gla1ve Retires From Pro Counter-Strike, Sets Sights on Coaching

Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, one of Counter-Strike’s most decorated in-game leaders, has officially retired from professional play and announced his intention to transition into a coaching role in CS2.

The 30-year-old Dane shared the news on X, calling his 15-year career “a ride” and stating he now aims to make a bigger impact behind the team rather than on the server. His decision comes five months after being benched by ENCE in July 2025 during a roster reshuffle.

A Legendary Career Comes to an End

gla1ve leaves competition as:

• 4× CS:GO Major champion with Astralis

• Intel Grand Slam Season 1 winner

• IEM Beijing 2019 MVP, a rare IGL MVP

• An architect of Astralis’ 2018–2019 era, widely considered the greatest CS dynasty

Under gla1ve and coach zonic, Astralis won 16 titles during their peak and revolutionized modern tactical Counter-Strike.

Why He’s Moving Into Coaching

In a follow-up HLTV interview, gla1ve said he believes he has “something extraordinary to offer as a coach,” citing his tactical experience, mid-round calling structure, and focus on player well-being — shaped in part by his own burnout period in 2020.

He also stated he hopes to move directly into a head coach position, rather than taking assistant roles.

Recent Context: From Astralis to ENCE

After being benched by Astralis in 2023, gla1ve joined ENCE to replace Snappi as IGL. The lineup earned a title at Elisa Masters Espoo, but instability in early CS2 saw ENCE bring in rigoN and place gla1ve on the bench.

Community Reaction & Legacy

Players, analysts, and outlets have labeled this the end of an era. Many continue to rank gla1ve alongside karrigan as one of the greatest IGLs in Counter-Strike history, with his approach influencing modern calling across CS2.

Astralis marked the moment with highlight tributes celebrating their former captain’s tactical brilliance and leadership.

What’s Next

gla1ve is now open to coaching offers and says he intends to remain fully committed to CS2. With multiple teams seeking experienced leadership in the new game, his next move may come sooner rather than later.