Sjokz is taking a break from LEC Summer 2023 to ease the pressure of burnout.
In an announcement on Twitter, esports host Eefje "Sjokz" Depoortere announced that she's taking time away from the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Summer 2023 event. The announcement pinpointed struggles with mental health and burnout due to a hectic time as the core reasons for this break.
A friendly face to all of League of Legends
For many fans, Sjokz has been one of the most consistent faces in the League of Legends scene. From as early as 2012, Sjokz has been involved with the game, hosting weekly shows with SK Gaming before freelancing as broadcast talent for Riot.
"As a freelancer, taking any time off at all is anxiety inducing and deciding to step back from the league I love, that I’ve worked with for nearly a decade is especially difficult, but it's the right decision."
As a regular face of the European League of Legends Championship Series (EU LCS) and then the LEC, she is someone fans adore and have seen for years in the scene. Additionally, she was a host on the desk at Worlds 2022 and a host plus on-stage interviewer at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2023 event.
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A recurrent figure for esports
As well as being a friendly face to League of Legends fans, Sjokz has also been a familiar face in CS:GO since 2019. For CS:GO, she has been a desk host and interviewer for numerous tournaments. A recent one is Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2023.
As such a well-known and loved figure, her announcement comes with sadness and support from the community. Many players, fans, and organizations commented under the original announcement.
What's next for Sjokz?
Within the statement, Sjokz expressed her gratitude to some Riot staff members.
"Riot, in particular producer John and talent manager Nicole, have been very understanding and empowering in supporting my decision of putting my health first, as have my managers Kate and Yoni at Loaded," she wrote.
She also stated that she hopes to return for the second half of 2023 for CS:GO events, the first-ever LEC season finals, and Worlds. We wish her a relaxing and fulfilling break.
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