SlasheR retires from Call of Duty esports

Austin Liddicoat, better known as Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat, has announced his retirement from competitive Call of Duty esports, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than a decade of play.

The American player shared the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the decision was made over the holiday break and that timing prevented him from releasing a more in-depth video.

“Over the holiday break, I have made one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” SlasheR wrote. “I’m officially retiring from competitive Call of Duty… As of late, the game and the current CDL format doesn’t inspire the same level of excitement I once had for playing competitive COD.”

SlasheR added that while he no longer plans to compete, he hopes to remain involved in the Call of Duty community in some capacity, though he is unsure what the future holds.

SlasheR is widely regarded as one of the most consistent main assault rifle players in Call of Duty history. He rose to prominence during the 2010s era, winning the Call of Duty World League (CWL) Championship in 2016, where his team claimed $800,000 (~£630,000) in prize money.

Across multiple titles and eras, SlasheR competed in the CWL and later the Call of Duty League, achieving numerous podium finishes. His notable results include victories at the CWL London 2019 and CWL Anaheim 2018, as well as CDL Major wins in both 2022 and 2023.

More recently, SlasheR continued to compete throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, appearing at several Call of Duty League Majors and Playoffs, before ultimately deciding to step away from professional competition.

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from across the scene. Carolina Royal Ravens, one of the teams SlasheR represented during his career, posted a message referencing Marvel character Thanos, writing: “The hardest choices require the strongest wills.”

The organisation added: “We wish Austin farewell as he decided to step away from the game to hang up the sticks. One of the most storied ARs in CoD history with a legacy that will always live on.”

In his own message, SlasheR thanked teammates, competitors and fans for their support, as well as friends and family for understanding the sacrifices required to compete at the top level.

“We created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime,” he said.

With his retirement, the Call of Duty scene sees the departure of another long-standing figure from the pre-franchising era — a reminder of how much the competitive landscape has evolved since SlasheR first broke onto the scene.