CHERRY XTRFY teams up with Counter-Strike legend HeatoN

European peripherals company CHERRY XTRFY has named Counter-Strike legend Emil ‘HeatoN‘ Christensen as an ambassador.

In the role, HeatoN will represent the company at events, assist with product development, and provide feedback on its range of gaming gear.

The eight-time Counter-Strike champion is one of the game’s most well-known esports figures. Moreover, CHERRY XTRFY is no stranger to collaborating with HeatoN, having supported Ninjas in Pyjamas with the launch of its own gaming gear.

HeatoN also launched his own products under the CHERRY XTRFY banner, collaborating with the company to launch the M3 HeatoN gaming mouse, one of its first gaming mouse releases.

“It feels great to be working with CHERRY XTRFY,” said HeatoN. “Over the years, I’ve always come back to using their products for the quality and performance, but also because of the people behind the brand. Being able to contribute my experience, test products, and help shape future development also feels like a natural step, and something I’m truly excited about.”

Founded in 1953, CHERRY began manufacturing keyboards in 1973 and has cemented its place as one of the biggest PC peripherals manufacturers in the world. In 2023, the company partnered with esports and gaming venue FUZED, to equip its Swedish venue with mice, keyboards, and other equipment.

During the early years of Counter-Strike esports, HeatoN achieved a wealth of success competing for the likes of Ninjas in Pyjamas and SK Gaming. In 2003, he won the CPL Summer split, taking home $60,000 (~£44,529) in prize money. Other notable victories include defeating Fnatic in the DreamHack Summer 2006 Grand Final.

In 2007, HeatoN retired from professional play, transitioning to a coaching role for Ninjas in Pyjamas from 2012 to 2018. As a coach, he played an integral role in the team’s 87 consecutive LAN wins between 2012 and 2013, which remains the longest win streak in the history of the esport.