The competitive scene for Apex Legends is undergoing a significant shake-up, as notable pro players, including Konstantin “Hardecki” Kozlov, are retiring from the game to explore Deadlock, Valve’s new shooter-MOBA hybrid.
Hardecki, a dominant figure in the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS), recently announced his departure from Apex Legends, raising concerns about the future of the game’s esports scene.
Hardecki’s Apex Legends Career
Hardecki, often referred to as the ‘Grim Reaper’ of Apex Legends, made a name for himself as one of the most formidable players in the EMEA region. Competing with Gambit Esports, he was part of a team that consistently outperformed their rivals, notably winning the first-ever EMEA Pro League and several other tournaments.
His standout performance in 2022, when Team Players secured second place overall during the ALGS amidst the challenges of relocating due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, solidified his legacy as one of the top players in the world.
Hardecki later found success with Aurora, dominating the ALGS Year 4 Pro League and setting records that are unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
A New Challenge: Valve’s Deadlock
While the Apex Legends community still awaits the ALGS Year 5, Hardecki and other notable players have turned their attention to Deadlock, Valve’s latest venture. The shooter-MOBA hybrid has already caught the attention of competitive players, despite the fact that no official esports tournaments have been announced for the game yet.
Valve has a strong track record when it comes to fostering esports scenes, as evidenced by the success of Counter-Strike and Dota 2. As Deadlock gains traction, players like Hardecki are expected to be among the early stars should the game receive an official competitive push.
Why Are Players Leaving Apex Legends?
The shift in attention from Apex Legends to Deadlock may signify broader concerns about the longevity of Apex’s competitive scene. As other high-profile pro players consider similar moves, some possible reasons for this shift include:
- Lack of Innovation – Apex Legends has been criticized for limited updates and changes in its esports ecosystem.
- New Opportunities – Deadlock presents a fresh start, with the potential for new esports leagues and tournaments.
- Valve’s Esports History – Valve’s previous successes in developing competitive scenes provide confidence in Deadlock’s future.
- Pro Players’ Fatigue – After years of competing in the same title, many players are looking for a new challenge.
What’s Next for Apex Legends Esports?
As more players leave the Apex Legends competitive scene, questions loom about the game’s future. The ALGS Year 5 is still set to happen, but without the presence of iconic players like Hardecki, the competition may lose some of its luster. However, with new talent constantly emerging, Apex Legends may still have a bright future ahead in esports.
Conclusion
The move by Hardecki and other Apex Legends pros to Deadlock is a pivotal moment for both games. As Apex Legends approaches its fifth year of competitive play, the community will be watching closely to see how the game adapts to the loss of key players.
Meanwhile, Deadlock presents exciting new opportunities for those looking for a fresh competitive challenge. Whether this marks the end of Apex Legends’ reign or just a temporary shift remains to be seen.
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