Professional Counter-Strike player GuardiaN announces his retirement

Counter-Strike 2 ^[1] has an extremely bustling competitive scene, with fans worldwide joining together to watch their favorite players duke it out to see who’s the best. However, only some players and teams are able to achieve the level of success that ensures most fans know their name, and GuardiaN is one of those said players.

After a long and successful run, the professional player heralded as one of the best snipers has decided to retire from professional play. We’re here to go through everything to know about his retirement, including why it’s happening and what fans can expect to see whenever they search his name to research on his legacy.

So, without any more delay, here’s everything to know about the professional CS2 player GuardiaN’s retirement.

GuardiaN retired after almost two decades in Counter-Strike

Slovakian esports legend Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács has officially retired from professional Counter-Strike. The 33-year-old sniper, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the game’s history, ends his career after nearly 20 years. GuardiaN leaves a legacy that includes 14 Major appearances, 12 S-tier LAN titles, and eight event MVP awards. His impact on the scene is undeniable despite not winning a CS:GO Major.

Burnout and new beginnings

During an interview, GuardiaN said that burnout and a lack of motivation were key reasons for his decision. “When you spend half of your life competing in tournaments and flying around the world, you kind of get burned out,“ he said. The veteran player also acknowledged the challenges of aging in a competitive environment, saying, “I’m not the youngest one anymore. It was time to focus on something else in life.“ GuardiaN reveals he’s interested in exploring new ventures like streaming and business opportunities.

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GuardiaN’s legacy

GuardiaN’s career was defined by his consistency and clutches. He spent over five years with Natus Vincere across two stints and came closest to winning a Major with FaZe Clan at the 2018 ELEAGUE Major. High highlight reel includes iconic moments like his 1v5 against Fnatic at IEM Katowice 2018, which he described as his favorite play.

Even though he doesn’t have a Major trophy, GuardiaN emphasized that he’s had a fulfilling career.

“I’ve been to Majors, I’ve been to finals, I’ve won tournaments, I’ve had amazing teammates... I’ve done it all,“ he reflected.

GuardiaN leaves a message for aspiring players: “No matter how far you have to go, you should never give up.“ Hailing from Slovakia, he proved that talent and determination can overcome geographical barriers and has become an inspiration to numerous players. 

References

1. [1] "official CS2 page". www.counter-strike.net. Retrieved March 05, 2025