Popular streamer Kyedae Shymko and former professional VALORANT player Tyson “TenZ” Ngo have confirmed the end of their six-year relationship in a heartfelt statement shared on social media. The announcement, posted to Kyedae’s X account on Feb. 7, revealed that the couple had actually separated some time ago but only recently felt ready to share the news publicly.
Why did Kyedae and TenZ break up?
In her announcement, Kyedae explained that the decision came after both realized they had “stopped growing as individuals.” The couple, who began dating at age 17 and moved in together just weeks after meeting, had spent their entire adult lives intertwined. “For most of our relationship, we did everything together. Work—together. Hobbies and interests—together. Pretty much everything—together,” Kyedae wrote. She added that their six years together “felt like at least thirty,” showing how deeply connected their lives had become.
The Kyedae TenZ breakup stems from a need for personal growth rather than any conflict. “We know the internet often looks for ‘the tea’ but the truth is simple—we grew apart,” Kyedae clarified. “There was no wrongdoing, no resentment, and no single event that caused this.” Both emphasized that they still care deeply for each other and want the best for one another, expressing gratitude for the time and experiences they shared.
The announcement confirms speculation that had been circulating among some fans after both removed couple photos from their social media accounts and were spotted on stream without their engagement rings. TenZ and Kyedae got engaged in late 2021 or early 2022, with TenZ publicly announcing the engagement in Aug. 2022, revealing they had kept it secret for eight months.
The couple’s journey through challenges
Kyedae and TenZ’s relationship had become one of esports’ most beloved partnerships, particularly as they supported each other through significant challenges. In 2023, Kyedae was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent chemotherapy, with TenZ standing by her side throughout her treatment. Their openness about the journey earned widespread admiration from the gaming community.
Despite the emotional weight of the announcement, both showed their characteristic humor. In responses to their 2022 engagement post, TenZ commented “Literally did not age well” with skull emojis, while Kyedae posted a lighthearted photo of TenZ showing that the two had worked on the announcement together. Both Kyedae, who quit streaming indefinitely in early 2025, and TenZ, who retired from professional play after leaving Sentinels in 2024 and has since organized the VALORANT Community Awards, requested privacy as they navigate this transition.
