One-time CS:GO Major winner Andreas “znajder” Lindberg has opened up about his fall from grace over the years.
In a powerful statement on Twitter, znajder revealed extreme personal struggles that he faced after he was kicked from his dream team, Fnatic, in 2014. He explained that his life went downhill once he was removed with his teammate Jonatan “Devilwalk” Lundberg in favor of the legendary Swedish duo Olof “olofmeister” Kjajber and Freddy “KRiMZ” Johansson. The year after he was kicked from Fnatic, the Swedes won two consecutive Valve Majors—ESL One Katowice and ESL One Cologne.
Related: GODSENT benches Dennis, releases Znajder
Znajder said that he struggled with depression and resorted to drugs so that he could “numb the sadness” and cope. When he got his next big chance with Team Dignitas in 2015, he was faced with U.S. visa travel problems that would eventually lead to his removal from the team.
The 25-year-old alleges that Dignitas owner Michael “ODEE” O’Dell tried to blackmail him by coercing him into signing a contract for zero salary, prize money, and sticker money. In return, ODEE would remain quiet about apparent “crimes committed.” Luckily, Znajder fought the legal battle and supposedly won, but he claims he only received 30 percent of what he should have been given.
His next venture, GODSENT, was where he was reunited with his former Fnatic teammates Jesper “JW” Wecksell, Robin “flusha” Ronnquist, and Markus “pronax” Wallsten. He briefly achieved his dream team once again, but Znajder faced what seemed to be anxiety and insomnia, resulting in him resorting to “strong sleeping pills,” which hindered his performance. The duo of JW and flusha ended up going back to Fnatic anyway after the ELEAGUE Atlanta Major in January 2017. GODSENT removed him in November when the organization was revamping its roster.
Recently, znajder said that players in the Counter-Strike scene have been spreading rumors about him being a both a drug dealer and addict. Additionally, he alleges that a well-known esports brand owes him 229,000 SEK (about $26,298.36). Znajder is facing financial struggles, and it’s unclear whether he’ll continue to compete.
“With this said I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” Znajder said. “I’ve honestly been given a great hand in life, but I didn’t play them correctly. There are millions of people with way worse [lives] than mine, being unable to do anything about it. The next time you’ll see me post will be me with a great body, on a beautiful beach, having faced my demons in any possible way I can. Take care of each other.”
Znajder received overwhelming support on Twitter, including heartfelt messages from former teammates, event talent, and even fellow competitors who’ve recognized his impact on CS:GO history.
