The debate around the greatest in-game leaders (IGLs) in Counter-Strike has been reignited after Team Spirit’s Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov publicly praised Dan “apEX” Madesclaire. During a Twitch broadcast, chopper ranked the French veteran in the highest tier possible, stating: “I would put apEX in the SSSSS tier, the highest. He is the best guy in CS, especially in 2025. Karrigan, apEX… Now, of course, bLitz is stepping on everyone’s toes.”Chopper’s words highlight apEX’s blend of leadership, emotional energy, and adaptability.
Unlike some leaders who rely strictly on tactics, apEX has been known for his ability to motivate teammates mid-game, often bringing unmatched intensity to the server. Tactical calls: While not the flashiest strat-book user, apEX’s mid-round adjustments are elite. Emotional leadership: He has a reputation for keeping morale high even during slumps. Longevity: apEX has been at the top level for over a decade, adapting from CS:GO to CS2 seamlessly.
Under apEX’s leadership, Team Vitality have enjoyed a strong campaign in 2025: 7 titles secured this season. While they have not reached a major final since winning IEM Cologne 2025, their consistent top-4 finishes keep them in the conversation as one of the world’s best. apEX’s guidance has kept star players like ZywOo and Spinx delivering at a high level despite the pressure of constant competition. This consistency explains why players like chopper hold apEX in such high regard — not every captain can maintain both results and locker-room harmony over such a demanding calendar.Chopper placed apEX alongside Finn “karrigan” Andersen, another veteran captain regarded as one of the best minds in CS.
Karrigan: Famous for his tactical depth, adaptability across rosters, and long career with FaZe and other top teams. apEX: Recognized more for emotional leadership and consistency of results with Vitality. bLitz: The rising Mongolian leader from The MongolZ, pushing boundaries in 2025 and earning mentions in the same breath as legends. This places apEX in an elite bracket — someone who is not only surviving but thriving in an era where new leaders are challenging established names.
apEX’s career has been one of resilience and reinvention: From his early days in French Counter-Strike with LDLC and Titan, to lifting a Major trophy with Vitality in CS:GO (Paris 2023). Transitioning to CS2, where he has kept Vitality among the elite while many veterans struggled. Now, in 2025, receiving peer recognition as possibly the best captain in the world.
For a player once criticized for being too emotional or inconsistent, apEX’s transformation into a respected leader is one of the most impressive storylines in modern Counter-Strike.Experience: Over a decade at the top level. Energy: Always vocal, ensuring his team stays mentally sharp. Stability: Despite roster shifts, Vitality remain a title-contending unit. Results: Seven trophies in 2025 speak louder than words. Even when Vitality fall short of finals, their ability to reach late stages consistently underlines the strength of apEX’s leadership.
Chopper’s praise — “apEX is the best guy in CS, especially in 2025” — reflects the respect the French veteran now commands across the Counter-Strike scene. In a year where younger leaders like bLitz are making waves and legends like karrigan continue to innovate, apEX has carved out a place at the very top.
With seven trophies already in 2025 and Vitality firmly in the global elite, apEX has proven that he is not just a captain who survived the transition to CS2 — he is thriving in it. For many, including chopper, apEX isn’t just a great leader. Right now, he’s the standard by which all others are judged.
