It was a long time coming for Abdul “degster” Gasanov, who on Sunday evening finally secured the first trophy of his Counter-Strike career.
Alongside his Falcons teammates, the 23-year-old AWPer lifted the trophy at PGL Bucharest 2025, following a dominant 3-0 victory over G2 in the Grand Final of the $1.25 million event.
“I have worked so hard”
Clearly emotional after the match, degster spoke with James Banks in the post-final interview, reflecting on his long journey to becoming a champion.
– It’s my first trophy. I have worked so hard for that. Eight years it took for me to win my first trophy – I don’t even know how to lift the trophy correctly. I just want to say to everyone who’s watching and wants to become a professional player: it might be rough sometimes, you may face a lot of troubles, but the most important thing is the work you put in and what you believe. You need to keep going and keep working.”
– When you have waited so much, it’s hard to put your emotions away. I tried to do my best and help the team to win this trophy. And I appreciate everyone who is here with me. You guys will be in my life… I won my first tournament with you boys – I fucking love you, degster said on the broadcast.
A tough farewell
Pro Counter-Strike can be unforgiving.
Despite helping Falcons secure their first-ever title and earning his first career HLTV MVP, degster has been removed from the starting lineup. Something the Saudi organization confirmed on Monday.
According to multiple reports, Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov is expected to take his place following a blockbuster transfer from G2.
Speaking to HLTV, degster admitted that his future is still uncertain.
– I hope I’ll be able to play in tier one, honestly. I don’t know what’s going to happen, he said.
While his time with Falcons may be over, degster leaves Bucharest with his first trophy and MVP medal—eight years in the making.
