The former Dignitas, North, and OpTic Gaming profile announced his retirement on Twitter.

At 28 years of age, Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen hangs up the mouse after some lackluster years lately, where the former winner of several Dreamhack Open and Masters tournaments has been out of the tier-1 scene. With $350,000 in prize money earnings, MSL has seen his fair share of success. At North he became part of a team that challenged the perhaps greatest CS:GO team in history, as North and Astralis created a fierce rivalry that still to this day is remembered in Counter-Strike. The Grand Final win in Stockholm in 2018 against Astralis at DreamHack Masters was a personal highlight for Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen, who was awarded the MVP award for the tournament.

DreamHack Open Summer 2019, Dreamhack Open Valencia 2018, and Epicenter 2016 are among the tournaments that ended with a trophy lift from MSL and his teammates.

The Dane started his career back in Counter-Strike: Source, and played throughout the entirety of CS:GO before announcing his retirement shortly before the expected release date of Counter-Strike 2. His last team was Sashi Esports.

niko, aizy, and MSL are back on the server following the qualifier for ELISA Invitational Winter 2023 which kicks off Tuesday at (CET) 16:00.

Its been years since the three North players have been a part of the same team, the last time we saw the three North players on the same team was back in 2018 when the Danish team won Dreamhack Masters in Stockholm. This time niko, MSL, and aizy will join leakz and Ming0 to round out their roster for the upcoming qualifier. 

Besides the new roster with Danish legends there will be six other Danish teams competing against the North tiro in the ELISA qualifier according to [link:{"url":"https://www.dust2.dk/nyheder/33098/north-trio-vender-tilbage","isNewTab":true,"text":"Dust2.dk"}]. 

maybe- looks as follows for the upcoming ELISA qualifier:

{cflag:DK} Jamie 'leakz' Bugge West Jensen

aizy

niko

Mathias ”MSL” Lauridsen is no longer tied with the Swiss Esports organization TITANS. Something the Danish in-game leader has confirmed on his Twitter this weekend, marking an end to a very short spell with the team that also consisted of the likes of Tomáš “oskar” Šťastný and Miikka “suNny” Kemppi.

TITANS entered CS:GO in August this year with the signing of the European mix. The team was led by MSL, who previously has been in charge of North, Dignitas, and Rogue, but the success in TITANS never came, which the organization now has taken the consequences of.

{cflag:CZ} Tomáš “oskar” Šťastný (Inactive)

{cflag:FI} Miikka “suNny” Kemppi (Inactive)

{cflag:EE} Anton “supra” Tšernobai (Inactive)

{cflag:UA} Serhei “lmbt” Bezhanov (Coach – Inactive)

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[slugORMA:{"slug":"msl-led-titans-are-taking-offers-profiled-trio","isNewTab":true}]

TITANS

A mix of experience and talent are the key components of the new TITANS roster, that were announced last night on Twitter.

27-year-old Mathias "⁠MSL⁠" Lauridsen will be leading the new teams as the in-game leader, while the two former MOUZ players, Tomáš "⁠oskar⁠" Šťastný and Miikka "⁠suNny⁠" Kemppi join the Dane on the new team. The three experienced players will be assisted by the Ukrainian coach Sergey "⁠lmbt⁠" Bezhanov, while Estonian Anton "⁠supra⁠" Tšernobai and the 23-year-old Dane Magnus "⁠Nodios⁠" Olsen is the two youngest players on the team with the latter having played for Copenhagen Flames two times earlier in his career.

The team has been playing matches and practices together for some while and is now ready to try and establish themselves as a top-tier CS:GO team according to a press release.

{cflag:CZ} Tomáš "⁠oskar⁠" Šťastný 

{cflag:EE} Anton "⁠supra⁠" Tšernobai

{cflag:UA} Sergey "⁠lmbt⁠" Bezhanov (coach)

Nodios

supra

oskar

suNny

There are plenty of pros out there who had a lot of good ideas about what could change in the game, maybe something they are dissatisfied with, or just or whatever something they think is missing.

RivalryCSGO asked different pro players like EliGE, mantuu and GuardiaN what they would add to CS: GO if they could.

[youtube:www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmRI4UHkl_E]

EliGE

mantuu

smooya

jkaem

BnTeT

GuardiaN

NaToSaphiX

Whilst hours of playing CS:GO doesn't always add up to performances at the big events, seeing that there are many other factors than just mechanical skill and experience that play into being a great CS:GO pro. However, it is something to look at and it should indicate just how many hours of grinding and hard work that goes into being at the highest level in the professional scene of Counter Strike: Global Offensive. 

