French Counter-Strike Community Mourns the Loss of Former Pro and Creator maleK at 35
The French Counter-Strike scene is grieving the passing of Malek "maleK" Bennouioua, a veteran player, team leader, and popular educational content creator. News of his death surfaced on September 28, 2026, with community announcements confirming that he passed away on September 27 at the age of 35.
Published by Global Report Center
The French Counter-Strike scene is grieving the passing of Malek "maleK" Bennouioua, a veteran player, team leader, and popular educational content creator. News of his death surfaced on September 28, 2026, with community announcements confirming that he passed away on September 27 at the age of 35.
Key Takeaways
Role & Identity: Former French CS:GO professional (competing for organizations such as Epsilon Esports and beGenius), in-game leader, and long-time content creator.
Impact: Known widely across the French-speaking gaming ecosystem for producing structured gameplay guides, tactical breakdowns, equipment analyses, and educational streams.
Family: Survived by his two children.
Distinction: Not to be confused with former G2 Esports coach Damien "maLeK" Marcel.
A Career Rooted in the French Competitive Scene
Bennouioua competed for over a decade within European and domestic French Counter-Strike circuits. Rising through Counter-Strike: Source and moving into CS:GO, he represented local stacks and organizations at major French LAN events—including Gamers Assembly, DreamHack Tours, and EPSILAN.
As an in-game leader (IGL), he was recognized for his deep tactical understanding and his ability to mentor emerging talent within the sub-top tier of French esports.
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