Dan “apEX” Madesclaire is a professional Counter-Strike player from France, known for his experience across multiple iterations of the game, including Counter-Strike: Source, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Counter-Strike 2. With a career that has spanned over a decade, apEX has played for several well-known organizations, competed in some of the most prestigious tournaments, and established himself as a veteran in the competitive scene. This article explores the player’s journey, his teams, major achievements, and notable moments that have defined his career.

Personal Background

Dan Madesclaire was born on February 22, 1993, and grew up in France. He currently resides in Andorra, near the southern part of France, with his girlfriend, Marie Binet. The couple shares a passion for animals, owning multiple dogs. Marie is an avid equestrian and owns a horse of her own. Despite his professional commitments, apEX has expressed his appreciation for having a balanced life outside the world of esports, often spending time with family and pets.

Early Career – Transition from CS: Source to CS:GO

apEX began his professional Counter-Strike career in 2009, playing Counter-Strike: Source with the team gamedde. Over the next few years, he played for various well-known French organizations, including 3DMAX, Team LDLC.com, and VeryGames. Throughout this period, he developed his aggressive entry-fragging playstyle, which later became a defining aspect of his gameplay.

In August 2012, he transitioned to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, joining Anexis as one of the pioneers of the game’s competitive era. His initial performances showed promise, and he later played for teams such as Epsilon, Team eXtensive!, and Clan-Mystik. His first major international tournament was DreamHack Winter 2013, where he competed with Clan-Mystik, marking the beginning of his major tournament experience.

Notable Teams and Career Progression

Titan eSports (2014-2015)

In September 2014, apEX joined Titan eSports, a team known for its talented French roster. During his time with Titan, he played alongside notable players such as Kenny “kennyS” Schrub and Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt. Although Titan was a strong team, it struggled with consistency, and in mid-2015, financial instability led to challenges for the organization.

Team EnVyUs (2015-2017)

Following his departure from Titan, apEX joined Team EnVyUs in July 2015, a move that significantly boosted his career. Under the EnVyUs banner, he participated in five Major tournaments and won DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015, which remains one of the most significant victories of his career. The Cluj-Napoca Major marked his first Major title, an achievement that cemented his status as one of France’s top players.

He also contributed to EnVyUs’ victory in the World Electronic Sports Games 2016, which awarded a substantial prize pool of approximately $800,000 USD. Despite these achievements, the team struggled with internal issues, leading to his departure in early 2017.

G2 Esports (2017-2018)

After leaving EnVyUs, apEX joined G2 Esports in February 2017. His time at G2 saw fluctuating results, but the team managed to secure some notable victories, including DreamHack Masters Malmö 2017. However, roster instability and inconsistent performances led to apEX eventually parting ways with G2 in June 2018.

Team Vitality (2018 – Present)

In October 2018, apEX became part of Team Vitality, a team that would go on to redefine his role in the competitive scene. Under Vitality, he transitioned from an aggressive entry fragger to an in-game leader (IGL). This shift happened in March 2020 after ALEX left the roster, forcing apEX to take on additional leadership responsibilities.

His tenure with Team Vitality has been marked by several major victories, including BLAST Premier: Fall 2020, where his leadership helped secure a victory against Astralis. More recently, he led the team to triumph at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, solidifying his position as a two-time Major champion. Under his leadership, Team Vitality has remained a dominant force in the competitive landscape.

Notable Achievements

• 🥇 Champion – DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 (Team EnVyUs) – First Major Win
• 🥇 Champion – World Electronic Sports Games 2016 (EnVyUs) – High prize pool event
• 🥇 Champion – BLAST Premier: Fall 2020 (Team Vitality)
• 🥇 Champion – BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 (Team Vitality) – Second Major Win
• 🥇 Champion – ESL Pro League Season 5 Finals (G2 Esports)
• 🥇 Champion – EPICENTER 2019 (Team Vitality)
• 🥇 Champion – Esports Championship Series Season 7 Finals (Team Vitality)
• 🥇 Champion – BLAST Premier: World Final 2023 (Team Vitality)
• 🥇 Champion – Gamers8 2023 (Team Vitality)

Awards and Recognition

• HLTV Top 20 Rankings – Ranked the 15th best player of 2014 and the 18th best player of 2015.
• Best In-Game Leader of 2023 – Recognized by HLTV as the best IGL of the year.

Trivia

• He has been part of every major “French Shuffle,” transferring between Titan, Team EnVyUs, G2 Esports, and Team Vitality.
• Voted as the “French breakout Counter-Strike: Source player of 2010” by VaKarM.
• Originally known for his aggressive entry fragging playstyle before moving into the in-game leader role.

FAQ About apEX

What is apEX’s real name?

apEX’s real name is Dan Madesclaire.

Which teams has apEX played for?

apEX has played for several teams, including Titan eSports, Team EnVyUs, G2 Esports, and Team Vitality.

How many Major titles has apEX won?

apEX has won two Major tournaments: DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 with EnVyUs and the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 with Team Vitality.

What role does apEX play?

apEX primarily plays as an in-game leader (IGL) and an entry fragger for Team Vitality.

When did apEX transition to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive?

apEX transitioned to CS:GO in August 2012, joining Anexis.

Where does apEX currently reside?

He currently lives in Andorra, near the southern region of France.

What was apEX’s first major tournament?

His first significant CS:GO tournament was DreamHack Winter 2013 with Clan-Mystik.

What is apEX’s biggest career achievement?

Winning his first Major at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 and leading Team Vitality to victory at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 are his most notable career achievements.

Has apEX won any individual awards?

Yes, he was ranked in the HLTV Top 20 for 2014 and 2015 and was named the best In-Game Leader of 2023.

What is apEX known for in the competitive scene?

apEX is known for his aggressive playstyle as an entry fragger, his leadership abilities as an in-game leader, and his longevity in the professional Counter-Strike scene.