Seth “Scump” Abner, a legend in the Call of Duty community, unexpectedly announced his retirement on 17 January. Despite the surprise, the CoD community expressed their admiration and gratitude for all that he accomplished during his career.

Having started with OpTic Gaming in 2012, Scump leaves the scene as the second-most successful player in Call of Duty history with a total of 31 major tournament wins, two X Games gold medals and one world championship.

His retirement marks the end of an era, as the OpTic Gaming Dynasty, which also featured players like FormaL, Crimsix, Karma, and Nadeshot, has now officially retired with a total of 18 offline tournament wins and one Championship Title.

Throughout his career, Scump not only made a name for himself in the CoD scene, but also created lasting friendships, rivalries, and a loyal fanbase across the entire gaming industry. As he leaves the scene, the CoD community and others took the opportunity to thank him for his contributions and bid him farewell as “the king”.

He announced at the beginning of the season that this would be his last year competing but following four weeks of controversy surrounding the dropping of OpTic Texas teammate, Dashy, it seems that his retirement has come a lot earlier than many expected.

Tributes to the King

CDL GM Daniel Tsay, who thanked Scump for his contributions by saying: “A rare combination of talent, class, and charisma – we have been fortunate to have you for all these years. Competitive COD is forever grateful, and congrats on your new chapter, this is only the beginning!”

Matthew “FormaL” Piper, who was an important part of OpTic’s dynasty run, also paid tribute to Scump by saying: “Best friend for life, insane career and proud to call you my duo. Happy to have made all those memories with you, kid.”

Anthony “Methodz” Zinni and Scump have a long history dating back to 2012, both players broke onto the scene around the same time and became friends on and off-stage. It’s funny as literally a day before this, Scump played against Methodz’s Boston Breach in the CDL Major 2 Qualifier where in iconic fashion, Scump fried them. Methodz also shared his congratulations in a heartfelt post.

THE KING @SCUMP ? pic.twitter.com/du1uwgS43n

— OpTic Texas (@OpTicTexas) January 15, 2023

This fucking prick waited until he beat me and retired the next day

— Methodz (@Methodz) January 17, 2023

Still the same kid I met in 2012 despite reaching heights that few in this world will ever reach. Thank you for inspiring me & countless others to follow your dreams while always staying true to yourself. My brother for life. And now your watch has ended.. pic.twitter.com/RVoue0nllQ

— Methodz (@Methodz) January 17, 2023

There are only two dynasties in the history of Call of Duty: OpTic’s dynasty and compLexity’s impressive two-year streak from 2013-14. James “Clayster” Eubanks was at the heart of the latter team’s run. Clayster and Scump competed against each other in some of the most memorable matches in CoD history and were teammates on OpTic during Cal of Duty: Ghosts.

Actually makes me really, really emotional. One of the best to ever do it, so many great battles, so many victories, so many defeats. Been through it all for 11+ years at this point, sad to see you go but excited to see what the future holds. ? @scump love yah brotha.

— Clayster (@Clayster) January 17, 2023

Sam “Octane” Larew, who is still an active player, has a long history with Scump, joining the CWL in 2015 and facing off against each other countless times and even briefly teamed together in Call of Duty: World War II back in 2018. Octane shared, “I grew from a fan of his to his teammate over the course of my career, and it’s going to be hard seeing Call of Duty without Scump at the forefront. It was an honor to share the battlefield, brother.”

In light of the recent roster drama that has surrounded the team, we see Scump announce the passing of the torch to Brandon “Dashy” Otell, who returns to the starting line-up after a very controversial four weeks who will replace him. In his goodbye video, Scump said, “Brandon, I’m going to be on your a**. Please use this opportunity well because I’m falling down so you can go up, and I hope you use this right.” Dashy responded, “I just hope to make you proud from the outside, my brother.”

Fellow OpTic Texas teammate, and new posterboy of OpTic, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro also added, “Best teammate anyone could ever wish for, it was a pleasure. Happy to see this new chapter in his life.”

Today is hitting a little different… One of my favourite people/teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me over all these years, I just hope to make you proud from the outside my brother @scump ?? #TheGOAT #SoTippable

— brandon (@DashySZN) January 17, 2023

Chris “Simp” Lehr, who is a prominent member of the next generation of players in the Atlanta FaZe team, expressed his well wishes for Scump by saying, “Insane career and forever the face of CoD. Thanks for being an inspiration to the scene, good luck with what’s next brotha.”

Scump will always be remembered as one of the greatest esports competitors of all time, leaving behind a significant void that will be difficult to fill.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING pic.twitter.com/AiVYCvp9i3

— OpTic Scump (@scump) January 17, 2023