As I take a moment to look back on my gaming journey that’s spanned an incredible 20 years, filled with endless hours of Counter-Strike and more recently, VALORANT, it’s time for me – ANGE1 – to hang up my virtual gaming gear.
From the early days as a member of HellRaisers, to more recent triumphs with FPX, I’ve been fortunate enough to leave an indelible mark on the esports world. Let’s revisit some of my greatest moments and achievements along the way.
Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov has declared that he is retiring from his esports playing career, marking the end of an impressive 20-year chapter in which he won three esports titles. Originally known for his skills in Counter-Strike, ANGE1 gained prominence when he switched to VALORANT in 2020. ANGE1 has disclosed that he intends to embark on a new career as a coach specializing in VALORANT during the upcoming season.
Counter-Strike legacy player
Throughout his computer science career spanning from 2005 to 2020, ANGE1 participated in more than 150 competitions encompassing both Counter-Strike and CS:GO. Known as one of the most enduring IGLs from the CIS region, although not the most flamboyant player, his strategic acumen was acknowledged by his fellow players.
As a gamer, I’ll never forget my time as the In-Game Leader (IGL) of Hellraisers in CS:GO from 2014 to 2020. During those years, we consistently proved our worth, performing far beyond what was expected of us. But more than that, I played a significant role in nurturing and shaping the careers of numerous young talents.
One such talent is Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, whom I had the honor of introducing to the Hellraisers line-up when he was just 16 years old. Under my guidance, he found his first major platform to shine and grow into the extraordinary player he is today.
Switch to VALORANT and Early Success
After Riot Games launched VALORANT in 2020, ANGE1 made a move to try a different game. Competing for FunPlus Phoenix, his decision proved successful as the Ukrainian player claimed first place at VALORANT Masters Copenhagen 2022 and an impressive 4th position at VCT Champions 2022.
Despite transitioning to Natus Vincere at the end of 2022, ANGE1 failed to mirror his initial triumphs in VALORANT. Over the course of three years with Natus Vincere, the team experienced difficulty flourishing in the intensely competitive EU region. Now, ANGE1 has made the decision to retire from competition and focus on coaching instead.
ANGE1’s retirement announcement
20 years of playing games concludes. Following a brief hiatus, ANGE1 recognized that requiring such intense concentration and energy to compete at the top level is beyond him, as he mentioned in a tweet or on his X platform.
Over the past two years, I gave it my all, but unfortunately, my efforts didn’t match up with expectations. However, I remain confident in my vision for the game. Throughout this long and rewarding career, I have learned many valuable lessons. So let’s not dwell on the past; one chapter is closing, and another is opening. From next season onwards, I plan to take on a new challenge as a coach.
Following his post, a flood of acknowledgement and appreciation for his playing skills poured in from professional gamers specializing in both Counter-Strike and VALORANT.
Wishing you success in your upcoming adventure! It’s been a delight working with Jett, your teammate from Fnatic VALORANT,” said Boaster, their IGL. “Additionally, you’re destined for a perfect victory on the map Ascent.
ApEX, the in-game leader of Vitality CS2, congratulated you warmly on your successful career. He jokingly recalled some fierce battles they had in CS, and then mentioned a time when you played a beginner’s game, implying that perhaps you were struggling at the time. But he quickly added with a smile that it was all just a joke!”
I tried to maintain the casual, friendly tone of the original while making the language more accessible for a wider audience and adding some clarification to help readers understand the context.
ANGE1 major esports achievements
Career Highlights: Tournament Wins at a Glance
Over the span of two decades, ANGE1 has been a consistent competitor in games like Counter-Strike, CS:GO, and VALORANT. At the age of 35, this player has amassed a total earnings of $304,285 from EsportsEarnings.
| Year | Game Title | Tournament | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | VALORANT | Masters Copenhagen 2022 | 1st |
| 2022 | VALORANT | VCT Champions 2022 | 4th |
| 2016 | CS:GO | Copenhagen Games 2016 | 1st |
| 2016 | CS:GO | PGL European Minor Championship, Columbus | 1st |
| 2015 | CS:GO | Acer Predator Masters Season 1 Finals | 1st |
In a remarkable display of adaptability and resilience, ANGE1, who had already built an impressive 15-year career in Counter-Strike, managed to transition into the competitive world of VALORANT even at the age of 30, demonstrating his versatility and mental fortitude.
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2025-09-05 21:41