Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen is a Finnish professional Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) player known for his strategic leadership and ability to manage in-game situations effectively. With a career spanning multiple top-tier teams, Aleksib has established himself as one of the most prominent in-game leaders (IGLs) in the Counter-Strike esports scene. His tactical awareness and ability to adapt to different rosters have earned him recognition among analysts and fellow players alike. This article provides an in-depth look at Aleksib’s career, including his team history, notable achievements, and impact on competitive Counter-Strike.

Early Life and Introduction to Competitive Counter-Strike

Born on March 30, 1997, in Finland, Aleksib developed a passion for gaming at an early age. He was drawn to the competitive aspect of first-person shooter (FPS) games, with Counter-Strike quickly becoming his main focus. As esports in Finland continued to grow, Aleksib honed his skills in local tournaments and online competitions, building a reputation as a promising competitor.

By his late teens, Aleksib had started competing on semi-professional teams, gradually making a name for himself as a smart and tactical player. His transition from a promising young talent to a full-fledged professional player was marked by his early stints with Finnish teams, setting the stage for what would become a highly successful career in Counter-Strike.

Professional Career – Teams and Key Moments

Recursive (2015-2016)

Aleksib’s first notable professional experience came with Recursive in late 2015. Although not a widely recognized team globally, Recursive provided him with the platform to compete at a higher level and gain valuable competitive experience.

ENCE (2016-2017, 2018-2019)

One of the most defining phases of Aleksib’s career came with ENCE, the Finnish organization with which he achieved international recognition. He joined the team in August 2016, though his initial stint was short-lived. After a brief departure, he returned in 2018, marking the beginning of one of ENCE’s most successful periods.

The highlight of Aleksib’s tenure at ENCE came at IEM Katowice 2019, where he led the team to a surprise second-place finish. ENCE’s underdog run saw them defeat world-class opponents, displaying disciplined strategies and exceptional team cohesion under Aleksib’s leadership.

Despite this success, Aleksib was unexpectedly removed from ENCE in late 2019, a decision that surprised both fans and analysts. His departure marked the end of an era for the Finnish roster.

HAVU Gaming (2017-2018)

Between his two stints with ENCE, Aleksib competed for HAVU Gaming. While HAVU did not achieve the same level of international success, this period allowed him to refine his leadership skills and prepare for a return to tier-one Counter-Strike competition.

OG (2019-2022)

Following his departure from ENCE, Aleksib joined OG in late 2019 as the foundation of the organization’s new CS division. OG was a new entrant into competitive Counter-Strike, and Aleksib was tasked with building a roster capable of competing at the highest levels.

Although OG showed promise, achieving respectable finishes at tournaments such as Europe Regional Major Rankings 2020 and BLAST Premier 2021, they struggled to secure big titles. Aleksib’s tenure demonstrated his ability to create and lead structured teams, but the lack of championships led to his eventual departure in early 2022.

G2 Esports (2022)

Aleksib’s next challenge came with G2 Esports, one of the most prominent organizations in the CS scene. Expectations were high, with G2 looking for a leader who could finally push them to consistent success.

During his time with G2, Aleksib led the team to a second-place finish at IEM Katowice 2022. However, mixed results throughout the year led to his removal in September 2022 as the organization sought roster changes.

Ninjas in Pyjamas (2022-2023)

Aleksib then moved to Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), another historic Counter-Strike organization. His time with NiP saw some promising performances, including reaching the Legends Stage of the IEM Rio Major 2022 and the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023.

However, as with his previous teams, results remained inconsistent, leading to another roster shift.

Natus Vincere (2023-Present)

In June 2023, Aleksib joined Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), a move that had significant implications for his career. Na’Vi had been a dominant force in Counter-Strike history, and Aleksib was expected to bring structural improvements to the team.

His leadership proved instrumental in Na’Vi’s victory at the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024, marking his first Major championship win. This achievement solidified his status as a top-tier in-game leader.

Playing Style – A Tactical Leader

Aleksib is widely regarded for his methodical approach to the game. As an in-game leader, he prioritizes structured gameplay, relying on well-coordinated executions, mid-round adaptations, and effective utility usage. Unlike more aggressive shot-callers, Aleksib’s playstyle revolves around disciplined, calculated decision-making.

Notable Tournament Results

• 🏆 PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 – $500,000
• 🏆 Esports World Cup 2024 – $400,000
• 🥈 Flashpoint Season 2 – $250,000
• 🥈 Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 – $180,000
• 🥈 Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Katowice – $180,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 20 – $170,000
• 🥈 Intel Extreme Masters XIII – Katowice Major 2019 – $150,000
• 🏆 BLAST Pro Series: Madrid 2019 – $125,000
• 🏆 StarSeries & i-League CS:GO Season 6 – $125,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 – $100,000

Trivia

• Aleksib is one of the few Finnish players to have won a CS Major.
• Despite his structured playstyle, he is known for his willingness to experiment with unconventional strategies.
• He has competed in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).

Aleksib – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aleksib’s real name?

Aleksib’s real name is Aleksi Virolainen.

Which teams has Aleksib played for?

Aleksib has played for teams including Recursive, ENCE, HAVU Gaming, OG, G2 Esports, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and Natus Vincere.

What is Aleksib known for in Counter-Strike?

He is known for his strategic leadership and in-game decision-making as a top-tier in-game leader.

Did Aleksib win a Major?

Yes, Aleksib won the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 with Natus Vincere.

What was Aleksib’s biggest achievement before winning a Major?

Before winning the Major, his most notable achievement was leading ENCE to second place at IEM Katowice 2019.

Why did ENCE remove Aleksib in 2019?

ENCE decided to make a roster change despite their success, a controversial decision at the time.

What role does Aleksib play?

He plays as an in-game leader (IGL), coordinating strategies and making tactical decisions.

Has Aleksib played in different regions?

Yes, while predominantly playing in Europe, he has competed internationally in various tournaments.

What is Aleksib’s preferred style of leadership?

His leadership style is structured and tactical, emphasizing teamwork and strategic depth.

What mouse settings does Aleksib use?

He uses a Logitech G Pro X Superlight Red with 800 DPI and 1.05 in-game sensitivity.