The 30-year-old is open to remaining in Counter-Strike in a staff capacity.
Ali “hAdji” Haïnouss has announced his retirement from professional play, bringing an end to a career that stretched back to 2015.
“After years of dedication and chasing dreams, I’ve decided to retire as a player,” he wrote on social media. He also made it clear that he intends to remain in the game and is open to opportunities on a team’s staff.
hAdji first rose to prominence on Envy’s academy roster before earning promotion to the senior team in February 2018. He went on to represent organizations including 3DMAX, LDLC, Falcons and Monte.
Read more
EnVyUs promote hAdji to first team as SIXER is benched
His deepest run at a notable LAN came with Envy at CAC 2018, where the French side finished 3-4th.
After stepping down from 3DMAX in March 2024, hAdji had two spells with Monte and represented DRILLAS before launching the organization-less illwill project with Volodymyr “Woro2k” Veletniuk in October 2025.
Read more
From survival to improvement: illwill seek backing to continue their rise in the VRS
He most recently appeared in July as part of the Moroccan team that won the Esports Nations Cup open qualifier alongside Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom and Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom.
Although he is stepping away from playing, hAdji said that his love for the game and competition has not diminished and that he is ready to bring his experience, work ethic and passion to a staff role.
