Diana Zhang, known by her in-game alias sonder, has declared her intention to retire from competitive VALORANT, with the upcoming Red Bull Instalock 2025 serving as her final tournament appearance. The Chinese American duelist, currently competing for FlyQuest RED, has decided to step away from professional esports to pursue other personal goals.
On social media, Zhang expressed gratitude to everyone she’s met throughout her career. She thanked fans for their support, love, and encouragement during both successful and challenging periods. Zhang emphasized that she hopes to have demonstrated the importance of enjoying the experience regardless of circumstances. She added that rather than feeling sad about ending her competitive career, she’s grateful for the journey. Despite leaving professional competition, Zhang confirmed she will continue streaming on her Twitch channel.
A Distinguished Career in Game Changers
Zhang’s professional journey in VCT Game Changers began in 2021 with Moon Raccoons Black. She quickly gained recognition for her skills and was soon recruited by Shopify Rebellion GC. Her tenure with Shopify Rebellion proved significant, lasting over two years during which she helped the team achieve runner-up status at the 2022 Game Changers Championship.
In January 2024, Zhang joined FlyQuest RED and has remained with the organization for more than a year before announcing her departure from esports earlier this week. FlyQuest RED acknowledged her contributions in a statement, thanking her for her time with RED and Game Changers while recognizing her remarkable impact on both the team and the broader competitive scene.
Zhang will make her final competitive appearance on May 2nd and 3rd at the Red Bull Instalock event, hosted at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in London. Fans can watch the tournament live via Red Bull Gaming’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.
Zhang isn’t the only notable VALORANT player recently stepping back from competition. Ava Eugene, known as florescent, who transitioned to VCT after signing with EMEA organization Apeks, has also announced a temporary break from the remainder of the 2025 season to rest and recharge.