Veteran Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professional Mathieu “Maniac” Quiquerez has announced his retirement from the competitive scene.
Confirming his decision via Twitter yesterday, Maniac announced that he will be departing his current team, LDLC, and calling time on his six year CS:GO career.
Maniac said:
“Today I close a chapter of my life by officially retiring as a CS:GO professional player.
This has been a very emotional and well thought decision but I feel at peace with it now.”
The Swiss star took the opportunity to thank his organisation, teammates and fans.
“Thanks to CS, I have met extraordinary people. Would it be as a player, as an analyst or as a coach. I’ve come across people who have inspired me to be a better person each and every day.”
“Some of these people I am glad to consider my friends, maybe even my family.”
“To those I leave behind, I hope you enjoy the ride just as much as I did. I hope you make the most out of what I would describe as a once in a lifetime experience.”
The full statement can be viewed on TwitLonger here.
It is unclear what Maniac plans to do following his retirement. The player holds a master’s degree in Work Psychology.
Maniac CS:GO career
His decision comes after six years in the professional scene, in which he reached the pinnacle of CS:GO esports.
Maniac started his career with Team eXtensive! in 2012 and joined LDLC the following year.
Despite leaving to play for multiple other teams, he returned to LDLC on two more occasions, including a final time in 2017.
His best year came in 2014 when he reached the quarterfinals and semifinals of two consecutive Valve majors with LDLC. He then joined their domestic rivals Titan, who at the time were challenging Ninjas in Pyjamas for the title of world’s best CS:GO team.
Maniac won DreamHack Stockholm in that same year, which remains his final career victory.
The player has since spent time working as a coach and analyst.