Counter-Strike player Atta Elayyan a victim of New Zealand attack

The gaming community mourns the loss of Atta “crazyarab” Elayyan, a former competitive Counter-Strike professional whose life was tragically ended during the Christchurch mosque attacks. At just 33 years old, Elayyan’s journey from esports champion to technology innovator represents a powerful narrative of modern career development.

During the early 2000s, Elayyan established himself as a formidable force in the competitive Counter-Strike scene. As a key member of New Zealand’s team NewType, he demonstrated what true competitive dedication looks like. His teammates described their collective mindset as “insanely hell bent on winning,” a philosophy that drove them to dominate both local tournaments and online competitions.

Their commitment to excellence was reflected in an intensive training regimen of seven hours per night. This disciplined approach yielded remarkable results when NewType began defeating Australia’s elite teams at prestigious xLan competitions, establishing themselves as regional powerhouses.

While pursuing his computer science degree at Canterbury University during his final year, Elayyan faced the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with his team’s demanding practice schedule. This pivotal moment led him to redirect his competitive energy toward building a successful software company in New Zealand.

His entrepreneurial journey resulted in the creation of several widely adopted applications that demonstrated his technical expertise and business acumen. The transition from gaming professional to tech founder showcases how esports skills can translate to business success.

“I would have never gotten into the tech industry had I not been obsessed with gaming during those years. My desire to succeed actually helped me a lot in many aspects of my life,” Elayyan reflected in a 2012 interview. This candid acknowledgment highlights the valuable transferable skills developed through competitive gaming.

The former Counter-Strike professional expressed no regrets about his gaming career, stating he would repeat the experience if given the opportunity. This perspective challenges conventional views about gaming’s role in professional development.

Born in Kuwait, Elayyan was peacefully observing prayers at Christchurch’s Masjid Al Noor Mosque when he became a victim of the terrorist attack. He leaves behind his wife, young daughter, and his futsal soccer team community.

“There’s a huge hole in our hearts as we come to terms with the loss of a great person and a good mate,” shared former teammate Josh Margetts, capturing the profound personal impact of this tragedy.

Elayyan was among the 50 individuals killed in what became New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting in modern history, a event that shocked the international community.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Counter-Strike player Atta Elayyan a victim of New Zealand attack Remembering Atta Elayyan: Counter-Strike champion, tech entrepreneur, and Christchurch shooting victim