chopper announces retirement after Major-winning Counter-Strike career

chopper announces retirement after Major-winning Counter-Strike career

Former Team Spirit captain Leonid “ chopper ” Vishnyakov has confirmed his retirement as a professional player, ending a competitive career spanning more than ten years.

The 29-year-old told HLTV that he will not return to active competition after spending most of his career with Vega Squadron and Spirit .

A career built across two organisations

chopper first attracted international attention with Vega Squadron , including its 16–2 Victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas on Cache at the ELEAGUE Major 2017 Main Qualifier. That defeat ended the iconic NIP core’s uninterrupted run of Major appearances.

He joined Spirit in 2019 and went on to win nine trophies with the organisation. His achievements included the Perfect world Shanghai Major, IEM Katowice 2024 and IEM Cologne 2025.

Across his career, he attended 40 notable lan events, including 11 Majors.

Streaming continues after competitive retirement

Since being benched by Spirit at the end of 2025, chopper has developed other projects through streaming and community broadcasting.

In his retirement statement, he thanked former teammates, coaches, organisational staff and supporters, highlighting the role Vega Squadron played in launching his career and Spirit ’s contribution to his development as a captain .