OpTic's Scump frustrated at CoD esports disrespect after beating s1mple in ESPN poll
Call of Duty pro CS:GO pro player Oleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyliev in an online poll, just because he competes with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard.
After defeating s1mple in a poll run by ESPN, the Call of Duty 2017 World Champion has described the backlash as ‘mob hate’, claiming that many people were writing off his achievements.
Despite all of Scump’s successes in Call of Duty, he was disappointed to receive a number of comments which – he says – claimed he didn’t have a “fraction of the talent” s1mple does.
Scump is one of the most highly recognized players in Call of Duty esports, after his success with OpTic Gaming.“I was personally attacked by hundreds of people today because the esport I play, and have loved for a decade, is on console,” OpTic’s SMG slayer stated in a tweet on April 3.
The pro player later explained one of his main frustrations. When CS:GO esports was less prevalent, he and other Call of Duty players never criticized the viewership, skill or accomplishments, but is now receiving that treatment himself from fans.
I was personally attacked by hundreds of people today because the esport I play (and have loved for a decade) is on console. :clinking_glasses:
— Seth Abner (@OpTic_Scumper) April 3, 2019
The wider esports community have since reached out to Scump to support him, including Team Envy’s Patrick ‘ACHES’ Price, 100 Thieves owner Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag and Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop.
tournament checks cashing the same. Trophy hardware made of the same shit’ pic.twitter.com/xBoFi6Sni1
— Patrick Price (@ACHES) April 3, 2019
That’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that when counterstrike wasn’t as prevalent during our run we never bashed or even thought about slighting their level of viewership, skill, or players past accomplishments. The internet just ticks me off nowadays with its mob hate
— Seth Abner (@OpTic_Scumper) April 3, 2019
I think they just feel self conscious knowing they will never have the success, excellent gene pool, and incredible sense of humor that you have.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) April 3, 2019
Cloud9 CS:GO player Will ‘RUSH’ Weirbza also responded, explaining that the CS:GO subreddit, perhaps where some of the vitriol towards Scump was coming from, is “hive mind”.
I know it’s not the top dogs talking down. Most esports professionals show respect as to the different skill sets and determination/mental fortitude required to play at that level. Just frustrating when it all floods in on one day. You know I got love for you
— Seth Abner (@OpTic_Scumper) April 3, 2019
Scump might have hinted at potentially regretting his comments after generating so much attention, but because of the reach he has – over 2.1 million followers on Twitter – many of his fellow pros will be thankful that he spoke up against the hate.
But, even if the hate continues, nobody can take away Scump’s achievements on his platform, in the Call of Duty competitive scene.