Counter-Strike: Global Offensive legend and Natus Vincere captain Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko will retire after BLAST Pro Series Moscow.
The announcement came just one day after the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major in which Na’Vi was defeated in the quarterfinals by NRG Esports in a 2-0 sweep.
Zeus has been a member of the Na’Vi organization for 9 years and has been competing in various versions of Counter-Strike for 20 years. As a member of the Gambit Esports roster he won the PGL Kraków Major in 2017.
He suggests in a statement that it is time to give way to the stars of the future, especially with his not having made it to the finals of the Berlin Major, and also hints at what his plans are going forward.
“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,” Zeus said. “This is not an end, but a start of a new path. I want to develop esports in CIS, build a pro academy, engage with the young. I have lots of ideas.”
Natus Vincere CEO Yevhen Zolotarov thanked Zeus for his contributions to Na’Vi and for being a leader both in the game and outside of it.
“Thanks for the leadership, for the trophies, for the loyalty, for the mentoring, for the will, for the positive vibes, for the humor, and of course, for the efforts to make the club succeed,” Zolotarov said. “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.”
Zeus will compete with Na’Vi one final time at BLAST Pro Series Moscow, which takes place between September 10 and 13. In what will surely be an emotional time for him, he will want to end his career with a fin performance and, potentially, with a win.
