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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Nohte, Senior Staff Writer at HLTV,  to discuss a good balance update from Valve, Overpass replacing Anubis, hype around IEM Cologne, Falcons skipping the next 2 BLAST events, mismanagement at Wildcard, and more!

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Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by Paladin to discuss the CS2 case opening by ohnepixel and others, the lack of hype roster moves this offseason, Snax getting benched on G2, the state of HEROIC, the lackluster souvenir charm highlights, and more!

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Thorin and Mauisnake celebrate the 100th episode of Snake and Banter with guest Sean Gares! They chat about why Falcons signing kyousuke is a good thing, the ugly truths about the state of s1mple and FaZe, the ongoing Vitality era of CS2, the potential of G2's new roster, reactions to the BLAST Austin Major, and more!

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