Zeus announces retirement from competitive Counter-Strike

Cover Image Courtesy: Na'Vi | Thumbnail Image Courtesy: DMarket

Following the conclusion of StarLadder Berlin Major 2019, Danylo ‘Zeus’ Teslenko has announced his retirement from competitive Counter-Strike. One of Na’Vi’s longest-serving member, Zeus, will be seen in action for one final time in the upcoming BLAST Pro Series: Moscow 2019.

A true Counter-Strike legend whose career started seventeen years back in 2002 has seen the best of both 1.6 and Global Offensive. Now at the age of 31, the CIS star has decided to hang his boots.

In his lucrative career, Zues has won more than 50 competitive tier-one events including the PGL Major Krakow 2017, while playing for Gambit. He is also the only player in the current Na’Vi roster to have been a part of all Valve Majors that have taken place yet.

Zues had a few words to say about his departure,

“It was a tough decision — I have been thinking about it for a while. There were rumours I could leave after BLAST, but I believed our new roster could win a Major, or make it into the finals at least. But we lost early on, and I realize I need to give way to the youth. It’s rough, honestly: I have devoted 20 years of my life to Counter-Strike, and it’s about time to wrap it up. I want to thank everyone who was with me all this time, cheered for me and believed in me.“

Regarding his future, Zues went on to state that he doesn’t want to start coaching yet but may look into it in the future. Right now he is more interested in the growth of esports in CIS and that is what he would be focussing on.

“Hugs and kisses to all. Thanks for all the support throughout 20 years. It’s pleasing to read the supporting comments: you do indeed warm my heart in this hard moment!”

The CEO of Natus Vincere, Yevhen Zolotarov, had a few things to say,

“Thanks for the leadership, for the trophies, for loyalty, for mentoring, for the will, for the positive vibes, for the humour, and of course, for the efforts to make the club succeed. I know for sure you wanted to end our path together with a Major victory, but that would not change your status — you’re our captain, the legend and an inalienable part of our history. I am sure our fans will show it all at your last tournament as a player. Thanks for everything, Danya.”

Following the departure of Zeus, Na’vi will have a two-week break before playing at DreamHack Masters Malmo. Their roster will look as follows without Zeus,

• Egor ‘flamie’ Vasilyev

• Aleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyliev

• Denis ‘electronic’ Sharipov

• Kirill ‘Boombl4’ Mikhailov

• Mikhaylo ‘Kane’ Blagin [Coach]