chopper Opens Up After Leaving Team Spirit: “I’m Learning How to Live Again”

chopper Opens Up After Leaving Team Spirit: “I’m Learning How to Live Again”

Former Team Spirit CS2 captain Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov has spoken candidly about his life after leaving the organization, revealing how deeply the club shaped not only his career, but also his everyday routine. After spending around six years in Spirit, chopper says he is now adapting to a completely new reality outside of a top-tier esports structure.

chopper on Team Spirit: No Grudges, Only Gratitude

In a recent interview, chopper emphasized that his departure was not driven by conflict or resentment. According to the veteran in-game leader, the decision was a natural consequence of competitive esports and his own struggles with form and motivation.

“Why would I be offended? I’ve already won a lot with the guys. At that moment I really had problems with my game and with motivation,” chopper explained.

He repeatedly underlined that Team Spirit provided him with everything needed to focus exclusively on Counter-Strike.

“Spirit basically built my whole life. For six years I was just living and playing CS. Visas, devices, doctors—everything was done for me. Now I’m learning how to live again.”

Life After Spirit: A Reality Check

Leaving the organization forced chopper to take responsibility for things he hadn’t dealt with personally for years. From paperwork to logistics, the former captain admits the transition has been challenging but necessary.

“I ended up in a world where you need to do things yourself. It’s a completely different experience,” he said.

Despite the difficulties, chopper views this phase as personal growth rather than a setback.

What’s Next for chopper?

Following his exit, chopper stated that he does not plan to return to professional CS2 for at least six months, regardless of potential offers. He has since appeared as a community caster and analyst, staying connected to the scene without competing.

“In the next six months, even if Team Vitality invite me, I’m not going anywhere. It’s not the time,” chopper said during a stream.

He also noted that after this break, he may reassess his future and consider offers if the timing feels right.

Team Spirit Roster Changes and Leadership Shift

Alongside chopper, Ivan “zweih” Gogin also left the active roster. After the changes, Boris “magixx” Vorobyev took over as Team Spirit’s new captain. The move marked the end of an era for Spirit, where chopper had long been seen as the voice and leader of the team.

In his farewell messages, chopper thanked the organization’s staff and head coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev, while also sharing words of support for young star Danil “donk” Kryshkovets.

“Keep going, never give up, and trust the people around you,” chopper said when addressing donk.

chopper’s Legacy in CS2

Over the years, chopper consistently credited Team Spirit’s support system—coaches, analysts, psychologists, and management—for the team’s success. His recent statements reinforce a broader point about modern esports: elite performance is built not only on individual skill, but also on organizational structure.

Final Take

Rating: 8/10 — High-impact CS2 storyline.
A long-time captain stepping away after years with one organization is always significant. chopper’s honest reflection adds rare insight into life inside—and after—top-tier esports, making his story one of the most discussed narratives in the current CS2 scene.