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What is the X-Ray Scanner in CS2

The X-Ray Scanner in Counter-Strike 2 is a special in-game item that is allowed in specific regions to address regulations around boxes, given the luck and cost involved.

The X-Ray Scanner allows players to preview a container’s contents before opening it, unlike the previous system, where opening Boxes was a game of chance. While moving to a more transparent process may take away the excitement of opening cases, on the other hand, it saves players from wasting money.

How does the X-Ray Scanner work?

Once a container is scanned, it will be considered as consumed and will disappear from the inventory. Scanned Cases cannot be sold or traded through the Steam Community Market to prevent players from exploiting the system, where unwanted cases can be sold.

Players are allowed to scan one container at a time, and only after choosing to buy or pass will they be allowed to scan the next case. This ensures that multiple cases cannot be scanned without committing to a purchase.

Why was it introduced?

This X-Ray Scanner was introduced to counter the newly introduced legal regulations regarding loot boxes, and CS2 cases come under the same category, as they are now counted under gambling, given their nature. At the time of writing, this has only been introduced for Germany and the Netherlands, but if more Countries decide to target gambling, then Valve will be forced to make this a large-scale adoption.

The randomised nature of CS2 cases gets eliminated with the introduction of this new system. Having a preview-based system introduces transparency, and restricting the usage of a case following a scan prevents misuse of this new system. It goes without saying that this significantly brings down the excitement factor around the cases, but only time can tell how the community takes it.

BGIS 2026 Grand Finals: Qualified Teams, Schedule, Prize Pool, and How to Watch

The BGIS 2026 Grand Finals are set to take place from March 27 to March 29, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, marking the grand conclusion of India’s biggest BGMI tournament of the year. With a record-breaking ₹4 Crore prize pool and 16 elite squads fighting for the title, this is the most anticipated BGMI LAN event to date.

Venue and Format

The Grand Finals will be held at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, Tamil Nadu, a venue known for hosting large-scale events with excellent infrastructure. A total of 16 teams will compete across 18 matches played over three days, with 6 matches scheduled per day. Eight teams qualified directly from the Semifinals, while the remaining eight earned their spots through the Survival Stage held on March 16-17 in Hyderabad.

All Qualified Teams For BGIS 2026 Grand Finals

The BGIS 2026 Semifinals ran from March 12 to 15 at Hyderabad, featuring 24 teams split into three groups of eight in a Double Round Robin format. Each team played 16 matches, and the top eight from the combined overall standings earned a direct Grand Finals ticket.

The remaining 16 teams from the Semifinals dropped into the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage on March 16 and 17. Only the top eight from 12 total matches has advanced to the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals, while the bottom eight are eliminated from the tournament.

Following are all the qualified teams:

RankTeam
1Team Soul
2Orangutan
3Genesis Esports
4Learn From Past (LEFP)
5Reckoning Esports
6Revenant XSpark
7Victores Sumus
8Meta Ninza
9GodLike Esports
10Welt Esports
11Nebula Esports
12Myth Official
13Wyld Fangs
14K9 Esports
15Team Tamilas
16Vasista Esports

Notable teams like GodLike Esports narrowly missed the direct cutoff with 105 points and had to fight through the Survival Stage for the remaining Grand Finals slots. Fan-favorites such as K9 Esports, MadKINGS, Nebula Esports, and Welt Esports were also part of the Survival Stage bracket competing for those eight spots.​

For a full breakdown of the Semifinals and Survival Stage results, check out the BGIS 2026 schedule and stage details on TalkEsport.

Grand Finals Daily Schedule

The Grand Finals run six matches per day across three days, totalling 18 matches over the weekend. According to the tournament’s established format, matches are all set to begin around 2:30 PM IST each day, consistent with the broadcast start times used during earlier stages. The maps used throughout the tournament have followed a rotation of Erangel, Miramar, and Rondo, which are the three classic BGMI competitive maps.​​

DayDateMatchesStart Time (IST)
Day 1March 27, 20266~2:30 PM
Day 2March 28, 20266~2:30 PM
Day 3March 29, 20266~2:30 PM

​​

Prize Pool Breakdown

KRAFTON India officially announced a ₹4 Crore prize pool for BGIS 2026, which includes a ₹2 Crore base pool and an additional ₹2 Crore unlocked by fans through the in-game Discovery Island initiative. The champions will take home ₹1 Crore, making this the highest prize pool in BGIS history.

PositionPrize Money (INR)
Champions₹1,00,00,000 (1 Crore)
Runner-Up₹50,00,000
3rd Place₹35,00,000
4th Place₹25,00,000
5th Place₹20,50,000
6th Place₹16,00,000
7th – 8th Place₹14,00,000 each
9th – 10th Place₹11,50,000 each
11th – 12th Place₹10,00,000 each
13th – 14th Place₹9,00,000 each
15th – 16th Place₹8,00,000 each

Every team that reaches the Grand Finals will win at least ₹8 Lakh, meaning even a last-place finish still comes with a significant payout.

