fer Explains Why His CS2 Return With Gaimin Gladiators Is Only Temporary Ahead of IEM Cologne Major

Brazilian Counter-Strike legend Fernando 'fer' Alvarenga is making an unexpected return to top-tier CS2 competition with Gaimin Gladiators ahead of the IEM Cologne Major, but the veteran rifler says fans should not expect a full-time comeback.

In an interview with HLTV.org, fer revealed that he “can’t handle the player life nowadays,” explaining why he only committed to a short-term stint with the Brazilian squad for the Major cycle.

The former SK Gaming and MIBR star is set to play his first Counter-Strike Major since IEM Rio 2022 after replacing João 'felps' Vasconcellos in Gaimin Gladiators’ lineup.

fer says modern Counter-Strike schedule is too demanding

Speaking about his return, fer admitted that the current professional Counter-Strike environment no longer fits his lifestyle.

“I can’t handle the player life nowadays, so I told them I could practice for a month and play the Major.”

The 34-year-old explained that he agreed to temporarily join the roster because the timing worked, but he has no plans to fully return to the exhausting day-to-day grind of Tier 1 CS2.

The Brazilian veteran has been largely inactive in elite competition over the last few years, occasionally appearing in regional mixes and showmatches while streaming and focusing on personal projects.

Gaimin Gladiators complete one of CS2’s fastest rises

Gaimin Gladiators secured their place at the IEM Cologne Major after a rapid climb through Valve’s Regional Standings system earlier this year.

The roster went from outside the Top 100 in the VRS rankings to qualifying for one of Counter-Strike’s biggest tournaments after reaching the Circuit X Mayhem São Paulo grand final.

The organization later confirmed fer’s signing with a social media announcement referencing his legendary status in Brazilian Counter-Strike.

fer admits adaptation has been difficult

Although the signing generated excitement among Brazilian CS fans, fer acknowledged that the transition back into professional play has not been easy.

Gaimin Gladiators recently suffered early exits in online competition, including losses against Acend and Inner Circle at BC Game Masters Championship Season 2.

According to fer, the team had only around two weeks of practice before official matches began.

He also revealed that he is currently playing uncomfortable roles within the lineup because he joined as a replacement player late in the process.

Brazilian legend returns to Cologne

The storyline carries extra significance because Cologne was the site of one of fer’s greatest career achievements.

In 2016, fer won the ESL One Cologne Major with SK Gaming alongside legendary Brazilian teammates including Gabriel 'FalleN' Toledo and Marcelo 'coldzera' David.

That championship helped cement the Brazilian era in Counter-Strike history and established fer as one of the most aggressive riflers of the CS:GO era.

Now, nearly a decade later, he returns to Cologne under very different circumstances — as an experienced veteran helping a rising Brazilian roster on a short-term basis.

fer comments on felps replacement

fer also addressed the controversial removal of felps from the active lineup but avoided speculating on internal issues.

Instead, he praised felps individually and called him “a really good player,” while stating he did not know whether the organization’s decision was based on in-game results or matters outside the server.

Gaimin Gladiators never publicly disclosed the exact reason behind felps’ departure.

Gaimin Gladiators begin Major campaign on June 2

Gaimin Gladiators are expected to start their IEM Cologne Major run from Stage 1, with fer registered as part of the active lineup.

Their opening match is scheduled against BetBoom Team on June 2.

For Brazilian Counter-Strike fans, the event marks another opportunity to watch one of the country’s most iconic players compete on a Major stage — even if fer insists the comeback will only last a few weeks.