zAAz on Women's CS2: "I've Never Seen Such a Massive Decline"

Legendary 35-year-old esports player Zainab "zAAz" Turkie sharply criticized Valve over the current state of women's Counter-Strike. Currently competing for Clutchain Female, the player cited the most severe decline on the professional scene in her entire 24-year esports career.

zAAz posted her stance on social network X, calling the current state of the discipline a major step backward for a scene that fought for years to secure growth opportunities:

"I've been in esports for 24 years and competing for 20. I watched CS develop from the very beginning to what it is today. I have never seen such a massive decline in the female scene. Valve should be ashamed. I am speechless."

Although the player did not specify the developers' exact decisions that led to this situation, her emotional evaluation highlighted the general dissatisfaction among part of the professional community.

Turkie's assessment carries special weight in the industry due to her long-standing career and unique experience:

• Experience across three eras: She began competing back in 2002 and navigated all stages of the discipline's formation alongside it — from Counter-Strike 1.6 to CS:GO and CS2.
• Historical context: She personally witnessed the transformation of women's CS from small local tournaments to large-scale international leagues, allowing her to compare the current state with any period of the game's development.

zAAz's statement has become another public signal regarding the critical condition and lack of proper support for the women's professional scene from Valve.

As a reminder, "I'm Proud of the Guys, They Fought Until the End": TaZ on BC.Game's Elimination from Esports World Cup and Building the New Roster.