Eternal Fire has quickly emerged as a prominent name in Counter-Strike esports, representing Turkey on some of the biggest global stages. Since its inception on August 13, 2021, the team has showcased the immense talent of Turkish players while striving to cement itself as one of the region’s most competitive squads. Operating as a player-owned organization, Eternal Fire has evolved through a series of roster changes, competitive milestones, and outstanding individual performances. From intense battles in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) to their transition into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Eternal Fire remains a fascinating case study of ambition, resilience, and regional pride.
History of Eternal Fire – Born from Ambition
Eternal Fire was founded with the mission of uniting the best Turkish talent in Counter-Strike under one banner. Officially announced on August 13, 2021, the team was the brainchild of prominent Turkish players İsmailçan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş and Özgür “woxic” Eker. What made Eternal Fire unique was its player-owned structure, giving the roster direct control over the direction of the organization. This setup allowed the team to stay patient and focused on its goal: to elevate Turkish Counter-Strike to international relevance.
Initial Roster and Early Days
The first Eternal Fire lineup comprised five players:
- İsmailçan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş: Known for his explosive skill and consistency, XANTARES was one of the best Turkish players in CS:GO history.
- Özgür “woxic” Eker: A talented AWPer who previously played for international rosters like mousesports and Cloud9.
- Buğra “Calyx” Arıkçı: A versatile rifler with years of experience in high-stakes competitions.
- Ömer “imoRR” Karataş: A younger player who brought fresh energy and dynamism to the roster.
- Issa “ISSAA” Murad: A Jordanian player who added international flair to the lineup, though his time with the team was short-lived.
Just two months after forming, ISSAA left the team due to logistical challenges, transforming Eternal Fire into a fully Turkish squad. Despite these early changes, the team remained committed to its long-term vision of success.
Key Roster Changes Over Time
Since its formation, Eternal Fire has undergone several notable roster adjustments:
- July 2022: Calyx departed and was replaced by Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli in a leadership role. Ahmet “paz” Karahoca also joined temporarily, replacing another key member, xfl0ud.
- Late 2022: Failing to qualify for the IEM Rio Major triggered organizational restructuring. MAJ3R left, while xfl0ud returned. woxic benched himself to explore international opportunities, leading to the rehiring of both Calyx and MAJ3R.
- November 2022: Eternal Fire appointed Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı as its head coach, marking another step in reorganizing its strategic approach.
These roster changes reflected the team’s commitment to finding the right balance of experience, leadership, and youthful energy. The current roster now boasts players capable of taking on some of the world’s best teams in CS2.
Current Counter-Strike 2 Roster
The current lineup for Eternal Fire brings together a blend of veteran experience and emerging talent. Their latest squad includes:
İsmailçan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş: The cornerstone of the team with exceptional mechanical skills.- Özgür “woxic” Eker: A sharp and precise AWPer whose status may shift between active and inactive.
- Samet “jotAAA” Köklü A powerful and talented rifler.
- Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli: The in-game leader (IGL) who brings vision and strategic depth.
- Ali Haydar “Wicadia” Yalçın: A promising youngster adding dynamism to the lineup.
Notable Achievements – Major Quests and Top Performances
Eternal Fire has achieved several important milestones throughout its competitive journey, particularly in high-profile events. While the team faced early challenges, their persistence paid off, landing them opportunities to shine on global stages.
- 🏆 CCT Season 1 Global Finals ($250,000)
- 🏆 CCT Season 1 Central Europe Malta Finals ($50,000)
- 🥈 BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2 ($125,000)
- 🥈 BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 ($85,625)
- 🥈 ESL Pro League Season 20 ($80,000)
Counter-Strike Major Championships
- PGL Major Antwerp 2022: Eternal Fire qualified for the Challengers stage but failed to progress to the playoffs due to stiff competition.
- PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024: The team showcased significant improvement in CS2, advancing to the quarterfinals, marking one of their best performances in a Major.
Other Prestigious Tournaments
Apart from Majors, Eternal Fire has also competed valiantly in several notable tournaments:
- ESL Pro League Season 20: Reached the second-place position, delivering a strong performance against some of the world’s top-tier teams.
- EU RMR B for Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: Dominated their opening matches in Round One, showcasing their adaptability to CS2’s new mechanics.
Trivia – Lesser-Known Facts About Eternal Fire
Here are some intriguing facts about Eternal Fire:
- The organization is player-owned, with founding members XANTARES and woxic spearheading the project.
- Eternal Fire’s headquarters moved to Hungary in October 2024, allowing better logistical and training opportunities.
- The team prioritizes regional talent development and even established the Eternal Fire Academy on December 7, 2021, as a pathway for emerging players.
- Despite its recent formation, Eternal Fire aims to become an inspiration for Turkish esports on the global stage.
FAQ – Eternal Fire
What is Eternal Fire?
Eternal Fire is a Turkish esports organization specializing in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Founded in 2021, it represents the pinnacle of Turkish Counter-Strike talent.
Who are the founders of Eternal Fire?
The organization was co-founded by İsmailçan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş and Özgür “woxic” Eker, two prominent Turkish players aiming to elevate regional esports.
What are the key achievements of Eternal Fire?
Eternal Fire’s major achievements include reaching the quarterfinals of the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 and securing second place in ESL Pro League Season 20.
Who are the current players in Eternal Fire’s CS2 roster?
The current roster features players like XANTARES, woxic, jotAAA, MAJ3R, and Wicadia.
What makes Eternal Fire unique in esports?
Eternal Fire is a player-owned organization, emphasizing both professional skill and a commitment to empowering Turkish talent.
What is the Eternal Fire Academy?
The Eternal Fire Academy is a developmental initiative launched in 2021 to nurture younger players and provide them a pipeline to the main roster.
Does Eternal Fire compete in international tournaments?
Yes, Eternal Fire consistently competes in global events such as the Counter-Strike Major Championships and ESL Pro League.
Where is Eternal Fire headquartered?
As of 2024, Eternal Fire operates out of its headquarters in Hungary.
What is the team’s vision?
Eternal Fire aims to be the beacon of Turkish esports, striving for excellence in global Counter-Strike competitions.
Who is the coach of Eternal Fire?
Currently, the head coach of Eternal Fire is Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı.
