Why Team Liquid Is So Frustrating To Watch / Is s1mple Back For Good? (ft YouM3)

Join Thorin, Mauisnake, and guest TeaTime on Snake and Banter as they dissect the latest Counter-Strike esports drama in this can't-miss esports podcast episode! We have an in-depth discussion on the current state of CS2 and the evolving esports landscape. The conversation also tackles big-picture topics such as the decline in top-tier team narratives, FaZe Clan’s struggles, MOUZ’s concerning T-side stats, and how roster changes at organizations like Astralis and Spirit could shift the CS2 competitive landscape. Thorin, Mauisnake, and TeaTime debate the importance of star players versus win-by-committee styles, the role of specialist talent in broadcasts, and the politics between TOs like ESL and PGL that affect event quality. The trio dive into the realities of working in Tier 2 Counter-Strike, from pay disparities and post-pandemic opportunities to the grind of online tournaments and the challenges of breaking into Tier 1. They examine the impact of Valve’s VRS system, how it’s reshaping the tournament calendar, and why 2025 might be one of the best years ever for Tier 2 competition. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories about commentary careers, networking, and surviving in the volatile world of esports broadcasting. Whether you’re a hardcore Counter-Strike fan, a CS2 player, or just an esports enthusiast, this episode offers sharp analysis, insider perspectives, and plenty of candid banter about the game’s biggest storylines Go to https://buyraycon.com/SNAKE to get 20% off sitewide TODAY! One thing to pack, five ways to power! You can get 10% off Ridge’s Power Bank by going to https://www.Ridge.com and using code SNAKE at checkout

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Cxzi to chat about FalleN and his ranking as an IGL in CS2 esports, Spirit's recent struggles despite being ranked so highly, broky's comeback tour for FaZe, problems with the VRS system in Counter-Strike, and more! 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 Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code CS2 at https://www.shopmando.com! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SNAKE and use code SNAKE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Ne0kai to chat about The MongolZ winning CS2 at the Esports World Cup and their impact on Asian Counter-Strike, problems with HLTV 3.0, tn1r and Spirit, ZywOo's weak August with Vitality, and more.

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by voo to chat about Counter-Strike, the state of FaZe, reactions to HLTV 3.0, The MongolZ defeating Vitality, disappointments from NAVI, MOUZ, and GamerLegion, and more. Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/snake TODAY to get up to 20% off the fan-favorite Everyday Earbuds Classic!

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by YouM3 to chat about Team Liquid, s1mple playing for BC.Game, recent updates to CS2, tn1r replacing zont1x on Spirit, and more! Start reliving your favorite memories with Aura Frames. For a limited time, listeners can get $35-off on their best-selling Carver Mat frame by going to https://auraframes.com and using the promo code SANDB. Offer may vary by country. Terms and conditions apply.

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Dinko to chat about the CS community's perception of EliGE, Spirit's capability to win trophies this year, why the BLAST Bounty format is good, the news about YaLLA Compass, the proliferation of big online events, and more! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code CS2 at https://www.shopmando.com! Get 10% Off your entire order & take advantage of Ridge’s Annual Sweepstakes by going to https://www.Ridge.com/SNAKENO 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.

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Launders to discuss kyousuke's amazing debut for Team Falcons at IEM Cologne, why time spent on NiP DOES count now, faltering of FaZe and GamerLegion, the prevalence of cheating and match fixing in CS2 tier 2 and below, and more! ​Improve your game with a cutting-edge Wooting keyboard and get a free uWu now! Simply add any keyboard and uWu to your cart with code SNAKE and get your uWu for free! Go to https://link.wooting.io/snake ​Get the ultimate immersive gaming experience with Turtle Beach today! For a limited time only, head to https://TurtleBeach.com and use Code CSGO for 10% off your entire order. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code CS2 at https://www.shopmando.com! Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/snake TODAY to get up to 20% off the fan-favorite Everyday Earbuds Classic!

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Vince  to chat about s1mple's performances with FaZe at IEM Dallas, Team Liquid's level of play, NakeyJakey putting the spotlight on CS2's new player experience, the BESTIA and BLAST Major drama, the overall career of XANTARES, and more! Shop the Into the AM Memorial Day Sale with up to 70% OFF sitewide until June 1. Save an additional 10% by using our link: https://intotheam.com/LFN. Also, visit the Last Free Nation Discord to give feedback on our latest t-shirt design collaboration! Take advantage of Ridge’s one-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% OFF right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/SNAKE Get the ultimate immersive gaming experience with Turtle Beach today! For a limited time only, head to https://TurtleBeach.com and use Code CSGO for 10% off your entire order.