chopper has retired from professional Counter-Strike after more than ten years of competition. The 29-year-old has confirmed that he does not plan to return as a player.
Team Spirit moved him to the bench at the end of 2025, and magixx later took over the team's in-game leadership duties.
From Vega Squadron to a Major title
Vega Squadron and Team Spirit accounted for most of chopper's professional career. His early breakthrough came with Vega, whose 16-2 victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas on Cache during qualification for the ELEAGUE Major 2017 brought international attention to the roster.
chopper's biggest wins in the tactical shooter came with Spirit, which he joined in 2019. He developed into the team's long-term in-game leader and won championships including:
- Perfect World Shanghai Major
- IEM Katowice 2024
- IEM Cologne 2025
His career included 40 major LAN tournaments, with 11 Major appearances. His leadership also earned him a place on the IGL of the Year shortlist in 2024.
Spirit's farewell and what comes next
In his farewell, chopper thanked Certus for trusting him with the in-game leader role. He also singled out hally, crediting their work together as part of his development into a captain who could win the biggest tournaments.
Spirit marked his retirement with a tribute video combining pre-match speeches, jokes, victory celebrations, and tournament highlights. It also revisited his interactions with the roster's younger players.
chopper thanked fans for supporting the team through both championship wins and disappointing results. He had already begun streaming and working as a community caster after stepping away from the professional schedule, and plans to remain involved in Counter-Strike while continuing to work with his audience.