[image:{"source":"cloudinary","publicId":"tournaments/Arena /Copyright_-_Helena-Kristiansson_-_Arena_fuldt_hus_IEM_yidkfe","originalWidth":3840,"originalHeight":2160,"customWidth":"100%","customHeight":"100%","cloudinaryAssetData":true,"cloudName":"pley-gg","format":"jpg","caption":"Credit: ESL - Helena Kristiansson","alt":"CSGO, Counter Strike"}]

RivalryCSGO asked different top-tier pros within the Counter-Strike scene how many hours they have on the game. Whilst the answers may not surprise you it is crazy to think just how many hours it takes to reach the top. We have collected all the answers down below so that you can get an idea of the difference between each pro player. 

Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski {cflag:US}- Team Liquid (23 years old) 

Richard "shox" Papillon {cflag:FR} - Team Vitality (29 years old)

Fernando "fer" Alvarenga {cflag:BR} - Imperial (29 years old) 

Owen "smooya" Butterfield {cflag:GB} - Movistar Riders (21 years old) 

Aaron "AZR" Ward - EXTREMUM {cflag:AU} (28 years old) 

Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen {cflag:DK} - No current team (26 years old) 

Joakim "jkaem" Myrbostad {cflag:NO} - EXTREMUM (27 years old) 

When looking at the crazy amount of hours that these players have put into the game and their professional careers it becomes clear that whilst talent and luck definitely plays a role in becoming a CS:GO pro, it also takes an incredible amount of hard work and hours to reach the top. If you want to hear more about the players and whether or not they think that their hours within the game is a lot or not, you can watch the following video containing all the interviews: 

shox

On the 28th of September, the former North and OpTic in-game leader Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen announced the creation of South. A new Danish roster filled with young talents and experienced players, which MSL should lead in-game. However, after less than three weeks of the announcement, the team has disbanded.

- I'm very sad and dissapointed about this! I believe all the players have great potential and I wish them the best. I'm open for new offers and I'm searching a stable organisation, where I can build something strong over time, MSL wrote on [link:{"url":"https://twitter.com/MSLcsgo/status/1437820697103974412","isNewTab":true,"text":"Twitter"}].

[slugORMA:{"slug":"fessor-part-ways-with-south","isNewTab":true}]

South consisted of the former North trio MSL, Phillip “aizy” Aistrup, and Jakob “JUGi” Hansen, where the youngster Frederik “Fessor” Sørensen and Jesper “TENZKI” Plougman was the last two pieces on the roster. The new team didn’t really manage to find a footing together, and MSL and co. lost against lower-ranked teams like AaB and AVE.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"new-profiled-danish-roster-sees-light-day","isNewTab":true}]

JUGi

TENZKI

Fessor

South

North

" Lauridsen announced his new team called South.

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/new-profiled-danish-roster-sees-light-day/","isNewTab":true}]

The all Danish team was already tested for the first time in action this evening. In the closed qualifier for Funspark ULTI 2021, South defeated the Russian team Monte Carlo. MVP for the Danes was the former North player, Philip 'aizy' Aistrup.

South will have to defeat another CIS team to qualify for the main event, when they face AVE in the last match tomorrow.

The CS:GO scene has just got a completely new team, with the rise of a fully Danish roster called South. The team is led by Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen, who revealed the news about his news team in July this year. However, today the captain has unveiled the roster, headlined by renowned players like Philip "aizy" Aistrup Larsen and Jakob "JUGi" Hansen.

The former North trio will be joined by the youngster Frederik “Fessor” Sørensen and the former Nordavind player Jesper "tenzki" Plougmann Mikalski. The team will for now play without an organization, as they wish to find a potential org to represent. 

South, the antonym of North, will get their debut this Wednesday at the qualifier for Funspark ULTI Regional Series.

[link:{"url":"https://twitter.com/MSLcsgo/status/1430470952677265411","isNewTab":true,"text":"MSL tweet"}]

{cflag:DK} Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen                  

{cflag:DK} Jesper "tenzki" Plougmann Mikalski

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[slugORMA:{"slug":"danish-team-disbands-after-kjaerbye-exit","isNewTab":true}]

Nordavind

The renowned in-game leader, Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen looks to be ready to return to competitive CS:GO, as he announces the creation of a completely new roster. In a Tweet, MSL confirms the news, where he also reaches out to potential organizations to represent.

MSL has found all the players, but he will not reveal the names of the roster – however, he states that it’s “a good mixture of talent and experience”.

MSL has been without a team since the end of November last year, after North decided to bench him and Phillip "aizy" Airstrup on the active roster. The 26-year-old IGL has given a statement to HLTV.org, where he touches on the decision to create his own roster instead of joining an established team. 

