With theLeague of LegendsWorld Championship 2021 just around the corner, Clayton Raines, better known as CaptainFlowers, announces that he will be stepping away from the broadcast team for this year due to mental health reasons.
Who is CaptainFlowers?
Clayton Raines has been a caster for theLCS(League of LegendsChampionship Series) since 2017. Over the past five years of casting, Clayton, otherwise known as CaptainFlowers, has built a considerable fanbase with his energetic and enthusiastic personality.
He has managed to gain great respect and appreciation from his peers as well as fans. Many refer to his skill at keeping up with fast and frantic team fights without skipping a beat, on top of filling the slower moments of a broadcast with entertaining and interesting content.
Why will Flowers Not Be Attending Worlds This Year?
On September 6, CaptainFlowers announced via Twitter that he would not be attending Worlds 2021. He then explained the situation further within a TwitLonger, elaborating on the reasons behind the decision.
The choice to not be a part of the casting team was not a rushed one. In addition to that, CaptainFlowers wanted to reassure fans thatthis was not a decision made by Riot alone. Stating, “Riot isn’t keeping me out or blocking me” within his post.
CaptainFlowers went on to explain the reasoning behind his decision. He said, " My physical and mental health are both a long way from where I’d like them to be."
He explains how Worlds and other international tournaments can affect the daily routines of the people who are working them and how Worlds, in particular, demands so much of those involved. Adding how the schedule negatively impacts him, “feeling super exhausted all the time” whilst casting the event.
Additionally, Flowers adds that he struggles with the “upside-down” schedule. Talking about how international events are scheduled around optimal times for the local area of the event. Remote casters such as CaptainFlowers in other time zones must completely rearrange their sleep schedules around the tournament.
What’s most important for many people is that they can achieve their personal goals whilst maintaining their physical and mental health. Fans and co-workers were very understanding and supportive of the announcement.
A notable response fromDaniel Drakos, a caster for the LEC (League of LegendsEuropean Championship), said, “You are hands down one of the best people to work with in esports”, along with many other messages of support, further illustrating the level of appreciation towards the work of CaptainFlowers withinLeague of Legendsesports.
CaptainFlowers ended the TwitLonger with his intentions for the future. Saying, “I’ll keep streaming and making my own content.” In addition to announcing that he will be watching and streaming his viewing of Worlds 2021 on hisTwitchchannel. Intending to stream at normal NA time. Allowing viewers who cannot stay up late or wake up early to catch the games live.
