MAJ3R Steps Down From AURORA as Veteran IGL Takes a Break From Competitive Counter-Strike

AURORA’s rebuilding process continues with another significant change. Veteran in-game leader Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli has officially stepped down from the team’s active Counter-Strike roster, with the organization confirming that he is taking a break from professional competition.

The announcement comes only days after AURORA also parted ways with long-time head coach Fabre, marking another major shift for one of the most recognizable Turkish lineups in CS2. According to HLTV, MAJ3R’s departure is part of the organization’s ongoing restructuring following the conclusion of the IEM Cologne Major 2026.

 

Quick Summary

Item	Details
Player	MAJ3R (Engin Küpeli)
Team	AURORA
Status	Stepped down from active roster
Reason	Taking a break from professional Counter-Strike
Official	Yes
Date	July 2026
Replacement	TBD

 

What Happened?

AURORA officially announced that MAJ3R is no longer part of its active Counter-Strike lineup.

Rather than being transferred or benched in favor of another player, the veteran captain is stepping away from competition to take a break from professional play. Neither AURORA nor MAJ3R announced a timetable for a possible return.

The move follows another major organizational decision made only days earlier, when AURORA confirmed the departure of long-time coach Fabre after nearly four years with the team.

Together, the two departures represent the biggest structural changes for AURORA since the organization acquired the former Eternal Fire roster earlier in 2026. 

 

Background and Context

MAJ3R has been one of the defining figures of Turkish Counter-Strike for nearly a decade.

Known primarily as an experienced in-game leader, he helped build multiple successful Turkish projects before becoming the captain of Eternal Fire. When AURORA acquired the Eternal Fire roster in April 2026, MAJ3R remained the team’s leader and continued guiding the lineup through international competition. 

During the first half of 2026, AURORA consistently qualified for major international events and reached multiple playoff appearances, including a deep run at the IEM Cologne Major.

However, following the Major, the organization began reshaping both its coaching staff and roster, suggesting a new competitive direction heading into the second half of the season. 

 

Why This Matters

Losing an in-game leader affects far more than replacing one player.

MAJ3R has long served as:

• Primary in-game leader (IGL)
• Tactical coordinator
• Veteran voice during high-pressure matches
• One of the team’s most experienced international players

Replacing those responsibilities often requires either promoting another player into leadership or recruiting a specialist IGL.

Because no replacement has been announced, AURORA still faces several unanswered questions regarding leadership heading into upcoming tournaments.

 

Timeline

Date	Event
April 2026	AURORA acquires the former Eternal Fire roster
June 2026	Team competes at the IEM Cologne Major
June 29, 2026	Coach Fabre departs AURORA
July 2026	MAJ3R steps down from the active roster

 

Key Details

Category	Information
Player	Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli
Role	In-game leader (IGL)
Team	AURORA
Status	Inactive / Taking a break
Official announcement	Yes
Successor	TBD
Return date	Not announced

 

Tactical Impact

MAJ3R’s departure leaves one of the biggest leadership gaps among top European teams.

As the team’s in-game leader, he was responsible for:

• Mid-round calling
• Tactical preparation
• Managing pace during matches
• Veteran leadership on stage

Without an announced replacement, AURORA may need to adjust its leadership structure before returning to top-tier competition.

Whether the organization promotes an internal player or signs a new IGL remains unknown.

 

What Changes Now?

Several aspects of AURORA remain unresolved:

• The active five-player roster has not yet been finalized.
• No new captain has been announced.
• No replacement for MAJ3R has been confirmed.
• The coaching structure also remains in transition following Fabre’s departure.

For now, these positions should be considered TBD until officially confirmed by the organization.

 

What to Watch Next

The coming weeks will likely determine AURORA’s long-term direction.

Key storylines include:

• Announcement of MAJ3R’s replacement.
• Confirmation of the team’s next in-game leader.
• Potential coaching appointment following Fabre’s exit.
• The organization’s roster plans for upcoming international tournaments.

 

Related Teams, Players and Events

Teams

• AURORA
• Eternal Fire (former roster)

Players

• MAJ3R
• XANTARES
• woxic
• Wicadia
• soulfly

Recent Event

• IEM Cologne Major 2026

 

FAQ

Why did MAJ3R leave AURORA?

According to the official announcement, MAJ3R stepped down from the active roster to take a break from professional Counter-Strike.

Has AURORA announced a replacement?

No. At the time of writing, no replacement has been officially confirmed.

Is MAJ3R retiring?

No retirement has been announced. The organization stated that he is taking a break from competition.

Does this mean AURORA is rebuilding?

The recent departures of both Fabre and MAJ3R indicate that the organization is undergoing a significant restructuring, although its full plans have not yet been revealed.