The State Of Counter-Strike in 2025 (ft messioso)

The Four Horsemen return with their annual State of Counter-Strike special, featuring messioso (now Head of CS Operations at 100 Thieves) to break down the health of North American and global Counter-Strike in 2025. They dive into 100 Thieves’ re-entry into CS with a European-based roster, the impact of betting sponsors, and what Rain, gla1ve, and a rumored device pickup really mean for the scene. They also debate expectations for new “super teams,” the dominance of Vitality, the resurgence of FURIA, and whether this year ranks among the all-time great CS seasons.  Come join LFN hosts and fans for some fun competition in Mechabellum this holiday season! Play in our 2v2 tournament on December 20th to have a chance to win $500 in cash alongside in-game rewards. Use code “LastFreeNation” in Mechabellum to earn a special, holiday-themed in-game reward (available starting the 18th of December).Mechabellum on Steam: https://bit.ly/4oLm3Jg  If you want to get ExpressVPN at its lowest price ever, plus four extra months of service, go to https://ExpressVPN.com/HORSEMEN  Eat smart at https://FactorMeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year!  Take advantage of Ridge’s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/HORSEMAN  Raycon audio products are up to 20% off this holiday season! Go to https://buyraycon.com/HORSEMENOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide.  Turn your expensive wireless present into a huge wireless savings future by switching to Mint Mobile! Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/FOURHORSEMEN  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join esports analysts and industry veterans as they unpack the shocking demise of theScore Esports YouTube channel, dissect Twitch’s ongoing struggles, and expose the shifting power dynamics fueled by Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in competitive gaming.  The Last Free Nation merch shop is open, and now includes the Four Horsemen logo t-shirt! Show off your fandom and support us and by purchasing the high-quality items on our merch shop. Check our website for more info on shipping! https://lastfreenation.shop  Black Friday is around the corner, and Raycon audio products are up to 30% off sitewide! Go to https://buyraycon.com/HORSEMENOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide.  Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at https://MINTMOBILE.com/fourhorsemen.Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details.  Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/HORSEMEN and use code HORSEMEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!  Eat smart at https://FactorMeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, the hosts dive deep into the massive shake-up in the Counter-Strike skin market caused by Valve’s recent update. They unpack how Valve’s “trade-up” changes have crashed high-tier item prices, wiping out an estimated $2-3 billion in market value overnight, and explore the long history of skins gambling scandals, influencer manipulation, and the hidden economics that prop up the CS esports scene.  The Last Free Nation merch shop is open, and now includes the Four Horsemen logo t-shirt! Show off your fandom and support us and by purchasing the high-quality items on our merch shop. Check our website for more info on shipping! https://lastfreenation.shop  Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% off Ridge at https://Ridge.com by using code HORSEMAN at checkout  Protect your online privacy TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/horsemen and you can get up to four extra months.  Black Friday is around the corner, and Raycon audio products are up to 30% off sitewide! Go to https://buyraycon.com/HORSEMENOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide.  Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at https://MINTMOBILE.com/fourhorsemen.Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this explosive episode of The Four Horsemen, we dive deep into the biggest controversies shaking up the League of Legends esports scene. RichsWrath joins to discuss Bwipo's suspension and removal from the Worlds music video, Riot Games’ questionable decision-making, and the disastrous rebrand of the LCS.  Follow our link and use code HORSEMEN to unlock 10% off your purchase at Manta Sleep! https://tinyurl.com/mtjk9dsj  Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% off Ridge at https://Ridge.com by using code HORSEMAN at checkout  Protect your online privacy TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/horsemen and you can get up to four extra months FREE.  Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code HORSEMEN at shopmando.com!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this explosive episode of The Four Horsemen, we dive deep into the scandals, controversies, and tragedies that have shaped the Super Smash Bros. and FGC communities. Joined by YouTuber Technicals, we unpack years of drama — from Saudi Arabia's esports influence to some of the darkest moments in Smash history.  This discussion provides a raw, unfiltered look at the systemic problems in Smash — from lack of governance to selective enforcement and moral hypocrisy. Whether you’re a fighting game fan, esports insider, or casual viewer, this is essential viewing to understand the culture, consequences, and people shaping competitive Smash.  Eat smart at https://FactorMeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year.  One thing to pack, five ways to power! Our listeners can get 10% off on Ridge's Power Bank at https://Ridge.com by using code HORSEMAN at checkout  Protect your online privacy TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/horsemen and you can get up to four extra months FREE.  Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/HORSEMEN and use code HORSEMEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, the crew dives into some of the most controversial esports stories. The show kicks off with an in-depth investigation into the Saudi-backed Esports World Cup “Superfan” program, revealing allegations of staged crowds, favoritism toward Falcons Esports, and censorship of fan signs and chants.  From there, the discussion shifts to the Fighting Game Community (FGC) and the bombshell news that Evo – the FGC’s flagship event – is now owned by a Saudi Arabian mega-city project, raising questions about competitive integrity, cultural values, and sportswashing. Central to this debate is SonicFox, one of the most famous and outspoken figures in the FGC, whose decision to continue competing at Evo sparks heated debate about activism, collaboration, and the realities of esports under authoritarian influence.  