Veteran Call of Duty pro Austin "SlasheR" Liddicoat has officially retired from competitive play, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that spanned more than 10 years and included world championship glory.
The American player broke the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that he made the difficult decision over the holiday break.“Over the holiday break, I have made one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” SlasheR wrote. “I’m officially retiring from competitive Call of Duty… As of late, the game and the current CDL format doesn’t inspire the same level of excitement I once had for playing competitive COD.”He explained that the timing meant he couldn't produce a more detailed retirement video, but expressed hope to stay involved in the Call of Duty community in some way moving forward, though he's uncertain about his next steps.
Widely considered one of the most consistent main AR (assault rifle) players in CoD history, SlasheR burst onto the scene in the 2010s and cemented his legacy with a 2016 Call of Duty World League (CWL) Championship win, earning his team a massive $800,000 prize.
His trophy cabinet includes standout victories like CWL London 2019, CWL Anaheim 2018, and multiple CDL Major wins in 2022 and 2023. SlasheR racked up numerous podium finishes across various titles and eras, competing at the highest level in both the CWL and the modern Call of Duty League.Most recently, he suited up for the Carolina Royal Ravens through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, appearing in several CDL Majors and Playoffs before stepping away early in the 2026 season.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support and tributes from across the esports scene. The Carolina Royal Ravens, one of SlasheR's former teams, paid homage with a Marvel-inspired message: “The hardest choices require the strongest wills.”They continued: “We wish Austin farewell as he decided to step away from the game to hang up the sticks. One of the most storied ARs in CoD history with a legacy that will always live on.”In his post, SlasheR expressed gratitude to his teammates, fellow competitors, fans, friends, and family for supporting him through the intense demands of pro-level competition.
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