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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Richard Lewis's article on the Astralis sale - https://richardlewis.substack.com/p/astralis-new-ownership-deal-is-done

TeaTime'sTwitter: https://x.com/ggTeaTime

Snake & Banter is a Counter-Strike talk show, hosted by Duncan "Thorin" Shields and Alex "Mauisnake" Ellenberg, themed around each individual selecting a good, bad and ugly topic to discuss.

Episode 109 was recorded on the 10th of September, 2025.

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0:00:00 - TeaTime intro
0:11:28 - TeaTime's good point (The VRS system has resulted in the best year ever for Tier 2 CS)
0:25:45 - Mauisnake's good point (IEM Chengdu)
0:38:44 - Thorin's good point (Astralis's new ownership)
0:51:33 - TeaTime's bad point (TO's are taking broadcasts for granted)
1:11:28 - Mauisnake's bad point (FaZe Clan)
1:25:53 - Thorin's bad point (MOUZ)
1:43:48 - TeaTime's ugly point (The caliber of the current Top 5 teams)
1:55:45 - Mauisnake's ugly point (PGL Masters had to move Grand Finals to accommodate IEM Chengdu)
2:14:46 - Thorin's ugly point (zont1x's status within Spirit)

#CS2
#podcast
#Thorin