The fighting game community has lost one of their own, as Shane “Shizza” Cummings passed away at the age of 33 due to complications relating to a neurological condition.
“Shizza” was a beloved figure within the community, best known for his run at Evolution 2010 as a top 8 finalist in Super Street Fighter IV. A staple of the community during the peak of that game’s popularity, Shizza fell out of the spotlight shortly thereafter to attend to family issues, but was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 2014 that would ultimately take his life.
Suffering from a condition that left him dealing with persistent migraines and constant fatigue, Cummings was often unable to continue participating in events but kept the scene and its players close to his heart. While Cummings and his family did what they could to address the undisclosed condition, multiple doctors determined the condition was inoperable. Cummings kept his battles with his health confined to his family and closest friends with few knowing of his condition until recently.
Oh my god. 😢 This is devastating. :-( R.I.P. to former Top 8 Evo SFIV player “Shizza” aka Shane Cummings. https://t.co/cgACa9yXvX
— James Chen (@jchensor) December 11, 2019
Shizza stunned the scene by playing Chun-Li with a regular controller, a feat that is impressive even by today’s standards. A hype master and a welcomed combatant when he was actively competing, Shizza was beloved by the community at large and remembered fondly by those who competed against and alongside him.
While Street Fighter and other games of the genre have slowly began the transition to esports, Shizza competed at a time where the community, often referred to as the “FGC,” was extremely personal and loyal to its places and its players. While the transition to esports is globalizing the once personal experience, actively minimizing the grassroots feel the FGC was built upon, the outpouring of support for Shizza since his passing reflects the strengths of this gaming community.
A GoFundMe has been set up to account for funeral expenses and assistance for the family in this trying time. As of this writing, the fund is $1,825 in towards a goal of $10,000. May Shizza rest in peace and all those who knew him find peace and strength in these tough times.
Source: Twitter