eSports star announces he has to put career on hold due to mandatory military service
A Greek professional League of Legends player announced in a heartbreaking interview Thursday just after winning a game that he has been conscripted by the Greek military and will have to leave his team in the middle of the season. Konstantinos "FORG1VEN" Tzortziou helped H2K beat Fnatic in a regular-season European LCS game which moved the team into a tie for first place, then said that he found out hours before that he will be required to perform his mandatory military service.
no, please no :/ https://t.co/hL0HidMSEx
— lolesports (@lolesports) February 25, 2016
Male Greeks are required to serve a nine-month term between the ages of 19 and 45 (Tzortziou is 23). Tzortziou received an outpouring of support following the announcement, and many of his colleagues and fans worked to get the attention of the Greek government on Twitter.
Tzortziou provided an update on the situation Thursday evening on Facebook.
Dear @govgr please wave National Service for your countries top eSports stars! @FORG1VENGRE he is a massive asset for your nation!
— Michael O'Dell (@dignitasODEE) February 25, 2016
Tag @govgr and voice your opinion. They could end one man's career and maybe we can stop it. #FREEFORG1VEN https://t.co/eNfBf4AyXD
— Ram Djemal (@dT_Brokenshard) February 25, 2016
.@govgr is there any way for @FORG1VENGRE to delay his army duty ? Cause he makes your country look badass worldwide. #Freeforgiven
— Gus RealRebelRadio (@Rx3_Gus) February 25, 2016
Dear @govgr please do not take away our greatest player! #FreeForgiven https://t.co/gJGAgdzIy9
— Bithya (@Thoronris) February 25, 2016
We're doing everything in our power to help and support @FORG1VENGRE at this time.
— H2K (@H2KGG) February 25, 2016
Show him your love! pic.twitter.com/Ecxodcotk9
