Why Scump Regrets Not Quitting Call of Duty for Fortnite Fame: Insights from the “King of CoD

Seth “Scump” Abner, often called the “King of Call of Duty,” has one of the most storied careers in esports history. With multiple championships, a loyal fan base, and a solid place in the esports hall of fame, Scump’s success is undeniable. However, he recently revealed a regret that many fans found surprising: not retiring from Call of Duty earlier to join the Fortnite phenomenon. In a candid conversation on the Around the Bar Podcast, Scump shared why he feels he may have missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by sticking with CoD. Let’s explore the latest eSports news and Scump’s journey, his accomplishments, and what he wishes he had done differently in the late 2010s.

Scump’s Call of Duty Legacy: A Decade of Dominance

Seth “Scump” Abner is a household name in the world of Call of Duty eSports. Known for his aggressive playstyle, razor-sharp reflexes, and unparalleled strategic insight, Scump has dominated the CoD scene for over a decade. His career highlights include winning gold at the Major League Gaming (MLG) X Games and leading OpTic Gaming to victory in the 2017 Call of Duty World Championship. For years, he was the face of Call of Duty esports and built a legacy that few can match. The Call of Duty community has watched Scump grow from a young, ambitious player into a legend. Throughout his career, he stayed true to CoD, rejecting multiple opportunities to switch games. At the height of his career, Fortnite exploded, turning players like Ninja into mainstream celebrities. Despite Fortnite’s rapid rise, Scump remained with Call of Duty—a decision he now questions.

Fortnite’s Meteoric Rise: A Missed Opportunity for Scump?

The late 2010s marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape and eSports news. Fortnite wasn’t just a game; it became a cultural phenomenon. Players of all ages were drawn to its unique blend of battle royale action, building mechanics, and colorful, cartoony aesthetic. Within months of its release, Fortnite had millions of players worldwide, and the financial rewards for top content creators were staggering. Esports figures like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins rose to superstardom, earning millions from streaming, endorsements, and competitive play. Reflecting on this period, Scump now wonders if he should have retired from Call of Duty and pivoted to Fortnite. In his own words, he regrets not “setting sail” after winning championships in CoD and cashing in on Fortnite’s success. For Scump, this wasn’t just about money—it was about seizing a cultural moment, one that turned many streamers into household names and granted them unprecedented fame and financial rewards.

“Everyone Ate”: Scump’s Reflection on Fortnite’s Financial Success

One of the reasons Scump regrets not jumping onto Fortnite sooner is the financial success it brought to early adopters. In his podcast appearance, he reminisced about how “everyone ate” from Fortnite’s boom. Indeed, Fortnite offered massive earning potential for content creators, not just through prize pools but through brand partnerships, YouTube ad revenue, and in-game cosmetic collaborations. For players like Ninja, Fortnite wasn’t just a game; it was a ticket to mainstream fame. Ninja appeared on major TV shows, secured deals with brands like Red Bull, and became a fixture in pop culture. While Scump achieved unparalleled success within the Call of Duty scene, he watched from the sidelines as Fortnite players reached global audiences. It’s this contrast that makes Scump wonder if he missed his chance to reach even greater heights.

The Loyalty Factor: Why Scump Stuck with Call of Duty

Despite the allure of Fortnite’s success, Scump remained loyal to Call of Duty. His dedication to the game that built his career speaks volumes about his character. While other players jumped on the Fortnite bandwagon, Scump continued to grind in CoD, contributing to its growth and helping build a solid competitive community. He loved competing, and Call of Duty was where he felt he could do it best. Scump’s journey with Call of Duty wasn’t just a career choice—it was a lifelong passion. He became a cornerstone of the CoD franchise, inspiring countless players and setting the bar for excellence in competitive gaming. Although he now wonders about the road not taken, Scump’s commitment to Call of Duty shaped both his identity and the game’s legacy.

“Almost 30”: Scump’s Perspective on Age and Esports Opportunities

Now approaching his 30s, Scump admits he has mixed feelings about his career trajectory. In the esports world, 30 is considered relatively old, with most players retiring much earlier due to the intense demands on mental and physical agility. For Scump, reflecting on age and the evolving gaming landscape has made him question if he made the right decisions during Fortnite’s peak. As a veteran of competitive gaming, Scump acknowledges the unique opportunity that Fortnite presented for young creators and wonders if he could have joined them. However, he also recognizes that Call of Duty defined his career, and he’s proud of the accolades he earned. Age has given him a new perspective, but his legacy in esports remains secure.

