Rekkles recently opened up for the first time about his high-functioning autism diagnosis in a livestream interview with Caedrel, shedding light on how understanding his brain’s workings has brought a fresh perspective to his life and career.
As one of the most seasoned professional players in competitive League of Legends, Rekkles boasts over a decade of experience. While his transition to T1 and a roleswap to support marked significant changes, the most profound shift in Rekkles’ life occurred with his recent diagnosis of high-functioning autism.
The pro player revealed that he was unaware of his condition until September 2023 when downtime following his benching by Fnatic led him to consult a specialist, recommended by his therapist.
“In September, I received my diagnosis. I have high-functioning autism, or I’m on the autism spectrum,” Rekkles disclosed. “My initial reaction was, ‘Oh my god, my life is over.’ The idea sounded bleak when my therapist suggested it, and upon receiving the diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed. However, surprisingly, life has only improved since then.”
Rekkles explained that the diagnosis provided insights into why certain career moves didn’t pan out for him. He emphasized the importance of a stable practice environment with consistent teammates, reminiscent of his time on Fnatic during their golden years. Rekkles recognized that frequent team changes were detrimental to his performance, and he now understands why.
Moving
“I wish I had known about this sooner, but I’m also grateful for the knowledge now. Moving forward, I believe I can significantly improve my life,” he expressed.
Rekkles framed his diagnosis as a mixed bag of positives and negatives, highlighting how it elucidates his needs both as a player and as an individual. He emphasized his reliance on a clearly defined schedule and routine for success, traits he sees as assets in his professional career.
“From now on, I shouldn’t change teams unless absolutely necessary, as changing environments isn’t conducive to my well-being. I need to be cautious about the situations I put myself into,” he asserted.
moving to lcs
This understanding led Rekkles to largely dismiss the possibility of moving to the LCS, preferring to remain in the LEC or Korea.
To illustrate his thought process, Rekkles likened his mind to a malfunctioning computer—when things don’t go as expected, he needs to reset, much like rebooting a PC. This newfound clarity has allowed him to release many past anxieties.
“The best feeling that came from this is the realization that I no longer need to conform to others’ expectations. This is who I am, and I should embrace it,” he remarked.
Rekkles praised T1 for accommodating his preferences, citing them as one of the best organizations he’s been a part of. Their willingness to adjust to his needs, such as providing detailed schedules, has significantly eased his stress.
As he navigates his future, Rekkles intends to remain with T1. He expressed a desire to continue playing until at least 30, aiming to outlast Faker, and he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Rekkles’ discussion with Caedrel sheds light on his journey, providing insight into his experiences and mental health struggles. It’s a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and creating supportive environments for individuals.
These excerpts offer a glimpse into a comprehensive interview where Rekkles delved into various topics, including his LEC history and the challenges faced by T1 due to DDoS attacks.
