Matt ‘FormaL’ Piper, a legendary name in the esports arena, has hinted at retiring from competitive play following the Halo World Championship 2025. Known for his prowess in both Halo and Call of Duty, FormaL has shaped the landscape of first-person shooter esports since 2011.
Rising to Prominence
The 2022 Halo world champion and 2017 Call of Duty world champion has been a formidable force since he began competing in 2011. Initially making his mark in Halo under Believe The Hype, he transitioned to Call of Duty in 2014. In a significant homecoming, he rejoined the Halo scene with OpTic Gaming in 2022, where he’s been a key player for over three years. Sources have shared that FormaL revealed in a YouTube video with OpTic Gaming founder Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez that the Halo World Championship 2025 could mark his final appearance as a competitor. “I’ve come to terms that this [Halo World Championship 2025] is probably my last event,” FormaL stated. “Do I want to compete in CoD? Not really. I don’t want to tarnish any legacy that I have there.”
FormaL is regarded as one of the best FPS players of all time after scoring several tournament victories across Halo and Call of Duty. In 2025, he clinched victories at the HCS Arlington Major and the HCS Dallas Open, further solidifying OpTic Gaming’s status as a top-tier team.
FormaL’s Legacy
If FormaL decides to step away from esports after the World Championship, he will retire as one of the few players to achieve stellar success across different titles. As the Halo Championship Series plans to retire Halo Infinite as its competitive title at the end of the 2025 season, the future of Halo esports remains uncertain—a factor that may influence FormaL’s decision. Regardless of his choice, FormaL’s impact on console esports is undeniable, with his achievements echoing through the halls of OpTic Gaming’s legacy.