excited to see what the future holds. 👑@scumplove yah brotha.
Few active players have as long of a history with Scump as Sam ‘Octane’ Larew. Joining the CWL in 2015, the pair have had countless bouts and even briefly teamed with one another in 2018. Octane shared, “I grew from a fan of his to his teammate over the course of my career, and it’s going to be hard seeing Call of Duty without Scump at the forefront. It was an honor to share the battlefield, brother.”
NBA star Karl-Anthony TownscongratulatedScump on his retirement.
Enjoy Retirement 🐐@scumphttps://t.co/Egadeoo5qppic.twitter.com/ab272ncfZH
Scump passes his torch on to the next generation of CoD players. Brandon ‘Dashy’ Otell returns after previously gettingdropped, and Scump said in his goodbye video, “Brandon, I’m going to be on your a**. Please use this opportunity well because I’m falling down so you’re able to go up, and I hope you use this right.”
Dashyresponded, “I just hope to make you proud from the outside, my brother.” Fellow OpTic Gaming teammate Anthony ‘Shotzzy’ Cuevas-Castroadded, “Best teammate anyone could ever wish for, it was a pleasure. Happy to see this new chapter in his life.”
Today is hitting a little different… One of my favourite people/teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me over all these years, I just hope to make you proud from the outside my brother@scump❤️#TheGOAT#SoTippable
Atlanta Faze’s Chris ‘Simp’ Lehr is at the forefront of CoD’s next generation of players, and heshared his well wishesby saying, “Insane career and forever the face of CoD. Thanks for being an inspiration to the scene, good luck with what’s next brotha.”
Scump will forever be remembered as one of the greatest esports competitors of all time, and he leaves a void behind with almost impossible shoes to fill.
