Ukrainian esports team Passion UA has announced via social media that Vsevolod “s-chilla” Shchurov will be stepping away from the roster to take an indefinite break. This decision has drawn considerable attention, as s-chilla played a crucial role in Passion UA’s remarkable achievements, particularly their standout performance at the European RMR.
Passion UA became a breakout team, defying expectations by progressing through the demanding RMR bracket with victories over established powerhouses like Virtus.pro, Spirit, and Astralis. Their dynamic playstyle at the Shanghai Major only added to their growing reputation. Although they were ultimately defeated by GamerLegion and Wildcard, the team’s performance solidified their status as rising stars in the esports scene.
s-chilla’s Reflections and Coach’s Comments
In a farewell interview, s-chilla explained that his decision to step away had been brewing for some time. He shared:
“This wasn’t a sudden choice. Last summer, during the RMR and even earlier, I started realizing that the routine of it all wasn’t working for me. By mid-summer, I knew I wanted a change. I don’t know if this will turn out to be a good or bad decision, but I need to try something different and see what happens. It’s my call.
I’ve done my best, but this routine just doesn’t suit me. I want to grow in other areas of my life and take a break. Even when I decided to step away, I committed to giving everything I had to help the team because they deserve it. However, they need someone who is fully motivated and possibly better equipped for the role.”
The team’s coach, Mykhajlo “Kane” Blaghin, shared his thoughts on s-chilla’s departure in a Telegram post, praising the player’s contributions. “He’s an exceptional teammate. Perhaps keeping most of his emotions bottled up led to this decision. If you ask me about my best teammates, Seva will always be on that list. He’s leaving as a champion, and I hope he achieves even more in the future!”
The Road Ahead for Passion UA
The departure of s-chilla presents a significant obstacle for Passion UA. With contracts signed last November extending through 2027, the organization now faces the challenge of finding a replacement while maintaining their momentum. CEO Artemiy Ryabov had previously stated that the organization would not stand in the way of players seeking opportunities with larger teams.
This development raises questions about Passion UA’s future trajectory. While s-chilla’s exit marks the end of a chapter, it also opens the door to a new era for the team. The challenge of replacing a key player will undoubtedly test the resilience of this rising squad, but it’s clear that their journey is far from over.
