Rainbow Six community mourns pro player Next1, highlighting COVID-19 risks in esports
The Tragic Passing of Next1
The esports world was shaken by the untimely death of Arif ‘Next1’ Keskin, a rising star in the Rainbow Six Siege competitive scene. At just 24 years old, the German professional player succumbed to complications from COVID-19 after a weeks-long hospitalization.
Keskin’s passing highlights the serious health risks competitive gamers face during global health crises, despite their young age and athletic appearance.
The former Chaos Esports competitor had been hospitalized in April 2021 with severe COVID-19 symptoms. His Twitter updates provided a harrowing account of his deteriorating condition, including posts describing extreme breathing difficulties and loss of physical strength.
Medical experts note that esports athletes, while not facing traditional sports injuries, remain vulnerable to respiratory illnesses due to:
- Long hours in enclosed gaming facilities
- Frequent travel for tournaments
- High-stress competition weakening immune systems
Esports Community Reactions
The Rainbow Six competitive circuit responded with an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Kevin ‘Sua’ Stahnke, a fellow German pro player, expressed profound sorrow: “There was so much we wanted to get done, so much we had planned. And now you’re gone.”
This morning a dear friend lost his fight to Covid. I am lost for words and can’t describe how i feel. There was so much we wanted to get done, so much we had planned. And now you’re gone. I am lost for words. Please take care after yourselves.
Rest in Peace Arif 🕯️
— Sua (@Suafps) May 23, 2021
Several competitors used the tragedy to emphasize ongoing pandemic precautions. Leon ‘LeonGids’ Giddens of Rogue cautioned: “COVID is real, and it affects more people than you know. Please be careful even if we’re so close to some normality.”
The community response underscores how esports organizations might improve player health protocols:
- Implement regular health screenings
- Provide vaccination access for traveling players
- Develop emergency medical response plans
Next1’s Legacy and Impact
Next1’s competitive achievements included a first-place finish at the 2020 Nordic Championship Finals with Chaos Esports. Though he became a free agent in January 2021, his aggressive playstyle and tactical innovations influenced many European players.
Commentator James ‘Sternab’ Parkinson, a former teammate, recalled: “He was my teammate for 6 months and my friend. I’ll miss him.” This personal connection reflects how top-tier esports remains a tight-knit community despite its rapid growth.
The Rainbow Six Invitational in Paris plans to honor Next1 during its grand finals, potentially setting a precedent for how esports memorializes fallen players. Such tributes help maintain community bonds while raising awareness about player welfare issues.
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