İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş is a notable Turkish professional Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) player, widely recognized for his exceptional mechanical skills and aggressive playstyle. Known for his high-level precision and quick reaction times, XANTARES has built a reputation as one of the best entry fraggers in CS2 history. Over the years, he has played for several teams, including Space Soldiers, BIG Clan, and Eternal Fire, consistently delivering performances that make him a key figure in the competitive Counter-Strike scene. This article explores his career, notable achievements, impact on the game, and various aspects of his journey within esports.
Personal Background – Early Life and Entry into Esports
XANTARES was born on August 7, 1995, in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. Holding both Turkish and North Macedonian citizenship, he grew up during the early years of competitive Counter-Strike’s rise in popularity. Unlike many other players who received early support for their gaming ambitions, XANTARES needed persuasion from his future teammates to convince his parents to allow him to sign his first professional contract with Space Soldiers. That key moment marked the official beginning of his esports career.
Playstyle – Precision and Aggressive Execution
Often praised for his remarkable aiming abilities, XANTARES has developed a reputation as one of the most mechanically gifted Counter-Strike players. His natural flick accuracy and rapid spray transfers give him an advantage in duels, making him a critical asset as an entry fragger. His aggressive approach consistently forces opponents into uncomfortable situations, creating space for his teammates to capitalize on key moments.
Professional Career – Teams and Major Accomplishments
Space Soldiers (2015-2018) – The Rise of a Turkish Talent
XANTARES first gained international attention after joining Space Soldiers in January 2015. This Turkish team made history by becoming the first all-Turkish squad to qualify for a CS:GO Major at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018. During his time with Space Soldiers, the team also claimed victory at the World Championship 2016 and earned second place at the WESG 2017 World Finals. His individual performances played a significant role in these accomplishments, and he was widely regarded as the team’s star player.
BIG Clan (2018-2021) – Dominating European CS
In December 2018, XANTARES transitioned to play for the German esports organization BIG Clan. This period marked a defining chapter in his career, as BIG Clan became one of the most successful European teams. Some of the critical victories XANTARES contributed to during his tenure include:
- DreamHack Masters Spring 2020 Europe – A key S-Tier tournament victory.
- ELEAGUE Invitational 2019 – Where he helped BIG secure the championship.
- cs_summit 6 Europe – One of the qualifiers for the regional ranking system.
- DreamHack Open Summer 2020 – A tournament where XANTARES was awarded the MVP.
One of the most notable highlights during his stint with BIG was when the team reached the number one ranking on HLTV in July 2020, a rarity for non-Danish or non-Brazilian teams at the time. Under his leadership on the server, BIG Clan showcased tactical execution that set them apart from their competition.
Eternal Fire (2021-Present) – Leading a Turkish Superteam
In August 2021, XANTARES took on a new challenge by forming Eternal Fire, a Turkish organization aiming to bring national talent to the forefront of international CS2 competition. The team faced initial challenges, including failing to qualify for PGL Major Stockholm 2021, but steadily grew into a stronger contender.
Among the most notable achievements of Eternal Fire during XANTARES’s leadership are:
- PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – Qualification marked a major milestone for the team.
- PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 – Reached the quarterfinals before falling to Natus Vincere.
- ESL Pro League Season 20 – Finished as grand finalists, where they had an impressive run, defeating Team Vitality and pushing NaVi to a decider.
- CCT Central Europe Malta Finals (2023) – One of their significant LAN victories.
With XANTARES as Eternal Fire’s cornerstone player, the team has steadily grown into the dominant force in Turkish esports.
Notable Achievements and Awards
- HLTV Top 20 (2024) – Ranked #15, making history as the oldest player to debut in the Top 20 at 29 years old.
- MVP Award – DreamHack Open Summer 2020.
- Esports Play of the Year (2020) – Esports Awards.
- HLTV #1 Ranking with BIG (2020).
Best Tournament Results
- World Electronic Sports Games 2017 – 2nd place, $300,000
- CCT Season 1 Global Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- FunSpark ULTI 2020 – 1st place, $150,000
- BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2 – 2nd place, $125,000
- BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 – 2nd place, $85,625
- ESL Pro League Season 20 – 2nd place, $80,000
Trivia and Unique Facts
- Streaming and Social Media – XANTARES has a strong presence on Twitch with around 400,000 followers.
- Hand Surgery – He underwent a surgical procedure in 2021 to prevent excessive sweating, which could impact his gripping ability.
- Multilingual – Speaks Turkish and English and has been learning German.
- Skin Preferences – He favors red skins in-game, notably the Karambit Doppler Ruby.
FAQ – XANTARES
What teams has XANTARES played for?
He has played for Space Soldiers, BIG Clan, and currently competes with Eternal Fire.
What is XANTARES known for in Counter-Strike?
He is primarily recognized for his exceptional aim, aggressive entry-fragging style, and highly precise headshots.
Has XANTARES ever been ranked in HLTV’s Top 20 players?
Yes, in 2024, he was ranked #15, becoming the oldest debutant in HLTV’s Top 20 player rankings.
What are the most significant achievements of XANTARES?
Winning DreamHack Masters Spring 2020 Europe, achieving #1 HLTV ranking with BIG in 2020, leading Eternal Fire to the quarterfinals of PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, and securing second place at WESG 2017 World Finals with Space Soldiers.
Why did XANTARES leave BIG Clan?
He left BIG in 2021 to return to Turkey and help establish Eternal Fire, aiming to foster an all-Turkish powerhouse in CS2.
Did XANTARES undergo surgery?
Yes, in 2021, he had hand surgery to prevent sweating, which could interfere with his grip during gameplay.
What is XANTARES’s role in Eternal Fire?
He primarily serves as an entry fragger and a star rifler, setting up the team’s early-round control through aggressive play.
What languages does XANTARES speak?
His native language is Turkish, but he also speaks English and has been learning German.
What are some of XANTARES’s notable matches?
His performance in the DreamHack Masters Spring 2020 final, BIG’s run to peak at #1 in HLTV rankings in 2020, and Eternal Fire’s ESL Pro League Season 20 grand final are among the most notable matches of his career.
Does XANTARES stream on Twitch?
Yes, he actively streams on Twitch, where he showcases his skills and interacts with fans.
