hAdji retires from professional Counter-Strike after decade-long career

hAdji retires from professional Counter-Strike after decade-long career

Ali "hAdji" Haïnouss has announced his retirement from professional Counter-Strike, ending a playing career that began in 2015.

The 30-year-old does not intend to leave the game entirely and is open to moving into a staff position.

Career spanning Envy , 3DMAX , LDLC and Falcons

hAdji first gained wider recognition through Envy 's academy system before being promoted to the organization's main roster in February 2018.

He later represented several notable teams, including 3DMAX , LDLC , Falcons and Monte .

One of his strongest LAN finishes came with Envy at CAC 2018, where the team finished 3rd-4th.

After leaving 3DMAX in March 2024, hAdji had two separate spells with Monte and later competed with DRILLAS .

illwill became latest project

In October 2025, hAdji joined Volodymyr "Woro2k" Veletniuk in launching the organization-less illwill project.

The lineup attempted to climb through the Valve Regional Standings without organizational backing.

His final notable appearance as a player came in July, when he represented Morocco alongside ScreaM and Nivera during the Esports Nations Cup open qualifier.

The team won the qualifier.

hAdji open to staff role

Although his playing career is over, hAdji made clear that he still wants to remain involved in Counter-Strike.

He said his motivation for competition has not disappeared and that he is willing to bring his experience and work ethic into a coaching or staff position.

The announcement closes more than a decade of professional play while potentially opening the next stage of his career behind the scenes.