CaptainFlowers to miss out casting at MSI 2024

MSI 2024 will not have one of the most loved casters in the esports scene: CaptainFlowers will not be attending the tournament this season.

Image Credit: Riot Games

CaptainFlowers won’t be taking part as part of the broadcasting team at MSI

Clayton “CaptainFlowers” Raines is one of the most notorious LoL shout casters, having commentated with constant presence the LCS and international events for years. Unfortunately, CaptainFlowers won’t be part of the crew that will cast at MSI in May.

The announcement came on his own social media account, citing that it was CaptainFlowers himself who declined the invite from opportunity. He mentioned several struggles with his sleep schedule as one of the reasons why he won’t be attending the event. Given that the tournament will be held in Chengdu, China, the long hours of travel would probably impact his sleep and personal health. Given that he is based in North America, the time zone difference would be over 10 hours.

Most importantly, however, CaptainFlowers is known to be allergic to soy, a key element in Chinese cuisine. A lot of the food prepared can contain traces of it and he already encountered similar issues with his allergy when eating food in South Korea at Worlds last year. Having to double or triple-check everything that I eat without being able to read or speak the language to even know that I’m making a mistake would be pretty rough,” he said.

At the end of the video, the caster said he would be taking the entire month of May off to recharge his batteries before the start of the LCS Summer Split. “I appreciate all of your understanding on this, I sincerely apologize to everybody that is disappointed by this news, but I want you to know that all my friends and colleagues who are working the show are going to put on such a kick-ass performance,” he added.

With one key member of the broadcast talent missing, we’ll have to wait to know who is going on the Chinese expedition for MSI. The tournament will be kicking off with the play-in stage on May 1.