Nifty officially retires: "My passions & interests have shifted"
Having been absent from the scene for almost two years following his departure from Envy, Noah "Nifty" Francis returned to the server where he first competed with PreGaming, then later on 4ORMULA, Take Flyte, and ending with MIGHT.
The famous AWPer spent years making his name while playing an important part of Renegades and Envy from 2017 through 2021. His most famous moment came at IEM Sydney 2018 when he recorded 51 kills in a triple overtime match against Mousesports.
While taking time off from his playing career, he toyed with becoming a broadcast talent member as he featured in the BLAST Premier American and European Showdowns as an analyst alongside Danny "mahone" Hsieh and Jacob "Pimp" Winneche.
For the better part of the last few years, Nifty has plied his trade in the ESEA league system, which has culminated in him competing in the highest division for North American Counter-Strike. Unfortunately, his last season ended disappointingly as his squad was relegated after finishing at the bottom of the table.
Nifty made a statement today stating the he had decided to retire from competitive play back in March of this year. He initially returned back to competition in 2021 as he says he "would've felt regret for years to come." In his post on X, the AWPer and IGL explained that "It was valuable in many ways to try again," but that over time, his "passions & interests have shifted to different areas of life."
In March I made the decision to retire from competition definitely. If I had never attempted to compete again I would've felt regret for years to come. It was valuable in many ways to try again. Through time my passions & interests have shifted to different areas of life.
Many will likely experience this change. Some that are still competing at Tier 1 of any Esport are already feeling this. In my opinion, it's best to step away if you no longer feel the passion/fire for the process. Otherwise you're doing your peers and yourself a disservice.
I'm infinitely grateful for all the knowledge, wisdom, fruitful experiences, and relationships competition within the realm of Esports has given me. Everything gained has already served me in ALL other areas of my life and will continue to. With a whole heart, I say thank you.
