Thiago “Tinowns” Sartori, the prominent mid laner for LOUD and a titan of the Brazilian League of Legends scene, has announced he is taking a pause from his professional career. The news, delivered during the LTA Sul Lower Bracket final broadcast, marks a significant moment in the region`s esports history, as Tinowns stands as the last active player from the very first generation of Brazilian professional LoL athletes, dating back to 2012-2013.
This decision follows a recent downturn in LOUD`s performance, including early eliminations in the second split of CBLOL 2024 (4th place) and the LTA Sul splits (3rd and 4th/5th). However, in an exclusive interview, Tinowns elaborated that the primary motivation for his break is a personal one: a felt decline in the intense drive and dedication that fueled his remarkable 12-year journey.
A Legacy Forged Over a Decade
Tinowns` impact on Brazilian League of Legends is undeniable, built upon a foundation of consistent high-level play and an unparalleled collection of accolades. He is a six-time CBLOL champion, holding the impressive record of four consecutive titles achieved with LOUD between 2022 and 2024. His championship pedigree isn`t confined to LOUD, however; he also secured titles with KaBuM! Esports way back in 2014 and notably ended a seven-year drought by winning with paiN Gaming in 2021, demonstrating a remarkable ability to return to the top.
His statistics speak to his longevity and influence: across 590 professional games, he boasts 337 wins (a 57.1% win rate), 2,259 kills, 984 deaths, and 3,588 assists. These figures underscore not just individual skill but a profound collective impact, solidifying his status as a benchmark for the community and aspiring players.
A Personal Promise Fulfilled
Rumors of a potential pause had circulated, fueled by observations of his recent dip in form and dedication, such as reduced solo queue play. For Tinowns, who maintains a close relationship with his fanbase, this personal dip was key. He revealed a long-held promise to himself: to step away when he no longer felt the same burning desire to train, compete, and win – the very forces that drove his career for over a decade.
Addressing the community and his own feelings, he stated, “I had made a promise to myself that whenever I felt like I didn`t have the same effort, the same desire to win, to train, things that have always moved me to keep competing, evolving, I would take a break. I think in the last year I wasn`t feeling that same desire anymore… so I saw that it was the fairest thing to do at the moment, for myself, for those who like me and who have always followed me. It`s a moment to reconnect with myself, see new paths, see if that flame for the game reignites.” It`s a decision made out of respect for his own history and the game itself.
Pause or Permanent Farewell?
While Tinowns characterized this as a “pause” on stream, the interview shed more light on the uncertainty of his future. He acknowledged the possibility of not returning to professional play in League of Legends, or even venturing into other esports titles, drawing a parallel to former teammate Sacy`s successful transition to Valorant.
“There is [a chance of not returning], I won`t lie,” he admitted candidly. “But honestly, I love this scene, the game, competing… so maybe it won`t even be in LoL, it might be in another game. Maybe I`ll be competing, training again, but it`s a moment where I`m truly reset. Many doors are opening, but they are opportunities I`ll have to study, see what I want for my life, and then make a decision.” This period is one of exploration and finding what genuinely excites him next.
Proud of the Entire Journey
Spanning highs like representing Brazil internationally and lows like falling to the secondary circuit (Circuitão), Tinowns` career is a tapestry of diverse experiences. Asked to name a most rewarding or memorable moment, he found it impossible, emphasizing that the *entire* journey is a source of pride.
“I`m very proud from the beginning to the end,” he reflected. “I`ve gone through everything, I went to Worlds, I fell to Circuitão, I came back, I won CBLOL, I played with incredible players, I played with bad teams, with good teams… I`ve lived everything. So there isn`t one special moment, I`m proud of the entire path I`ve taken.” He even quipped about having “lived everything,” a testament to his long and varied career.
A Deserved Respite from the Grind
After nearly 12 years immersed in the demanding world of professional esports, Tinowns was asked what aspects he might miss. His response, delivered with a hint of playful relief, suggested he`s currently savoring the peace of his break far too much to feel nostalgic just yet.
“At the moment, no [I don`t miss it],” he joked. “Right now, I`m very relaxed at home, on vacation. I think it`s a deserved break after 12 years in this routine, which, people might not understand, but it`s tiring. You have to deal with different people, spending more time in the office routine than at your own house. When you get home, you play more LoL, think LoL, eat LoL… so I`m kind of relieved from that part, which is a truly stressful routine. I honestly don`t know how I endured until today, I used to joke about that before, but I`m very happy that in these 12 years I did everything with great care, with great love, and, well, I endured for a long time.”
The Weight of the International Gap
Tinowns` pause, coupled with the recent retirement of another veteran mid laner, DyNquedo, sparks renewed discussion about the persistent gap between the Brazilian scene and top international regions. Asked if the awareness of this distance influenced his decision, Tinowns shared his perspective on the regional challenge.
“Look, everyone thinks a lot about it [the distance], but I think the real shock is when you go abroad, have a routine with the teams there, and compete against them in the championship itself,” he explained. “The barrier exists, it`s a fact. Our region today, I think it can be placed as one of the worst, if not the worst, officially speaking, in the LTA [context], by Riot, so it`s really difficult. With the players we have here in Brazil, seeing the teams abroad, it`s a miracle for us to manage to make history, to beat a Chinese, European team, whatever, tier 1, tier 2. It`s a barrier that has always been difficult, but one day it has to happen.”
Despite this stark assessment, Tinowns remains hopeful for the future of Brazilian esports, believing that international success is achievable. He encouraged the players who remain, and those yet to come, to maintain that same hopeful mindset. “I truly believe in that, especially me, who is a very hopeful guy, I always believed. My first title, for example, I won in 2014, and then I won again in 2021. So, in my head, it will work out, it will happen one day. And I hope the teams and players who are still there have that mentality too.”
As Tinowns steps away, the Brazilian League of Legends landscape shifts. The last active link to its foundational years is taking a break, leaving fans to ponder what comes next for both the legendary player and the scene he has graced for so long.
