The world of competitive Valorant has always been dominated by young talent, as reflexes and sharp mechanics tend to peak at an early age. Still, the esports scene has proven that experience and leadership are just as valuable as raw skill. While many older players retire or transition into coaching roles, a select few continue competing against younger rivals. This list highlights the oldest Valorant pro players who’ve stood the test of time. These veterans exemplify dedication, adaptability, and persistence in one of the fastest-growing esports globally.
Here Are The Top 10 Iconic Oldest Valorant Pro Players:
10 – Steel (Joshua “steel” Nissan)
Joshua “steel” Nissan, born in December 1989, opens our list of the oldest Valorant pro players at 34 years old. A Canadian-British veteran, Steel was already a well-known figure in Counter-Strike before making the switch to Riot’s tactical shooter in 2020. He brought immense in-game leadership to rosters like 100 Thieves and T1, where his tactical mind often made up for any dip in mechanical sharpness.
While Steel took a step back from professional play at the end of 2023 after leaving Disguised, his influence remains undeniable. His meticulous approach to strategy and wealth of esports experience elevated his teams to success during crucial tournaments, and even if his future in competition is uncertain, Steel’s name still resonates among Valorant fans worldwide.
Best Achievements by Steel
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First Strike North America | 1 | $40,000 |
| VCT 2021: North America Stage 2 | 1 | $20,000 |
| VCT 2021: Stage 3 Masters – Berlin | 3-4 | $85,000 |
9 – ANGE1 (Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov)
Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov, standing proudly among the oldest Valorant pro players at 35, continues to compete at the highest level in VCT EMEA. Best known for his leadership with NAVI, ANGE1 has defied the natural decline associated with aging players. A veteran of CS:GO before Valorant, his adaptability and resilience have allowed him to extend his career far beyond expectations.
Despite NAVI undergoing roster shakeups, ANGE1 remains at the core of the lineup in 2025, showcasing his continued relevance and leadership. His tactical calling and ability to unite young talents make him indispensable to NAVI’s ambitions. As one of the most respected figures in the EMEA region, ANGE1 exemplifies how age can enhance leadership qualities even in a reaction-heavy game like Valorant.
Best Achievements by ANGE1
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| VCT 2022: Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen | 1 | $200,000 |
| VALORANT Champions 2022 | 4 | $80,000 |
| VCT 2023: LOCK//IN São Paulo | 3-4 | $40,000 |
8 – WhiteHorse (Shane “WhiteHorse” Kariwow)
Another entry among the oldest Valorant pro players is Shane “WhiteHorse” Kariwow, a 35-year-old competitor best known in the Indian Valorant circuit. Though not as internationally renowned as others on this list, WhiteHorse played a key role in popularizing the game in South Asia. Representing GodLike Esports, he competed consistently from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating determination despite limited international opportunities. While his trophy cabinet may not be as decorated as the global stars, WhiteHorse inspired upcoming Indian players to pursue professional esports careers. He stepped back from competition in 2022, and though his return remains uncertain, his name carries weight in the local scene, where he is remembered for discipline and persistence during Valorant’s early growth phase.
Best Achievements by WhiteHorse
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| The Esports Club Invitational | 2 | $1,000 |
| Valorant Power Up India | 3-4 | $1,100 |
| Skyesports League 2021 | 4 | $1,400 |
7 – Mazarini (Nikolai “Mazarini” Lazarev)
Nikolai “Mazarini” Lazarev from the Czech Republic, also aged 35, is one of the oldest Valorant pro players who made the switch to Riot’s FPS later in life. Having built a long career in PUBG and Call of Duty 4, Mazarini entered Valorant at 34 and briefly played for eSuba. Though his time in Valorant was relatively short, he carried with him years of shooter experience, proving that veteran players could still adapt to new environments. While he left professional play by 2021, Mazarini continues to symbolize how esports veterans embrace new games and remain relevant. His versatility across different FPS titles cements his reputation as one of Central Europe’s experienced competitors.
Best Achievements by Mazarini
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Twitch Rivals: Summer Rumble | 1 | $3,500 |
| VERSUS LEGENDS | 4 | $150 |
| VERSUS BOUNTY | 2 | $210 |
6 – cedrik (Chen “cedrik” Tzu-an)
Representing Taiwan, Chen “cedrik” Tzu-an is another on the list of the oldest Valorant pro players at 35. From 2020 to 2022, Cedrik helped lay the foundation for Valorant’s professional scene in Asia. Competing for KPC, he left a mark in the early VCT era by guiding his team to high placements in Southeast Asian Masters events. While Cedrik’s run did not extend as long as some others, his pioneering contributions to the Asian Valorant ecosystem are undeniable. His performances inspired younger Taiwanese and Hong Kong players to chase careers in Riot’s shooter. Though he has stepped away from professional play, Cedrik’s competitive presence during Valorant’s formative years in Asia remains respected and remembered.
Best Achievements by Cedrik
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| VCT 2021: Southeast Asia Stage 1 Masters | 3-4 | $5,000 |
| VCT 2021: Hong Kong & Taiwan Stage 1 Challengers 3 | 1 | $4,000 |
| VCT 2021: Hong Kong & Taiwan Stage 2 Challengers 3 | 2 | $2,000 |
5 – hazed (James “hazed” Cobb)
James “hazed” Cobb is one of the oldest Valorant pro players from North America. At 35, he closed out his career in 2023 but remains a household name in the Valorant community. Hazed, with prior CS:GO experience, became one of the early leaders of TSM’s Valorant roster and later joined NRG. Known for his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and ability to anchor sites under pressure, Hazed was highly respected for his consistency. Though not as mechanically flashy as younger players, he provided stability to rosters and served as a role model for professionalism. Even after retiring, Hazed continues to impact the scene as a mentor and potential future coach, demonstrating how seasoned veterans transition within esports.