Scump’s Transition to Full-Time Content Creation and Streaming

Though he missed out on the Fortnite train, Scump has found new life as a full-time content creator. Today, he streams regularly on YouTube, building a dedicated following and engaging with fans through gameplay, commentary, and personal insights. Recently, he has been unlocking master prestige in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, a game that keeps him connected to his roots. His fans tune in not just for gameplay but for Scump’s unique personality, humor, and passion. Scump’s decision to embrace content creation shows his adaptability in a constantly evolving gaming landscape. Though he regrets not taking the Fortnite route, his dedication to Call of Duty and his fans has solidified his place as one of the most respected voices in gaming. Even with the “what ifs,” he remains committed to the game that made him a legend.

The Symbolic OpTic Gaming Tattoo: A Mark of Scump’s Loyalty

In October, Scump got a tattoo of OpTic Gaming, a symbol of his loyalty to the team and the game. This tattoo isn’t just ink; it’s a statement of pride, dedication, and respect for the organization that supported him throughout his career. Even as he reflects on missed opportunities, this tattoo embodies his commitment to Call of Duty and the people who helped him reach the top. For Scump, the tattoo represents more than just a logo—it’s a tribute to the journey, the fans, and the countless hours spent honing his craft. It’s a constant reminder of the legacy he built, a legacy that no missed opportunity can take away.

Regrets, Legacy, and the Road Ahead

While Scump openly admits to regretting his decision to stay with Call of Duty instead of jumping into Fortnite, he also recognizes the unique path he chose. His legacy in esports is unmatched, and his journey from competitive player to content creator shows his resilience and adaptability. Though he missed the Fortnite train, Scump’s contributions to Call of Duty and the esports world are undeniable. As he moves forward, Scump’s story serves as a reminder that even legends have regrets. Yet, despite the “what ifs,” he has no intention of letting missed opportunities define him. Instead, he’s doubling down on his role as a content creator, entertaining and inspiring his fans daily. Scump may wonder about the road not taken, but his path is paved with achievements that continue to inspire the next generation of gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why does Scump regret not switching to Fortnite sooner?

Scump regrets not shifting to Fortnite during its peak popularity because of the massive opportunities it offered for fame and financial success. He recognized that many players who transitioned to Fortnite quickly became mainstream icons, making significant income through streaming, sponsorships, and collaborations. While he stayed loyal to Call of Duty and gained legendary status in that community, he now questions whether he missed a financial “golden ticket.” Reflecting on this choice, he wonders if moving to Fortnite could have opened doors that Call of Duty didn’t, especially as Fortnite’s early players enjoyed unrivaled media exposure.

Q2. How did Fortnite’s popularity impact the gaming community?

Fortnite revolutionized gaming by becoming a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of players and viewers globally. Its unique combination of accessible gameplay, innovative building mechanics, and frequent in-game events attracted a diverse audience, making it popular beyond traditional gamers. The game’s success led to mainstream recognition for gamers, creating a surge in esports and streaming income, with creators like Ninja rising to fame. Fortnite’s influence extended beyond gaming, affecting fashion, music, and media, as brands and artists sought to collaborate. This shift helped establish gaming as a respected industry and provided lucrative opportunities for content creators.

Q3. What was Scump’s main accomplishment in Call of Duty?

Scump achieved numerous major milestones in Call of Duty, including winning gold at the Major League Gaming (MLG) X Games and the 2017 Call of Duty World Championship with OpTic Gaming. Known as the “King of CoD,” he maintained an influential presence for over a decade, setting records and earning respect within the esports community. Scump’s competitive spirit and achievements made him a beloved figure in Call of Duty, defining his career and creating a lasting legacy. His achievements in CoD highlight his loyalty to the game, though he now contemplates what Fortnite might have added to his legacy.

Q4. How does Scump feel about missing out on Fortnite’s success?

While Scump is proud of his Call of Duty legacy, he admits feeling some regret for not transitioning to Fortnite when it gained popularity. In hindsight, he wishes he had explored the new opportunities Fortnite offered, especially since its top creators became household names and gained immense financial success. Although Scump cherishes his accomplishments in Call of Duty, he feels a sense of “what if” when he sees how Fortnite impacted others’ careers. His reflection shows the challenging choices top esports players face regarding game loyalty versus evolving with trends to maximize personal growth and earnings.

Q5. What is Scump doing in his career now?

After retiring from competitive Call of Duty, Scump has transitioned to content creation and streaming on platforms like YouTube, where he shares gameplay, insights, and streams for a dedicated fanbase. Recently, he’s been showcasing his skills in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Despite regrets about missing the Fortnite wave, Scump remains connected to the Call of Duty community, showcasing his dedication by even tattooing OpTic Gaming’s logo, his longtime esports organization. Now focused on creating entertaining content, he continues to expand his influence while staying true to his Call of Duty roots.