Dan "Frodan" Chou is Stepping Away from Casting Hearthstone Grandmasters Next Season and Beyond

One of the long-time stalwarts of the Hearthstone scene - Dan "Frodan" Chou - has decided that it might be time to step aside from the casting desk. If not forever, then at least for the time being. The news reached us through his personal Twitter announcement, and that's where dozens of reactions from other notable names in the community can be found. 

Quote From Frodan

After much consideration, I have decided to step away from casting Hearthstone Grandmasters next season and beyond. I'll be replaced by deserving people like @LorindaGames and upcoming women in the community. Thanks for all the support over the years. I'll be forever grateful.

If you have ever watched any official Hearthstone Esports broadcast, you are more than likely familiar with Frodan. Capable of sharp analysis, full of lively anecdotes, and always showcasing keen fashion sense while staying professional throughout. It certainly won't be the same following through future seasons of Grandmasters and Masters Tours without his constant presence.

(Source)

Hearthstone wasn't actually the first Blizzard game that Frodan became fully involved with. Back in the days of Starcraft II, he steadily began making a name for himself in the scene. Then followed the card-slinging route, where he had pretty much staked his claim from the very early days. And not just as a reliable host, strong caster voice or an esports professional behind the scenes: there was a time where you could often find Frodan as a respectable competitor - in the glory days of Hearthstone with multiple organizations and tournaments to choose from. From SeatStory Cups to DreamHacks, there was no shortage of opportunities. 

We saw Frodan's passionate thoughts on casting and esports as a whole on the personal blog and in various interviews, not to mention recognizable projects such as Omnistone with Firebat and Brian Kibler or Talkstone with TJ and other guest casters (I do miss those). There was even that time he kindly reserved a shoutout for our own Out of Cards. On top of that he has been involved with Reynad's Tempo Storm and Twitch Rivals, among others, while also working more closely with Blizzard's Hearthstone Esports division at one point. And the list could go on. 

That's certainly a lot for a single individual. Some of you might even remember all these iconic casting duos (or at times trios) not just with TJ, but also Brian Kibler, Firebat and many other active personalities of that period. We've had a somewhat richer casting presence back in those days of Hearthstone Championship Tour and before. It would be nice to be able to revisit that. Frodan's other messages hint at something along these lines: 

Quote From Frodan

I'm certainly open to a MT guest appearance, but I stand by my desire to create more opportunities so I'd prefer not to step on that, if possible. Another way to look at this is I finally have more time to do things like a HS podcast. Don't think I'm done with HS entirely :)

Quote From Frodan

I didn’t step down because I have something lined up — I stepped down because it felt like the right decision. It’s also much easier that I am in a privileged position where I can afford to leave without jeopardizing my career. Plus, an added benefit is new talent can rise up who deserve more chances and opportunities.

So to answer your question, I’m not entirely sure actually! I thought of everything — Do I start doing more shows like a HS podcast again? What about streaming? Maybe consult for organizers on the side? Pursue other games?

For now, I plan on not working 7 days a week and resting up. I feel veryyyyyy physically exhausted these days and I know it was affecting my performance — a fact I hated about the schedule I chose for myself. Regardless, I do plan on still being involved in the community in some way. Just not really on the esports side as much.

In some ways this feels like an end of a certain chapter - or an era, if you will. For anyone interested in following Frodan's journeys elsewhere, it's worth noting that he is also involved with the Teamfight Tactics community, and that's where his casting focus might stay in the near future. Or maybe there will be more streaming attempts to come.

Perhaps we will still meet again if the renewed allure of Hearthstone Esports ever beckons. There is indeed always a cozy spot warm and ready in the tavern.