Best Achievements by Hazed
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| T1 x Nerd Street Gamers Showdown | 1 | $25,000 |
| FaZe Clan Invitational | 1 | $25,000 |
| VCT 2021: North America Stage 3 Challengers 2 | 2 | $20,000 |
4 – nGL (Nigel “nGL” Deloof)
Nigel “nGL” Deloof, a 36-year-old Belgian, is also among the oldest Valorant pro players. Competing primarily in local and regional European tournaments, nGL built a reputation as a seasoned competitor who consistently secured wins in smaller events. From 2020 to early 2023, he helped his teams establish credibility within Belgium’s budding Valorant scene. While not competing at the VCT international level, nGL provided leadership and tactical knowledge that kept his squads competitive. His success in grassroots tournaments underlines how Valorant is not just about global leagues but also thriving local ecosystems shaped by veterans like him. His career illustrates how older players help maintain balance and growth in less prominent regions.
Best Achievements by nGL
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Gimbl Valorant Cup | 1 | $600 |
| OMEN League #2 | 1 | $500 |
| Trinity Trials 2022 – Spring | 2 | $550 |
3 – potter (Christine “potter” Chi)
Christine “potter” Chi deserves a unique place on this list of the oldest Valorant pro players because of her dual impact as both a player and a coach. At 37, potter briefly returned as a competitor in 2021 before transitioning full-time into a coaching role with Evil Geniuses. Her leadership guided EG to victory at VALORANT Champions 2023, securing one of the biggest titles in the game’s history. A former CS:GO pro, potter demonstrated that experience, tactical acumen, and resilience are just as vital as mechanics. Her presence paved the way for more women to join Valorant esports, making her one of the most influential figures. Potter’s story shows that age is no barrier to making history.
Best Achievements by Potter
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| VALORANT Champions 2023 | 1 | $1,000,000 |
| VCT 2023: Masters Tokyo | 2 | $200,000 |
| VCT 2023: Americas League | 3 | $40,000 |
2 – nookyyy (Andre “nookyyy” Utesch)
Andre “nookyyy” Utesch, now 38, is one of the oldest Valorant pro players ever recorded. Known for his stints in both CS:GO and Valorant, nookyyy competed mainly with smaller squads from 2020 to 2022. Although he didn’t achieve the same international accolades as others on this list, his competitive drive never faded. Participating in Twitch Rivals and various European tournaments, he demonstrated that even the oldest Valorant pro players can adapt to evolving titles. In his late 30s, nookyyy’s experience, adaptability, and passion for FPS games carried him forward. His story is a reminder that the oldest Valorant pro players often inspire older gamers to stay competitive, showing that dedication can outlast reflexes.
Best Achievements by nookyyy
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Twitch Rivals: Summer Rumble | 4 | $5,000 |
| VALORANT Legend Series | 2 | $500 |
| Splitpush Agents | 3 | $300 |
1 – KeNNy (Yoshinori “KeNNy” Minami)
At the top of our list of the oldest Valorant pro players is Yoshinori “KeNNy” Minami, also aged 38. Hailing from Japan, KeNNy played professionally with Atomic GG before retiring from active competition in 2022. He now works in a managerial role with REJECT, continuing his involvement in esports. Though his accolades may not match international stars, his perseverance into his late 30s makes him stand out among the oldest Valorant pro players. In a scene where most professionals retire in their late 20s, KeNNy defied the odds, serving as a mentor to younger Japanese talents. His journey reflects the dedication seen in the oldest Valorant pro players, proving how experience and passion can leave a lasting legacy.
Best Achievements by KeNNy
| Tournament | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| VALORANT Challengers 2023: Japan Split 1 | 8 | $800 |
| Predator League Japan 2024 | 3 | $1,500 |
| VALORANT Challengers 2024 Japan | 2 | $8,300 |
These ten veterans represent more than just statistics and achievements—they symbolize perseverance in a scene dominated by youth. The oldest Valorant pro players have proven that experience and leadership remain invaluable in shaping competitive teams. Whether guiding global giants like NAVI and 100 Thieves or fostering local esports communities in India, Taiwan, and Belgium, their influence is undeniable. Even as some transitioned into coaching or management, the legacy of the oldest Valorant pro players continues to inspire future generations. Ultimately, the journey of the oldest Valorant pro players shows that esports is about far more than reflexes—it thrives on adaptability, dedication, and passion.
FAQs
Q1: Who are considered the oldest Valorant pro players currently active?
The oldest Valorant pro players include names like ANGE1, KeNNy, and nookyyy, who continue competing or contributing to the scene despite being in their mid-to-late 30s.
Q2: Do the oldest Valorant pro players still compete at the highest level?
Yes, some of the oldest Valorant pro players like ANGE1 remain active in top-tier tournaments, while others have transitioned into coaching, mentoring, or managerial roles within esports.
Q3: What makes the oldest Valorant pro players stand out in esports history?
The oldest Valorant pro players stand out because they combine decades of FPS experience with leadership, adaptability, and resilience, proving that passion and knowledge often outweigh reflexes.
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