Former Astralis, FaZe Clan player Kjaerbye retires from CSGO

Fariha Bhatti Published 30/06/2021

Danish Counter-Strike: Global Offensive pro player Markus “⁠Kjaerbye⁠“ Kjærbyehas announced his retirement from the game, citing a lack of “hunger to compete” as the primary reason.

He announced the news suddenly on Twitter:

Thank you CS ???? for all the opportunities & memories you have given me! pic.twitter.com/nFdpT4LqMp
— KJAERBYE (@KjaerbyeCS) June 30, 2021

Kjaerbye is a familiar face for CSGO esports fans with Kjaerbye’s heyday coming as he helped establish Astralis as the world’s best Counter-Strike team. Kjaerbye played a crucial role in Astralis’s ELEAGUE Major win in Atlanta, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this milestone. However, the player quickly moved on to a newer Danish squad, North, an affiliate of F.C. Copenhagen. He spent two years with the team before moving to FaZe Clan.

Unfortunately, FaZe Clan saw a major dip in its performance with Kjaerbye on its roster. As a result, the team made several changes and tweaks to its starting lineup, bolstering the firepower with Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken and acquiring a new in-game leader in Finn “karrigan” Andersen. Among these switches and swaps, Kjaebye was benched, something he was openly frustrated with.

Benched from @FaZeClan – Feels disappointing right now, not gonna lie. I came into my first international team, with big dreams and high hopes, but sadly never really found the synergy and consistency. I respect their decision, and wish the guys best of luck in the future 1/2
— KJAERBYE (@KjaerbyeCS) January 30, 2021

Kjaerbye retires, move to Valorant uncertain

Kjaerbye’s retirement comes at just 23 years old. The professional player has stated that he no longer feels the “hunger” to compete at a high level.

“The time has come for me to say goodbye to gaming as a professional counter-strike player. It is with a heavy heart I am writing this, but as of right now I have no longer the hunger and the determination it requires to compete on top level,” Kjaerbye said in his statement.

His tweet comes a day after CSGO veteran Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt confirmed his own move to Valorant. Kjaerbye didn’t mention a move to Valorant, but dozens of CSGO pro who found themselves in a career limbo have moved on to Valorant and there’s certainly a chance that Kjaerbye could do the same.

Even if this isn’t the case, retirements in esports are very often short-lived and fans shouldn’t start eulogizing the Dane quite yet. Kjaerbye didn’t entirely close the door on esports, but noted he won’t compete for any team. Instead, the pro player may explore different options and occupations that he may excel at in esports and streaming is another distinct possibility.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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