Rekkles Leaves T1 to Return to Europe
The League of Legends community has just received an unexpected announcement from Martin "Rekkles" Larsson - the only still active EU Worlds Champion - as he revealed his decision to part ways with T1 and return home to Sweden.
With a career of over a decade and numerous achievements, Rekkles shared an emotional message outlining his reasons, providing more information about the personal and professional challenges that led to this decision.
A complex decision born from a challenge
In his announcement, the legendary player opened up about his decision to leave T1, a team that welcomed him to Korea with open arms. He acknowledged that this choice might come as a shock to many, especially given the recent success and synergy he found with T1.
However, the primary reason for this departure is Rekkles’ personal need to return home, reconnect with his roots, and take time for mental health and self-care.
Mental health struggles and the call from T1
Rekkles was very honest about his mental health journey, sharing that he was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum last year. The years following his departure from Fnatic in 2020 were difficult ones, compounded by a family accident and several career ups and downs.
When T1 extended an invitation to join their LCK Challengers team, Rekkles saw it as an opportunity he couldn’t refuse, despite his hesitation about returning to professional play in his state of mind.
"I knew future Martin would regret not giving it a try" - Rekkles
Reflections on a time with T1
His experience with T1 was transformative. Moving to Korea to play in a new league with unfamiliar teammates, without fully grasping the language, was a formidable task. But the organization believed in him, giving him the support and resources needed to succeed.
“Coming to Korea without experience in the role or knowing the language was a challenge, but T1 believed in me anyway"
Through the year, he found camaraderie with his teammates and a renewed sense of purpose. He expressed deep gratitude for the time spent with T1, especially for the personal growth he experienced. The team’s support and fanbase left a significant impact on him, leaving him honored to have worn the T1 badge.
The path ahead: Returning home and recharging
In making the decision to leave T1, Rekkles is seizing a rare opportunity to step back and "refill" before continuing his career. He likened this decision to taking a “recall” in League of Legends, explaining that it was necessary to reset and invest in himself to ensure his longevity in the game.
“I am finally taking a ‘recall’—a chance to go back, refill my health and mana, buy some essential items and upgrade my skills before re-entering the map”
This recalibration will take place in Sweden, close to his family, where he can regain his strength and refocus on his personal goals.
A return to competitive play from Home in 2025
While stepping back, Rekkles is not stepping away. He hinted that he has received an offer allowing him to compete professionally from home in 2025. This arrangement, he believes, could bring balance to his life and sustain his career’s longevity—a goal that has become increasingly important to him.
“Longevity is incredibly important to me at this stage of my career”
A legacy re-defined
For Rekkles, this moment marks both an end and a beginning. He has left a powerful legacy with T1 and its fans, achieving personal growth and professional achievements that few players can match. His decision to prioritize mental health, family, and long-term well-being reflects his evolution not only as a player but also as a person.
In his own words, he shared a message of hope and resilience for fans who have stood by him through every chapter.
“Thank you all for being here with me so far, and I hope you will join me for this next chapter as well. I could not do it without your support.”
Though his journey with T1 has come to an end, Rekkles' story is far from over. With the promise of returning to competitive play, he plans to make the most of this time off to prepare for a fresh start in 2025.
Feature image credits: Riot Games
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