“She played hard”: CSGO community mourns passing of pro ShazZ

The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive community experienced profound grief when news broke about Sharon “ShazZ” Waison’s passing. Her death created ripples across the global esports landscape, touching players and fans worldwide.

While the specific circumstances surrounding ShazZ’s untimely death remain private, the South African professional gamer had navigated severe health challenges for an extended period. During her final months, she confronted COVID-19 complications while undergoing regular dialysis treatments. Her social media profile explicitly stated she was combating end-stage renal disease.

Medical records indicate that in 2017, ShazZ entered the organ transplant waiting list after systemic lupus erythematosus—a chronic autoimmune condition—severely impacted her kidneys and other vital organs. She initiated hemodialysis procedures during the latter part of that same year.

“I consider myself fortunate that my health permits international travel. My physician has approved the journey, though it requires careful coordination on my part. I’ll undergo five-hour dialysis sessions both on my departure day to China and upon returning to South Africa. This medical regimen won’t interfere with tournament schedules or our participation at WESG,” she explained to Red Bull representatives during preparations.

Currently, the global CSGO community honors her memory while celebrating the remarkable resilience and determination she demonstrated throughout her life. Prominent FPS observer Heather “sapphiRe” Garozzo, who previously teamed with ShazZ, characterized her as “the ultimate competitor.” Fellow pro player Sam “Tech Girl” Wright noted that ShazZ “excelled in gameplay” but demonstrated even greater strength in “personal battles,” maintaining steadfast friendships and dismantling industry stereotypes despite overwhelming health obstacles.

The exceptionally skilled first-person shooter competitor launched her professional CSGO journey in 2015 as part of Team Karma’s roster. With ShazZ contributing her talents, the squad’s performance at 2015 Copenhagen Games marked a rare instance where South African esports athletes secured championship gold in international Counter-Strike competition.

ShazZ immediately captured attention throughout the competitive scene due to her extraordinary mechanical skill and unwavering competitive spirit. She participated in mixed-gender squads, frequently standing as the sole female competitor in entire tournaments, evolving into a dominant force within South Africa’s gaming ecosystem and facing off against the region’s most established organizations.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive maintains its reputation as an exceptionally challenging environment for female competitors, yet ShazZ emerged as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion. She created pathways for other skilled women through her exceptional aiming precision combined with tremendous personal courage. She consistently refused to retreat, whether confronting male-dominated competition spaces or managing life-endangering medical conditions.

ShazZ eventually transitioned from active competition, though her significant contributions to competitive CSGO continue to resonate throughout the community.

“Competitive gaming enabled me to accomplish objectives I never imagined possible. I’ve successfully completed items from my personal goals list and, though it may sound sentimental, I discovered romantic partnership through gaming,” ShazZ reflected. “Esports fundamentally transformed my existence, creating memories I’ll always cherish.”

Her journey offers crucial insights for aspiring esports professionals facing similar challenges. Managing chronic illness while maintaining peak competitive performance requires meticulous planning and tremendous discipline. Many players underestimate the logistical complexities of competing while managing serious health conditions.

Advanced competitors should recognize that success in esports extends beyond mechanical skill. Developing resilience, building support networks, and maintaining perspective during adversity often determines long-term achievement. ShazZ’s ability to balance medical treatments with international competition demonstrates exceptional time management and prioritization skills.

Common mistakes include neglecting health management during intensive practice sessions or underestimating the emotional toll of competing while unwell. Her example teaches us to approach gaming holistically, recognizing that physical wellbeing and mental health directly impact competitive performance.

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