- I had some offers, but they were not strong enough lineup wise. I felt there was more potential creating my own team and make better results, in the end, that's what matters for me, MSL told HLTV.

We will of course follow the situation with MSL and the new roster – So be sure to keep an eye on the site.

It has been six months ago since Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen has been part of a competitive match. The former North player is keeping himself warm on the server by streaming and producing YouTube videos.

You can see some of the funniest moments and some really sick highlights from the MVP winner of DreamHack Masters Stockholm 2018 here.

When talking about strategical masterminds you can not disregard Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen and his ability to outthink his opponents. In a Youtube video posted on his own Youtube channel the 26-year-old Dane goes through some of his favorite tips and tricks on the map of Dust 2. 

Take a look at the video and learn how a real professional Counter-Strike player manages to outthink and outplay their opponent on the beloved map of Dust 2: 

The former North in-game leader Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen has now been without a team for nearly 5-months, after he was removed from the Danish roster back in November 2020. The profiled Dane was axed because North wished to transition into a talent development plan which should provide a “healthier path into the professional scene" to Scandinavian players.

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/north-removes-msl-aizy-from-starting-line-up/","text":"Read more: North remove MSL and aizy from their starting lineup"}]

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/breaking-north-shuts-down/","text":"Read more: North shuts down"}]

MSL has been very vocal during his free agency, explaining that he’s ready and extremely motivated to join or create a new team in the near future, however, not at any price. Yesterday, the 26-year old IGL joined HLTV Confirmed to talk about his last couple of months being a free agent and, but also touching on his thoughts and ideas for the future.

[twitchClip:PlayfulLivelyCiderM4xHeh-cd3oZBt-s_16aPRj]

MSL has, despite being the IGL and team captain, always been a great fragger as well. In the interview, the DreamHack Masters Stockholm MVP also addresses his AWP/rifle situation, explaining whether he wants to pick up the strong sniper rifle or not. 

[twitchClip:FriendlySmoggyKumquatEleGiggle-GB1twpHdVIR8qVMX]

You can watch the full HLTV Confirmed with MSL down below: 

North and Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen have agreed to part ways after he spent the last two months on the bench as the organization changed its direction towards a talent development project. The Dane has announced on Twitter that he is looking to join an existing stable team or create a brand new lineup.

The 26-year-old joined the Danish organization in early 2020, but his stint under the North banner didn’t turn out to be quite successful. North’s best results in the following year were a top-four finish at DreamHack Open Anaheim and top-eight at ESL One: Road to Rio and cs_summit 6.

On Friday the 5th of February 2021, it was all over for North. Parken Sport & Entertainment which is the company that operates F.C. Copenhagen and Nordisk Film announced that North will fold immediately and cited the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on the industry in their explanation for ceasing their investment in the organization

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/breaking-north-shuts-down/"}]

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/downfall-north/"}]

In late November 2020, Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen was placed on the transfer list at North. The Danish in-game leader has not played a competitive match since November. But on Twitter, the 26-year-old Dane is trying to create a team that can compete in the open qualifier for DreamHack Open later this month.

Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen has participated in eight major tournaments during his career. He has won four different DreamHack tournaments being MVP in his last win at DreamHack Masters Stockholm in 2018.

You can watch some of the highlights from the Grand Final against Astralis here.

North announced last week that their two experienced players Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen and Philip “aizy” Aistrup was being released, and replaced by two youngsters in Rasmus “kreaz” Johansson and Kristoffer “Kristou” Aamand.

Read more - "North removes MSL and aizy from their starting line-up"

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/north-removes-msl-aizy-from-starting-line-up"}]

North IGL, Nicklas “gade” Gade spoke with the desk at DreamHack Masters Winter following their 2-1 victory against Nemiga yesterday. In the interview, gade addresses their new trial player kreaz, and his role on the team.

kreaz has represented teams as Syman Gaming and Epsilon in his short career so far. The young Swede is one of the first players being tested in this newly announced talent development strategy by North.

North’s next match is in the important lower semi-finals today at 16:30 (CET), where they will play against GODSENT.

gade

kreaz

Kristou

Nemiga Gaming

North announced earlier this week, that they have decided to remove their IGL Mathias “MSL Lauridsen and Philip “aizy” Aistrup from their active roster.

[link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/north-removes-msl-aizy-from-starting-line-up/"}]

MSL has in an interview with dust2.dk opened up out about his second stay at North. The 25-year old player explains how the Danish organization didn’t have the funds and resources to achieve their goals.

”When I signed for North, the goal was to go for top 5 in the world. Already this summer, it was clear that there were no resources to acquire the necessary reinforcements. North is in a situation where they have to go for a more sustainable strategy: That is why they have chosen talent development.”

