59-Year-Old Gamer Shocks Pros in Counter-Strike

A 59-year-old gamer from China is challenging stereotypes and turning heads in the competitive Counter-Strike scene. Known online as Auntie Juan, Zhong Juanjuan has gone viral after showcasing impressive skills against some of the biggest names in professional esports.

While many people her age are enjoying retirement, Auntie Juan is busy landing headshots and proving that gaming talent isn’t limited by age.

From Beginner to Viral Sensation

Tactical shooters like Counter-Strike are typically dominated by teenagers and young adults known for their lightning-fast reflexes. Professional players often train for more than ten hours a day to stay competitive, making it rare to see anyone over 30 competing at a high level — let alone someone who started gaming later in life.

Zhong Juanjuan had no interest in video games until the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, she asked her son to teach her how to play. Her early days were far from glamorous. She struggled to move her character properly and joked that she would “walk straight into walls while looking up at the sky.” Even simply pressing the “W” key to move forward felt exciting at first.

Despite the steep learning curve, she committed to practicing five to six hours a day. Her dedication was so intense that her son eventually programmed the home router to shut off at 2 a.m. to make sure she got enough sleep.

As of early 2026, she has logged more than 8,000 hours in Counter-Strike.

Taking Down the Pros

Her dedication recently paid off during a friendly exhibition match organized by a popular content creator. Auntie Juan faced off against some of the world’s top players, including Donk, who was ranked the best player in the world in 2024, and Sh1ro, a pro with over $1 million in career prize earnings.

To the surprise of viewers, she landed a clean one-tap headshot on Donk and later eliminated Sh1ro mid-air. Clips of her quick reactions quickly spread across social media, leaving both the audience and the professionals stunned.

Skills Built Before Gaming

Although her rise might seem unexpected, Zhong’s background may have given her a hidden advantage. Before retiring, she worked for two decades as a senior CNC machine operator — a profession that requires intense concentration and exceptional hand-eye coordination. Those same skills translate directly into success in precision-based shooters like Counter-Strike.

Her training routine was methodical. She began by practicing on aim maps, shooting balloons and training against bots to build muscle memory. Once comfortable, she transitioned into deathmatch modes to improve timing, positioning, and grenade usage.

Viral Fame and Online Doubts

As her popularity grew, Auntie Juan began livestreaming her gameplay to thousands of viewers. However, her impressive performance has sparked skepticism. Some viewers claim she must be using CGI technology or that a younger player is disguising their voice to appear older. Others have even accused her of being AI-generated.

She takes the accusations in stride, laughing them off and saying that performing in front of an audience actually energizes her.

In 2022, she signed with a domestic streaming agency, and her gaming journey has since taken her across China to attend offline events. For Auntie Juan, competitive gaming is simply another way to stay active — no different from square dancing or mahjong for others in her generation.

“The first step might be hard,” she says. “But once you take it, you might open up a whole new world.”