Team Falcons player Abdul “degster” Gasanov has shared heartbreaking personal news, explaining why he has been absent from streaming and social media in recent weeks. In a post on X, the Russian AWPer revealed that both his father and his girlfriend were recently diagnosed with cancer. His message prompted an outpouring of support from across the Counter-Strike community.
degster: “I can’t remember a worse time in my life”
In his statement, degster admitted that he had spent a long time deciding whether to make the situation public. He revealed that his father was diagnosed with throat cancer on June 8. Five days later, on June 13, biopsy results confirmed thyroid cancer in his girlfriend Nastya.
I’ve been streaming less and falling out of life. I’ve been debating for a long time whether to share this, for various reasons. My father was diagnosed with throat cancer on June 8th, and on June 13th, Nastya’s biopsy results came back: thyroid cancer. All this time, I’ve been trying to figure out what I can do to help my loved ones. And I’m also trying to cope with everything that happened at the beginning of this summer. Honestly, I can’t remember a worse time in my life right now.
The Falcons player added that supporting his loved ones has become his main priority. As a result, he has been spending most of his time with them.
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Counter-Strike community rallies behind degster
The post quickly spread across the Counter-Strike scene. Thousands of fans and esports figures left messages of encouragement and wished his family a full recovery.
One of the first people to respond was analyst Thorin, who simply wrote: “Strength to you.” Degster replied with a heartfelt “Thanks brother.”
Team Vitality captain apEX also shared his support, writing: “Stay strong Abdul .”
Many other well-known names joined the conversation, including OG Esports, shox, HeavyGod, and numerous community members. Fans encouraged degster to focus on his family instead of worrying about streaming or competition. Many also reminded him that the entire Counter-Strike community stands behind him during this difficult period.
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Some things matter more than competition
Although the news has nothing to do with tournaments, it reminded the esports world that there are moments far more important than results inside the server. Since publishing his statement, degster has continued to receive messages of support from professional players, organizations, content creators, and fans worldwide. For now, the focus is not on Counter-Strike, but on wishing strength to degster and hoping for the successful recovery of both his father and Nastya.