Watch MSL and his fragmovie from his MVP event at DreamHack Masters Stockholm.

In the interview, MSL also explains how the team and organization didn’t fully commit to the project and didn’t go the extra mile to improve their level of CS.

“We had our bootcamps, we had long days at the office, but it’s about spending even more time. This also applies when you are not training with the team. It could be watching demos, playing individual, thinking about your own game. There must be given 120%, if it is to succeed. This was not done to a high enough extent.”

“I could come up with a lot of excuses, but in the end, we just weren’t good enough. My opinion is that we lacked firepower. If you want to succeed with less firepower than the teams you face, you have to work much harder than all the others.”

You can read the entire interview by dust2.dk featuring MSL on the following link (Danish).

[link:{"url":"https://www.dust2.dk/Nyheder/13506-msl-quotnorth-str-i-en-situation-hvor-de-er-ndt-til-at-g-efter-en-mere-bredygtig-strategiquot"}]

North has announced that Philip "aizy" Aistrup and Mathias "MSL" Lauridsen have been placed on the transfer list, and will no longer have a role in the North roster. 

To replace the two players North has announced the return of 18-year-old Kristoffer "Kristou" Aamand. North decided, shortly after signing the young Dane, to send him on a loan spell to the fellow Danish team AGF. With aizy and MSL leaving North, however, Kristou will once again be representing North and his teammates. 

As for the second replacement, nothing is yet final, but a step towards finding the fitting player has been taken. Rasmus "kreaz" Johansson will have his chance to steal the fifth and final place in the roster, as he will partake in the upcoming matches and training in order to showcase his capabilities and role in the team. 

North describes the decision as a part of their 2nd step in their Talent Development Strategy. This is of course emphasized by the young "Kristou" who is granted a chance to perform at a higher level than what he has previously been tried at. The strategy is based on giving younger players the environment and tools to grow as players. With aizy and MSL being the longest-serving players of the North organization it is, therefore, no surprise that it is them, who will have to step aside to let the younger talents prosper.

With MSL and aizy being removed from the team, changes in roles within the roster will have to take place. North's Head of Esports Operations Graham Pitt gives insight by explaining that: "Nicklas “gade” Gade will once again take on in-game leading duties with the team, with a refreshed outlook upon his own play and the leadership role, having learned a lot during 2020. During the COVID period, Nicklas will call with aid from head coach Jimmy “Jumpy” Berndtsson who is able to be much more active during online games,"

The team will compete together at Dreamhack Masters where their new journey begins. 

It started as a bit of a shocker. Heroic were steamrolling North and went ahead with 11-0 on Overpass.

Heroic could not finish off North with ease though. On their C-side Heroic had big difficulties gaining momentum. And suddenly panic and disbelief were lurking.

In the end, TeSeS made the necessary kills, and won round 28 for Heroic, and gave them the win by 16-12.

North used the momentum from their CT-side on Overpass to the next map on Nuke.

MSL and aizy were instrumental in the start of the map and gave their side a 9-6 lead.

9-6 were quickly turned to 9-10 in favor of Heroic, who had woken up stavn, who went on a killing spree during the map and ended with 29 kills.

Heroic took Nuke with 16-13 and advance to the upper bracket of group B. North has to make a run in the lower bracket to qualify for the playoffs.

stavn

TeSeS

Heroic

The series began on North’s map pick Overpass, and the Danes started out red hot. North managed to win 11 rounds in a row on a fantastic T-side, resulting in an impressive 11-4 score at halftime. But the Danes couldn’t bring the same level into the second half and Spirit dismantled the Danish side beating them 12-1. Even a heroic aizy, producing a 31-22 k/d and a 1.50 rating couldn’t avoid the comeback from Spirit and save North from the 16-12 defeat.

A clearly frustrated MSL went to Twitter saying “Never been more tilted about a CT side in my life”

The second map on Dust2 was almost a direct replication of the first map. North produced yet again a stellar first half resulting in a 9-6 advantage going into the second half. But once again, with way too many mistakes and individual errors, North only managed to win four rounds in the second half as T’s, which meant that Spirit could take the confident 2-0 victory.  

Once again a very frustrated IGL from North who acknowledged the great number of mistakes from his side.

Spirit looked on the contrary very sharp and was efficient in punishing the mistake from North. Their captain and IGL Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov lead the way with a strong performance. They also showed great character by being able to come back from tough situations two maps in a row.

Spirit advance to the upper final where they will meet the winner of the K23 – Sprout matchup. North on the other hand is being sent down in to the dangerous lower bracket.

	30 days	90 days
Fixture count	0	0
Maps count	0	0

MSL

Player stats

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