Longtime CoD pro Tommey explains why he’s stepping away from competing

Albert Petrosyan

Longtime professional Call of Duty player Thomas ‘Tommey’ Trewren has announced that he will be stepping away from competing, for the time being.

Having started competing all the way back in 2009, Tommey has been one of the longest active competitive CoD players in the pro scene, earning a reputation of being a consummate professional.

Unfortunately, the veteran player announced on May 17 that he will be “taking a break” from competing, citing mental struggles as the main reason why.

“Some of you may have noticed it more recently, but I’ve been struggling mentally for a while,” he stated. “I won’t go on for too long, but I just wanted to let you all know I’m going to be taking a break from competing, to give myself some time.”

Tommey, of course, currently plays for Team Reciprocity in the CWL Pro League, and his spot will be taken by substitute Denholm ‘Denz’ Taylor.

TEAM RECIPROCITY’S NEW PRO LEAGUE ROSTER

  • Bradley ‘wuskin’ Marshall
  • Zach ‘Zed’ Denyer
  • Sean ‘Seany’ O’Connor
  • Dylan ‘Dylan’ Henderson
  • Denholm ‘Denz’ Taylor
  • Thomas ‘Tommey’ Trewren (substitute)
Denz, who became Team Rec’s sub after the addition of Dylan, will be rejoining the starting lineup in place of Tommey.

In his post, Tommey revealed that he’s always had struggles mentally, but things got to the point where could not continue competing in that state, regardless of the game. 

“I always have in general but in more recent weeks it’s the worst it’s been,” he revealed. “I can’t put it into words exactly how it feels or what it is, but it’s horrible. It’s nothing to do with the game, it’s life overall and how I see myself, I guess?”

He did make it clear that his decision to step away from the game was not a permanent one, but also admitted that it could end up marking the end of his professional career.

“I fully understand that this may end up being the end for me playing,” he said. “I hope it’s not and I hope to be back sometime soon but it’s just not fair on my team to just push it aside and continue any longer.”


Tommey joined Team Rec in October 2018, after having played for the likes of Splyce and Team Vitality the season prior.

The entirety of Tommey’s May 17 post is available below:

I don’t know how to say this but…

This is going to be extremely hard to write.

Some of you may have noticed it more recently but I’ve been struggling mentally for a while, I always have in general but in more recent weeks it’s the worst it’s been. I can’t put it into words exactly how it feels or what it is, but it’s horrible. It’s nothing to do with the game, it’s life overall and how I see myself I guess? I won’t go on for too long but I just wanted to let you all know I’m going to be taking a break from competing to give myself some time. I fully understand that this may end up being the end for me playing, I hope it’s not and I hope to be back sometime soon but it’s just not fair on my team to just push it aside and continue any longer. 

I’ve been doing this every day pretty much since 2009 and I’ve loved every minute of it, I’ve had some of the best times of my life doing it and I know it just doesn’t make sense that I’m still not there mentally even though I would have chosen this path every single time. I’m sorry to my team and all those that have supported us, I’ll try my best to make it back. 

As of today, Denz will take my spot in the starting line-up and finish out next weeks games. I’m going to try and stay off of social media for a while, so if any of you would like to get in touch just reach out for my number.

What happens next?

Tommey’s decision to step down comes during a very busy time for Team Reciprocity, who currently sit sixth in Division A of the CWL Pro League, with a record of 5-9.

Unless the promotion of Denz helps improve their form, Rec may end up making some roster moves in the upcoming roster change window, which will be the last one before the end of the Pro League. 

As for Tommey, Rec could end up dropping him from the team completely during the window, which would then raise serious questions on whether he will compete again this season, should he decide to come back.

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About The Author

Albert is a former esports and gaming writer, focused particularly on Call of Duty and content creators. Spending over three years at Dexerto, Albert eventually now works with streamer NICKMERCS and the MFAM group. You can find Albert @AlbertoRavioli on Twitter.

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