Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyut, 26, a Thailand-born esports player competing for Talon Esports in Valorant, has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition that briefly sidelined his participation. He announced the update on his own social media account, explaining his current status and the improvements since the initial diagnosis.
“I won’t be traveling to Korea with my teammates for the upcoming matches,” Crws stated. “Bell’s palsy has affected me, but my condition is gradually improving after the early days.” He added that he may watch the early league games from the sidelines before potentially joining as a spectator in the near future.
Bell’s palsy is a common form of facial neuropathy characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. While the exact cause is often unclear, it can be associated with viral infections, inflammation, or temporary nerve compression. Symptoms typically include drooping of facial muscles, difficulty closing the eye, and a reduced ability to smile on the affected side. Most people recover fully with appropriate medical care and time, though recovery timelines vary widely.
The esports world has recently seen similar disruptions. In related news, reports surfaced about Kirill “BoombI4” Bumych, the former captain of a prominent CS:GO team, who was at the center of a well-publicized departure drama. New developments suggest he is weighing a return to competitive play after a period away from the scene. The situation underscores how health, team dynamics, and leadership transitions can all influence a player’s career trajectory in high-pressure environments like professional esports.