The second half of the show focuses on Dota 2’s unprecedented drama, as Gaimin Gladiators withdraw from The International (TI) despite holding a direct invite. The hosts examine the contractual disputes between the players and the organization, the legal standoff that cost them esports’ most prestigious tournament slot, and the long-term impact on both the players’ legacies and the org’s relationship with Valve. Packed with insider knowledge, unfiltered opinions, and hard-hitting esports news, this episode is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of FGC, Evo, SonicFox, and the shifting landscape of competitive gaming.  Last Free Nation’s new collaboration t-shirt with Into the AM is out now! Equip yourself with this high-quality shirt (featuring a familiar insignia) now! While you’re there, you can also shop the Into the AM Labor Day Sale! Items are up to 50% sitewide until the 7th of September. This is in addition to the 10% off you always get by using our link: https://intotheam.com/LFN-tee2  Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/horsemen TODAY to get 20% off sitewide!  Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code HORSEMEN at shopmando.com!  Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/HORSEMEN and use code HORSEMEN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo on this explosive episode of The Four Horsemen as they deep dive into the YaLLa Compass scandal with acclaimed CS2 journalist Luis Mira. Discover the inside story of how the YaLLa Compass tournament left over a million dollars in unpaid bills, defrauded countless teams and employees, and left a gaping hole in the Counter-Strike tournament calendar. Mira's meticulous reporting uncovers the organization's shocking mismanagement and the ramifications for the CS2 community. The hosts also debate the effectiveness of Valve's VRS system, its enforcement inconsistencies, and the broader implications for the esports landscape. Don't miss this in-depth exposé filled with insights, humor, and a few shocking revelations. NOTE: You may hear a slight echo during the first 48 minutes of the episode. Improve your game with a cutting-edge Wooting keyboard and get a free uWu now! Go to https://wooting.io/ and add any keyboard and uWu to your cart with code HORSEMEN and get your uWu for free! Get 10% Off your entire order & take advantage of Ridge’s Annual Sweepstakes by going to https://www.Ridge.com/HORSEMANNO PURCH. NEC. Open to legal residents of 50 US/DC, Canada & the UK, age maj.+. Void where prohibited. Begins 8/1/25 and ends 9/15/25. 2 winners selected. Max Prizes total ARV: $380,000 USD / approximately $516,000 CAD / £306,800. Canadian skill-testing question required. Subject to Rules, including free entry method & odds: ridge.com/rules. Sponsor: The Ridge Wallet, LLC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo take a critical look at the Esports World Cup documentary, "Level Up." The discussion unpacks the propaganda elements, questionable narratives, and the broader implications for esports history and integrity. From the manipulative portrayal of Falcon's rise to the mischaracterization of the esports industry's past, no aspect is left unexamined. Join the hosts as they expose the underlying issues and the real impact of Saudi Arabian investments in esports. Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/horsemen TODAY to get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code HORSEMEN at shopmando.com! Get 10% Off your entire order & take advantage of Ridge’s Annual Sweepstakes by going to https://www.Ridge.com/HORSEMANNO PURCH. NEC. Open to legal residents of 50 US/DC, Canada & the UK, age maj.+. Void where prohibited. Begins 8/1/25 and ends 9/15/25. 2 winners selected. Max Prizes total ARV: $380,000 USD / approximately $516,000 CAD / £306,800. Canadian skill-testing question required. Subject to Rules, including free entry method & odds: ridge.com/rules. Sponsor: The Ridge Wallet, LLC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo dive into the latest controversies in the esports world. They dissect Cadrel's controversial decision to co-stream the EWC for Saudi Arabia amidst ethical concerns and the backlash from fans. The trio also breaks down T1's public apology and the fallout from Joe Marsh's comments about player contracts, examining the inner workings of Korean corporate culture in esports. They also discuss Travis Gafford stepping away from LoL esports content. Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on the moral complexities and insider stories shaping the esports landscape. Improve your game with a cutting-edge Wooting keyboard and get a free uWu now! Go to https://wooting.io/ and add any keyboard and uWu to your cart with code HORSEMEN and get your uWu for free! For a limited time, our listeners get 10% off at Ridge by using code HORSEMAN at checkout. Just head to https://Ridge.com and use code HORSEMAN Get the ultimate immersive gaming experience with Turtle Beach today! For a limited time only, head to https://TurtleBeach.com and use Code HORSEMAN for 10% off your entire order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'The Four Horsemen,' Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo delve into the complex world of Riot Games's new stance on sports betting and its implications for the esports industry. The trio also discusses the controversial moves by Saudi Arabia in the esports space, lies and censorship surrounding the Esports World Cup, the ongoing match-fixing scandals, and how these developments are shaping the future of competitive gaming. Don't miss their insider insights on the ethical dilemmas, corporate strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of esports. Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/horsemen TODAY to get up to 15% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds! For a limited time, our listeners get 10% off at Ridge by using code HORSEMAN at checkout. Just head to https://Ridge.com and use code HORSEMAN Get the ultimate immersive gaming experience with Turtle Beach today! For a limited time only, head to https://TurtleBeach.com and use Code HORSEMAN for 10% off your entire order. Protect your online privacy TODAY by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/horsemen and you can get an extra four months FREE.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.