DRX BeYN Calls Out Flashback Over Repeated Roster Disruptions

DRX VALORANT player BeYN has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding former teammate Flashback's departure from the team. 

In a detailed post shared on social media, BeYN outlined three separate incidents between 2024 and 2026 in which Flashback allegedly requested to be sent down to the academy team or announced his retirement. According to BeYN, each instance occurred suddenly, leaving the organization with little to no time to prepare for upcoming tournaments.

While BeYN stated that his intention is not to attack or mock any individual, he expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of instability that deeply affected the remaining players.

Disclaimer: AI was used to translate the contents of BeYN and Flashback’s tweets.

Three Incidents in Two Years

According to BeYN, the first incident occurred when Flashback suddenly requested a send‑down to the academy team during practice, citing doubts about his own skills. The second happened during a tournament when Flashback again expressed his intent to step away.

The third and most damaging instance came just before the 2026 season, when Flashback abruptly declared his retirement. BeYN noted that all three incidents occurred without warning, leaving the organization with hardly any time to prepare.

BeYN, who was a substitute player during the second incident, expressed particular hurt at watching a teammate seemingly give up a starting spot so easily:

"As someone who desperately wanted a starting position more than anyone else, I felt deeply hurt and disheartened by the thought, ‘How can you give up that spot so easily?’" (Translated from Korean)

Following Flashback's sudden retirement, DRX had just ten days to find a replacement and prepare for the Pacific Kickoff. And since other teams had already completed their rebuilding, no replacement players were immediately available, and the team had to conduct player trials up until the roster lock day. Sharing the mental toll it took on him and his teammates, BeYN wrote: 

“The remaining players had no choice but to play the season in a sensitive state. We kept wavering without finding a proper direction, and I blamed myself a great deal, wondering if I was incompetent.“

BeYN Shares Reason For Breaking His Silence

Despite the repeated incidents, BeYN explained that DRX players did not speak publicly after Flashback's retirement. He said they did not want their former teammate to retire with a bad image after spending two years together.

"We didn't want him to retire with a bad image. And even afterwards, when he would stream about once a month, I kept trying to let it slide, thinking, 'Do I really need to go to such lengths to talk about it?'"

However, BeYN said he could no longer stay silent, particularly as Flashback had returned to public streaming and had reportedly shown interest in a competitive comeback less than five months after retiring.

“If he decided to 'retire' even while causing great pain to the remaining players, he should at least take responsibility for that choice. The fact that we are hearing rumors that he is exploring a league return, even if it's the second tier, less than 5 months after leaving, as well as rumors about a streamer contract, makes us feel beyond flustered. “

He added: 

“It makes me so angry that he seems to be evading his responsibilities by nonchalantly broadcasting in front of people as if nothing happened, without considering that there are people who are suffering.”

BeYN shared that even months after the final incident with Flashback, it continues to affect him in his professional life: 

“Throughout my career as a pro gamer, I have never once failed to focus on a game, but lately, I feel like I am wavering as if I have forgotten how to focus at all. I feel disillusioned with my job, and every day is so painful.”

BeYN’s Plea to Flashback

BeYN concluded his statement with a direct message to Flashback, recalling a promise the former teammate made when he returned to the starting roster during Stage 2 of 2025:

"You personally told the teammates this: 'I know you guys don't fully trust me yet. I am truly sorry, and I will make absolutely sure nothing like this happens in the future. I'll make us Champions.'"

Before this, Flashback had stepped away for the second time, leaving BeYN in a position where he was forced to play Sentinel. He shared that he even postponed his appendix surgery to prepare for the tournament.

The DRX player wrote that the team believed Flashback's words, always trusted him, and tried to move forward together. Yet, Flashback suddenly declared his retirement just two weeks before the 2026 Kickoff roster deadline. Sharing his distress, BeYN said:

"Our team crumbled without even having the time to properly prepare anew. I still cannot fully express in words this situation and the pain I am enduring because of your actions, and I cannot understand the way you are acting now."

He ended with a direct plea: 

"If you feel even a shred of apology toward us and the fans, please stop your broadcasting activities. I'm begging you."

Flashback’s Response to BeYN 

Soon after BeYN took it to social media, Flashback followed with a response. He did not dispute the timeline of events but instead placed the blame on himself, describing his own mentality as weak and expressing regret for the harm caused:

"This is an esport where the emotional rift is bound to deepen, and my first team was simply too great a team for someone as weak as me, who can't even take feedback as constructive motivation, to handle. I will attribute it all to my lack of skill and pathetic mentality."

He acknowledged that on all three occasions, he believed someone else deserved his spot more. However, he admitted this was an arbitrary judgment on his part and apologized.

Addressing his former teammates directly, Flashback expressed particular remorse toward BeYN, admitting he fixated on fragmented bad memories despite two years of positive experiences.

"I am so sorry for crumbling under my own weight, causing harm, failing to meet expectations, and showing nothing but a fragile mentality."

He also expressed admiration for BeYN since he overcame far more difficult situations:

"Because you were so strong, unlike me, I always admired you deep down. I genuinely hope you continue to thrive and find even greater success in the future."

Flashback concluded with an apology to fans:

"I also want to convey my deepest apologies for ultimately failing to improve and showing only an inadequate side of myself before retiring, despite the constant trust you placed in me. I am truly sorry."

So far, no other team members have issued additional comments.

DRX’s Current Position In VCT

With Flashback's sudden departure just two weeks before the VCT Pacific Kickoff, the team was likely in an unstable state. This was reflected in their performance.

After finishing third at VALORANT Champions 2025, DRX entered the season as one of the Pacific region's top prospects. However, they began their Kickoff campaign with a loss to FULL SENSE. Ultimately, DRX managed a 6th‑place finish, winning three of their six matches. However, they failed to qualify for Masters Santiago.

Having missed the first Masters, DRX had time to address the gaps in their roster. This led the organization to promote 18‑year‑old Yong from their academy to the main roster. The adjustment seemed to make a difference, at least initially, as DRX went 4‑1 in Pacific Stage 1. However, the team failed to carry that momentum into the playoffs, losing to the eventual champions PRX and finishing 6th once again.

Now, after failing to qualify for Masters London, DRX has only the Pacific Stage 2 left to look forward to. A top‑two finish there would secure them qualification for Champions 2026, offering the team one final chance at redemption this season.

---

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest VALORANT news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Credit: DRX Valorant 

Read More:

All Teams Qualified for 2026 VCT Masters London

New VALORANT Bug Lets You Eliminate Enemies in Buy Phase

Esports Nations Cup 2026 VALORANT Rosters: All Rumored and Confirmed National Teams