Saizen opens up on death threats and mental health through Vitality stint

Team Vitality broke all records and expectations in their perfect RLCS Split run, where after introducing wonderkid Alexis "zen" Bernier, the French organisation won a hat-trick of Regionals and the Major, leaving them poised to be World Champions in August.

However, not everyone has been feeling the love, as Thiméo "Saizen" Corcuff has opened up about his exit from the organisation. Taking to social media, Saizen states that he had been receiving death threats from angered fans based on his Rocket League performances, which took a huge toll on his mental health.

Saizen reveals he was sent death threats after Vitality performances

Having stepped away from the Vitality roster after a 5th-8th finish in the Winter Major - which also included a runners-up accolade in the first Regional - Saizen has now claimed that he was sent death threats related to his personal performances.

"I myself suffered a huge hassle (death threats, insults, wishes that I was no longer here etc) all because I had played badly during my first tournament," he said on Twitter.

In a thread of tweets, the young Frenchman also revealed he had been facing suicidal thoughts after receiving the threats, which he "did not deserve."

"Yes, I have been thinking about suicide when what I loved the most, that is to say, my job was literally putting me at the worst in my life followed by harassment that I didn't think I deserved."

Saizen opens up on mental health struggles in esports

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The 17-year-old player also said he took a step away from social media after he moved away from the Vitality roster because of the hate. Thankfully, the rising star says that he has overcome these thoughts, adding that although he didn't talk about his health, his motivation prevailed.

"I did not talk about it, I kept it for me and I overcame this ordeal thanks to my determination my motivation," he added. Saizen will return to Rocket League action in the 2023-24 season, although he will have to form or join a team in the off-season following the World Championships next month.

Saizen did offer a small apology for comparing his mental health to the non-related passing of Karel "Twisten" Ašenbrener, whose mother took to social media to reiterate that his struggles were not esports related, nor a result of Team Vitality.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone.

The CALMzone offers support to anyone who needs it.