pheLon retires from competitive TF2

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posted in News

September 23, 2019

Approaching the apex of the season, Kings Crew have returned pauldogg to the lineup, as veteran pheLon announces his retirement from competitive gaming after over ten years.

pheLon's history stretches back to the very beginnings of Team Fortress 2's competitive scene. Starting out in Open on the debut season of ESEA, pheLon took the second place trophy in the Invite division just two seasons later with Evil Geniuses. Upon that team's demise in the following seasons, pheLon continued to play in Invite and Intermediate before going inactive after Season 11.

After a four-season break, pheLon returned to the game, eventually joining the second iteration what would become King's Crew in Season 18. With this team, pheLon would return to Invite for the first time in eleven seasons, and again nine seasons later, ultimately playing in Invite for the last three seasons of ESEA before the league's passing.

Captain lucrative shared with us pheLon's legacy and the team's situation moving forward.

phelon is retiring from competitive games after a legendary career in TF2 and a number of other games including CoD, Quake, and Shootmania. Hard to see him go after contributing so much to the game (285 ESEA officials + CEVO before that representing Evil Geniuses, 13 years mostly in Invite, etc.) He may have not been a top talent in the later years, but his legacy in TF2 should be highly respected. The game will miss him, and everyone he inspired to become top players (including myself) will also miss him.

As for paul rejoining, it's only natural, paul is family and an outstanding player, so there really isn't much to say. He's welcomed back with open arms and is ready to continue competing.

One of the last remaining old-timers of the ESEA era bows out of TF2 (photo by Ness "uberchain" Delacroix and Jasmine "Jasbutts" Ho)

pheLon also got a chance to reflect on their lengthy career in this game.

I've forged some great friendships on my long tenure with the group, and it was not an easy decision to make. They are like family to me and are what kept me playing as long as I have. I'm proud to have been part of this squad and will always appreciate the understanding and support they've had for me throughout the years. Pauldogg being able to come back to the squad in my place made it all the more easier, I'm stoked to see him and okie playing soldier together and couldn't think of anyone I'd rather take my spot more than him.

This is something that has been on the back of my mind for a while now as real life/adulting takes over. I've been playing comp TF2 on and off since it was released in 2007, and was already competing at a high level in other fps games for a few years before that. My serious mode gaming days have been long past for quite some time.

Marching forth under pheLon's legacy, King's Crew roster is now:

Scout: pablo
Scout: ed
Roamer: okiewaka
Pocket: pauldogg
Demoman: kuestif
Medic: lucrative

mustardoverlord

79 Frags – +

I think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...

reece

21 Frags – +

thank u for all da good scrims phelon it was real [*]

Pete

21 Frags – +

Change

8 Frags – +

You're the shit Tony!

johnathanmichael

11 Frags – +

i always love u tony

Paul_McCartney

21 Frags – +

When I first met Tony, I was offered to play on an Open team "Gravegun's Aneurysm" and was told by their leader "come on bro, there's an invite player on the roster!" So of course naturally I was like okay... gotta check this out. Never did I expect to continue playing with ( and learning from ) the same guy for multiple years. I've been to two lans with Tony as well and he really is just an awesome friend. From in game to real life, this guy has had my back. You deserve all the respect in the world homie. https://www.twitch.tv/lucrativetf/clip/NimbleGenerousNeanderthalDancingBaby?filter=clips&range=all&sort=time

KittensFirstBoner

17 Frags – +

Tony aka pheLon aka TonerBony was my favorite TF2 player since 2007. I think this is the end of my TF2 fandom... can't imagine the game without this beautiful man rocketing dorks in the nutsack. So long nerds... see you all at the first TF3 LAN in 2025.

Fox

9 Frags – +

phelon owns

nomi

11 Frags – +

Even though I only played with him for a little while, I can see why hes a legend.

Gl on your future endeavours

Even though I only played with him for a little while, I can see why hes a legend.

Gl on your future endeavours

#10

Beelthazus

6 Frags – +

love you bro, good luck in the future

#11

vooshoos

3 Frags – +

Godspeed

#12

eXtine

eXtelevision

25 Frags – +

Invite Winner Phelon!! A legend... enjoy your retirement, you earned it boss.

#13

DanceNumber

14 Frags – +

really glad i got to play with this guy. 10/10 dude

#14

YouMustMike

12 Frags – +

Legend

#15

TheFragile

RGB LAN

17 Frags – +

Tony is one of the chillest dudes I've met, and he was an absolute monster of a soldier back when he took TF2 very seriously.

Still hope to possibly see you at future RGB LANs. :3

Tony is one of the chillest dudes I've met, and he was an absolute monster of a soldier back when he took TF2 very seriously.

Still hope to possibly see you at future RGB LANs. :3

#16

phelon

28 Frags – +

Thanks guys I appreciate all the kind words here and from the people who've hit me up on steam/discord etc. Honestly wasn't expecting that, tf2 has a legit community for sure.

Nick, I hope to attend events in the future if my work schedule permits :) RGB is always a good time.

Thanks guys I appreciate all the kind words here and from the people who've hit me up on steam/discord etc. Honestly wasn't expecting that, tf2 has a legit community for sure.

Nick, I hope to attend events in the future if my work schedule permits :) RGB is always a good time.

#17

BUICK

15 Frags – +

Love you big dog. It’s funny I always felt sort of a comfort in these later seasons knowing you were just like still jamming.

#18

ehFk

15 Frags – +

You were a real one pheLon <3

#19

hero

9 Frags – +

phelon is so gheYYYyyYY..

#20

Tannie

-9 Frags – +

mustardoverlordI think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...

what team Reptile is in rn?

[quote=mustardoverlord]I think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...[/quote]
what team Reptile is in rn?

#21

aiera

12 Frags – +

TanniemustardoverlordI think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...what team Reptile is in rn?

bro what

[quote=Tannie][quote=mustardoverlord]I think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...[/quote]
what team Reptile is in rn?[/quote]
bro what

#22

corsa

46 Frags – +

TanniemustardoverlordI think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...what team Reptile is in rn?

Meat market, he goes by broking now

[quote=Tannie][quote=mustardoverlord]I think this makes b4nny the only remaining player to have been on a team with Reptile...[/quote]
what team Reptile is in rn?[/quote]

Meat market, he goes by broking now

#23

Getawhale

-5 Frags – +

Much love for any fellow old dudes [*]

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