Iconic CS Veteran Edward Bids Farewell to Professional Play

The Ukrainian eSports legend closes an epic chapter of over two decades, hinting at a potential coaching future.

In a turn that marks the end of an era, Ukrainian CS veteran Ioann “⁠Edward⁠” Sukhariev has announced his retirement from professional Counter-Strike. His illustrious career, spanning over twenty years, has been a beacon of excellence and resilience in the eSports world.

Edward’s journey in professional Counter-Strike is one for the history books.

Dominating the servers since the days of CS 1.6, he has been a top player, earning the prestigious title of a Top 20 player in the world by HLTV three times, peaking in 2010 at No. 5. His mastery in CS 1.6 transitioned seamlessly into the world of CS:GO, where he continued to make his mark.

The Ukrainian rifler’s early years were spent in the competitive circuits of Russia and Ukraine with pro100. Alongside Danylo “⁠Zeus⁠” Teslenko, Edward made his first notable international appearances at World Cyber Games in 2005 and 2006. His rise to prominence began in 2007 with Virtus.pro, marking the start of a journey filled with triumphs and legendary gameplay.

Edward, reuniting with Zeus in Natus Vincere, propelled the team to unprecedented heights.

They dominated the eSports landscape, clinching victories at the IEM IV World Championship, ESWC, and WCG – all in a single year. Edward’s prowess with the USP pistol ace on Tuscan at the Arbalet Cup in Dallas remains etched in the annals of CS history.
Despite a few struggles in CS 1.6’s later years and the initial phase of CS:GO, Edward’s contribution to Natus Vincere remained pivotal. He played a crucial role in leading the team to the playoffs in almost every major and numerous big event victories, including ESL One Cologne 2018 and ESL One New York 2016.

However, the winds of change began to blow in 2019 when Edward was replaced by Kirill “⁠Boombl4⁠” Mikhailov on Natus Vincere. His subsequent years were spent playing for mixed rosters and lower-tier teams, most recently for ESC.

As he steps away from the competitive scene to welcome the birth of his first child, Edward remains close to the game that defined his career. In a statement to HLTV, he expressed his undying love for Counter-Strike and his intention to remain connected to the community, possibly hinting at a future in coaching.

“CS will always have a big place in my heart,” the 36-year-old veteran said, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who have watched him play over the years.

Edward’s legacy as a player may be coming to an end, but his impact on the world of eSports will continue to inspire future generations.

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