T1’s Rekkles Opens up about His Autism and Its Impact on Esports

In a heartfelt reveal during a livestream interview, the seasoned esports gamer Rekkles shared with Caedrel and his audience that he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. This news comes after his recent move to play for the T1 Esports Academy.

Understanding Himself Better

#Rekkles talks with #Caedrel about recently getting diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum:

“In Sept. (2023), I get my diagnosis. I have high functioning autism where I’m on the autism spectrum. [..] My first instinct was ‘omg my life is over’ [..] but actually, after – pic.twitter.com/Djp7tGnTZU

— jade 제이드🐰 (@jadetokky) April 5, 2024

After a challenging period where he found himself benched by his then-team, Fnatic, he followed advice from his therapist to see a specialist. This decision came during a downtime in his career, providing him a moment to reflect and seek understanding about his struggles.

It was in September 2023 that Rekkles received his diagnosis: high-functioning autism, also known as being on the autism spectrum. The initial shock of the diagnosis was overwhelming. 

“In September, I get my diagnosis. I have high-functioning autism, or I’m on the autism spectrum,” Rekkles said. He initially reacted with disbelief, fearing the worst. “My first instinct was, ‘Oh my god, my life is over.’ It sounds so negative when you hear that from your therapist,” he shared. 

However, this revelation quickly shifted from fear to an empowering new understanding of his life. “But actually, after getting the diagnosis, my life has just been better. Straight up. Just better.”

The Journey to T1 Esports Academy

LEC의 전설적인 ‘Rekkles’ Carl Martin Erik Larsson 선수가 T1 Esports Academy 팀에 서포터로 합류하게 되었습니다. 새로운 도전을 하는 ‘Rekkles’ Carl Martin Erik Larsson 선수에게 많은 응원과 관심 부탁드립니다!

A LEC legend, ‘Rekkles’ has joined our T1 Esports Academy team as… pic.twitter.com/nJvU4ngJ6l

— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) December 11, 2023

Before joining T1, Rekkles played for several teams, moving frequently, which he now realizes wasn’t the best for him. His time at Fnatic, where he had stability, was when he felt most successful. The frequent changes were challenging, but with his new understanding, he can better manage his career. 

He’s also ruled out moving teams unless absolutely necessary, and he understands now how changes in the environment affect him. “From here on out, I should not change teams unless I have to because it’s not good for me to change environments. I should be careful about which situations I put myself in,” he said during the interview.

Adapting to New Needs

Rekkles’s new team, T1, has shown great support for his needs. He emphasized how important it is for him to have a clear and detailed schedule and also that he shouldn’t change environments unless it’s necessary.

“I told them, for example, that I want the calendar to be detailed to the minute. This is the time; this is the time we play. Because, otherwise, the schedule would be, ‘There are scrims today,’ but not when. And that freaks me out. I need to know when everything is,” he said.

T1 took Rekkles seriously and made his life easier the next day:

“I told them on a Wednesday, and by Thursday, the whole calendar was filled with exact details. That made me so happy, and it made my life 100 times easier. All that stress and panic I had from before just disappeared.” he stated that with happines in his voice.

Planning for the Future

With more clarity about his condition, Rekkles is optimistic about the future. He discussed the importance of embracing his unique needs rather than trying to fit into a mold. 

“Now, it’s more like – Actually, there’s nothing wrong with me, so to speak. This is just who I am; it’s a part of me. I should stop fighting it.” he shared. Rekkles plans to continue his career in esports, aiming to play until he’s at least 30.

A Positive Perspective

This Caedrel stream with Rekkles is so wholesome

Super important topics discussed and they’re both rly open and you can see they trust each other a lot

Amazing conversation 🫶🏼

— Laure Valée (@LaureBuliiV) April 5, 2024

The diagnosis has given Rekkles a new lens through which to view his life and career. It has allowed him to let go of past anxieties and approach his professional and personal life with renewed insight. 

“I wish I knew sooner that I had this, but I’m also just happy that I know now. Because, from now on, I feel like I can make my life much better,” he concluded.

This revelation from Rekkles not only sheds light on his personal challenges but also highlights the importance of mental health awareness in the high-pressure world of professional gaming. 

His story is an inspiring reminder that understanding and accepting oneself can open the way for greater achievements and personal satisfaction.