#B04eSports: Kai ‘DETO’ Wollin retires

"After all the great and successful years, I've come to the decision with a heavy heart that it's the right time for me to end my career," said the 32-year-old 'DETO'. "When you're involved for so long you have to ask yourself each year how high the motivation is to give your all. As I was unable to give myself a clear and unequivocal answer to that question I will end my career as an eSports player. I wish our team at Bayer 04 the maximum success in the future."

FIFA World Champion and three-time champion of germany

Kai Wollin is one of the big protagonists of eSports in Germany and his success on FIFA played a significant part in the rapid expansion and popularity of professional gaming. He played in his first German championship in 2006 and he was the first German player to be FIFA World Champion at the World Cyber Games in 2011. He successfully defended the title in 2012. In addition, 'DETO' was champion of Germany three times, 2017 FIFA PlayStation World Champion and most recently in 2020 PS4 Champion at the VBL Grand Final in at Bayer 04 shirt.

In March 2018, Wollin played for the Manchester City eSports team and in November 2019 he came full circle with his move to Leverkusen: Being born in Monheim, Kai had his first experience of a football ground at the BayArena and for the last two years of his career he has successfully represented Bayer 04 at the console.

Wollin: "incredibly grateful for everything"

Florian Dederichs, head of internationalisation & eSports at Bayer 04, paid tribute to 'DETO': "With Kai, probably the most well-known and successful German eSports player is leaving the FIFA stage. It was an honour for us to have two outstanding years with Kai. We have grown as a team, he produced brilliant performances and we all had a lot of fun. Kai, many thanks for this great time and hats off to your career."

The multiple world champion now faces the time after his career. "I want to end my studies and write a very good bachelor thesis," said 'DETO' on his plans for the future. “After that the moment will come where I can think about carrying on with eSports or taking on a new challenge." He looks back at his career with happiness: "I'm incredibly grateful for everything I've achieved and experienced," said Wollin. "I've made many friendships, travelled a lot to different countries and played for football clubs. Thank you to everybody who helped me on my journey."