apEX Plans to Retire Before 38 as Vitality Star Opens Up About CS2 Future

apEX reveals retirement timeline in CS2

Dan Madesclaire, better known as apEX, has confirmed he does not plan to play professional Counter-Strike into his late 30s.

Speaking on stream, the Team Vitality captain stated:

“I will finish my playing career before 38. That is certain, 100 percent.”

At 33 years old, apEX remains one of the oldest active tier-one players in Counter-Strike 2, but also one of the most successful in the game’s history.

Vitality leader still focused on winning titles

Despite discussing retirement, apEX has made it clear that stepping away is not happening anytime soon.

He is currently renegotiating his contract with Vitality and has indicated he could continue playing for several more years:

“We’re on the right path to do a few more years. But how many, I don’t know.”

This aligns with Vitality’s dominant form in 2025–2026, where the team has continued to collect trophies and maintain one of the strongest eras in modern CS2.

Legacy goals: Majors, Katowice, and Cologne

apEX has repeatedly emphasized that his career is far from complete. Among his biggest goals before retirement:

Winning another Major title

Securing trophies at Katowice or Cologne

Building one of the greatest eras in Counter-Strike history

He previously stated:

“My dream is to win at least one Katowice or Cologne and one more Major before I retire.”

With multiple Major titles already under his belt, apEX is now chasing legacy-defining achievements rather than just adding trophies.

Not interested in coaching or streaming

Unlike many retired pros, apEX does not currently see himself staying deeply involved in esports after stepping down.

He explained that the demanding lifestyle of professional Counter-Strike—especially constant travel—makes coaching unlikely:

“I’m not sure I’m going to be a coach because of that, if that’s the same lifestyle.”

He also suggested he is not planning a transition into full-time streaming, hinting at a potential break from the scene entirely.

Vitality’s dominance fuels extended career

Team Vitality’s continued success is a major factor in apEX’s willingness to keep playing.

The team has:

Maintained long win streaks in 2026

Secured multiple tier-one trophies

Established itself as a contender for the greatest CS roster of all time

apEX himself confirmed the team’s ambition:

“The main goal is to be the best team of all time.”

Rivals have also acknowledged Vitality’s level. Aleksi Virolainen noted after a recent loss:

“We’re still one step behind Vitality. Maybe even two.”

What’s next for apEX?

While retirement is now clearly on the horizon, apEX remains fully committed to competing at the highest level in CS2.

With contract talks ongoing and Vitality still dominating, the veteran in-game leader is entering the final chapter of his career—but not the end just yet.

If anything, his recent statements suggest one thing:

apEX isn’t winding down — he’s aiming to finish at the top.