It’s the end of an era in Counter-Strike as veteran pro player Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo announces his retirement.

FURIA‘s IGL will compete for the remainder of 2026 before ending his 20-year run. The retirement was announced on-stage at IEM Rio, with FalleN making an emotional speech in front of a massive crowd of fans.

“Nothing prepares you for what I’m about to say today,” the Professor said, translated by ESL. “I thought many nights and many mornings about what exactly to say. […] I decided at the end of 2026 I would do other things within Counter-Strike. I’m here to invite you all follow this journey with me of 247 more days. We still have a lot to do together.”

FalleN started competing back in 2005 on 1.6, eventually entering international tournaments. He then competed in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, reaching the main circuit. He became one of the most respected and IGLs of all time, making it to the playoffs of every major in his early career.

Later in his career, he continued to grind with MIBR and Team Liquid, refusing to give up despite mixed results. He joined FURIA in 2023, helping the team make it to the playoffs of two majors in 2025.

FalleN is often credited with shaping the meta of the game throughout the years and influencing the lives of his teammates and fans around the world. But this is actually why I believe his retirement is good for Counter-Strike.

FalleN’s speech was met with tons of emotion, with teammates and fans holding in tears throughout the stadium. It’s clear how much FalleN meant to the Counter-Strike scene after competing over 20 years, but I actually think this is a huge move for not just FalleN but the CS2 scene.

During his speech, FalleN said that he would still be in the Counter-Strike esports space, although he didn’t get into specifics. However, he hinted: “And then I’ll have the opportunity to do countless other things with you outside the servers, but with CS in my heart.

“I think we can do many other things to help other players. To also change their life through the game.”

It was sad seeing everyone feel as though they are losing a hero, an inspiration. And even sadder seeing FalleN say he will miss everyone before starting to cry. So it may sound harsh, but I’m glad he is retiring.

But that’s because I don’t think he’s leaving Counter-Strike. I feel like he is going to take on a behind-the-scenes role, one where he helps lift new players up. And this is something more esports scenes need.

Tier 2 and other smaller esports scenes are notoriously struggling. VALORANT even had to change its entire structure in hopes of not leaving Tier 2 behind any longer. Counter-Strike has notoriously been one of the few scenes where Tier 2 has some hope, since it doesn’t have a franchise structure. Teams aren’t locked in. Even newcomers can show up at Majors. However, how many Tier 2 teams have won a Major? Most are steamrolled once they get their chance to compete with the pros.

Having FalleN there to find flaws in the structure and mentor new players seems like a way to strengthen Tier 2 and give these players a chance against veterans of the scene with more support from their organizations.

There’s also a chance FalleN is hinting at a coaching role or something within a specific organization. If that’s the case, having his insight would be invaluable to that team. Whether it’s knowing how to pick new players and guide them to the top level or providing his insight on top-tier plays at tournaments, this would be such a valuable asset to the scene.

More valuable than FalleN competing.

That’s because we need more mentors in esports. I think of scenes like Super Smash Bros. Melee, where most players are over 30. They’ve been competing for decades. Rather than focus solely on competing, top players like Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma will host online tournaments, fund locals, fly new players out to tournaments, and coach people online.

Other games don’t have this much support from veteran players. It exists more in sillos. If we could make more room for these promising newcomers while also giving veterans roles that help the scene grow, that’s a win-win.

I hope FalleN sticks around to truly become the Professor.