Nukkye, a standout player known for his time with Team Heretics, G2 Esports, and GIANTX, has officially announced his retirement from the VALORANT competitive scene. On January 4, the 26-year-old announced via his X (formerly Twitter) account that he is returning to Counter-Strike, the game he competed in before transitioning to VALORANT in 2020.
Following his departure from GIANTX in March 2024, Nukkye had been actively seeking opportunities as a free agent in VALORANT. However, his recent announcement revealed a shift in focus, as he now aims to join a CS2 team, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge back to the Counter-Strike ecosystem.
In his farewell post, Nukkye reflected on his four-year stint in VALORANT. "This period was an adventure, and I experienced many highs and some setbacks. I worked with different people and cultures, which helped me grow as a player and a person."
He emphasized the importance of team chemistry and alignment, saying, "I learned that for a team to succeed, everyone needs to pull in the same direction. Playing for Tier 1 teams like G2, Heretics, and GIANTX taught me the value of cohesion and shared vision within a roster."
Since stepping away from VALORANT, Nukkye has been preparing for his return to Counter-Strike. "I’ve been playing CS2 seriously for 3-4 months, watching Faceit matches and official demos. I’m confident in my current form and ready to contribute to a Tier 2 team or help build a new project as an IGL."
He expressed openness to different roles, stating, "I think I can contribute in a support/lurk position, but I am also open to IGL opportunities if the project aligns."
Nukkye’s esports career began in 2015 with Team Fortress before transitioning to CS:GO in 2016. He competed with notable European teams like HellRaisers and The Imperial, achieving victories at DreamHack Open Summer 2018 and Copenhagen Games 2018, and earning approximately $57,000 in prize money.
In 2020, he switched to VALORANT and quickly made his mark. Nukkye won First Strike EU with Team Heretics and achieved strong finishes at VCT Masters events with G2 Esports. His versatility was showcased by his ability to excel with multiple agents, including Raze, Sova, Jett, and Killjoy, achieving standout K/D ratios of 1.29, 1.20, and 1.33 with Raze, Sova, and Jett, respectively.
In 2022, Nukkye joined Giants Gaming (later rebranded as GIANTX) and helped secure the team’s spot at VALORANT Champions 2023 by winning the LCQ. However, after their run concluded, GIANTX announced the end of his contract in March 2024.
Having played 16 different agents in official matches, Nukkye leaves behind an impressive legacy in VALORANT. Now, as he returns to Counter-Strike, he hopes to leverage his experiences from VALORANT to make an impact in CS2.
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