How to Watch BGIS 2026 Grand Finals Live

All BGIS 2026 Grand Finals matches will be live on the Krafton India Esports official YouTube channel, available in both Hindi and English. The Krafton India Esports channel recently crossed 2 million subscribers, reflecting the massive growth in Indian BGMI esports viewership. You can also attend the event in person at the Chennai Trade Centre.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals are available exclusively through Swiggy Scenes, the official ticketing partner for the event. Early bird pricing was available in mid-March, with a single-day Early Bird Pass at ₹100 and a 3-Day Early Bird Pass at ₹250. Premium Elite Passes with added benefits are also available at ₹4,720 per day.

For ticketing updates and more BGIS 2026 coverage, follow TalkEsport’s BGIS 2026 hub.

BGIS 2026 Grand Finals: All Qualified Teams So Far

The BGIS 2026 Grand Finals are fast approaching, and the race for a spot in Chennai is reaching its peak. Eight teams have already locked in their places after a dominant run through the Semifinals, while eight more will emerge from the Survival Stage on March 17.

Here is a full breakdown of every BGIS 2026 Grand Finals qualified team confirmed so far, along with the current Survival Stage standings.

BGIS 2026 Grand Finals Confirmed from Semifinals

The BGIS 2026 Semifinals ran from March 12 to 15 at Hyderabad, featuring 24 teams split into three groups of eight in a Double Round Robin format. Each team played 16 matches, and the top eight from the combined overall standings earned a direct Grand Finals ticket. These are the eight teams that made it:

#TeamRoute
1iQOO SOULDirect – Semifinals
2iQOO OrangutanDirect – Semifinals
3Genesis EsportsDirect – Semifinals
4Learn From Past (LEFP)Direct – Semifinals
5iQOO Reckoning EsportsDirect – Semifinals
6iQOO Revenant XSparkDirect – Semifinals
7Victores SumusDirect – Semifinals
8Meta NinzaDirect – Semifinals

iQOO SOUL topped the Semifinals standings with 172 points and three Chicken Dinners across their 16 matches. The Nakul-led squad also racked up 116 total eliminations, making them one of the strongest favorites heading into the LAN Finals.

Survival Stage To Fill The Remaining 8 Slots

The remaining 16 teams from the Semifinals dropped into the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage on March 16 and 17. Only the top eight from 12 total matches has advanced to the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals, while the bottom eight are eliminated from the tournament.

Following are the 8 teams that have secured the final eight slots:

#TeamRoute
1GodLike EsportsSurvival Stage
2Welt EsportsSurvival Stage
3Nebula EsportsSurvival Stage
4Myth OfficialSurvival Stage
5Wyld FangsSurvival Stage
6K9 EsportsSurvival Stage
7Team TamilasSurvival Stage
8Vasista EsportsSurvival Stage

GodLike’s situation is worth noting. The Manya-led squad failed to qualify directly from the Semifinals after scoring just five points on Day 4 of that stage. They now rely on a strong Survival Stage run to reach Chennai.​

BGIS 2026 Grand Finals Details

The BGIS 2026 Grand Finals will take place at the Chennai Trade Centre from March 27 to 29, 2026. All 16 qualified teams will compete across three matchdays with six matches per day, totalling 18 matches. The entire tournament carries a prize pool of ₹4,00,00,000 (4 crore INR), making it one of the biggest BGMI events of the year.

How Many Agents Are There in Valorant

Currently, as of Season 2026 Act 2, the total number of agents in Valorant is 30. The latest agent added is Miks, a Croatian sound-themed Controller agent added to the game on March 18, 2026.

Right now, the number of playable agents in Valorant is 28. This included Veto as the latest agent added to the game, which is a Sentinel agent. Information about the number of agents in Valorant also confirmed this number as the game progressed towards Season 2026 Act 1.

Veto was also given as the latest agent in Valorant and the game’s 29th agent. This confirms that the total number of agents in Valorant is slightly higher than the number of playable agents in the game.

With the unveiling of Miks during the Valorant Masters Santiago Grand Final, various media channels and community sites have explicitly referred to him as “Agent 30,” explaining that this brings the total number of agents up to 30. Even those sites referring to him as the “next” or “new” agent do so within the context of a large number of agents, all of which are about to reach this milestone.

Miks is a Croatian Controller agent whose abilities all revolve around sound, music, and teamplay utility. While traditional Controllers have abilities that revolve almost exclusively around denying sites and controlling space, Miks is unique in that his abilities, while still including traditional smokes, also feature healing, team buffs, and crowd-controlling effects. Various previews have referred to Miks as Valorant’s first support-type Controller with a true healing ability, allowing him to heal his teammates mid-fight while also hindering enemies with his concussive sound waves.

No, Jonathan Is Not Leaving GodLike; Here’s Why

Two days. That is all it took for the BGMI community to decide that Jonathan is done with GodLike Esports. He sat out Day 1 of the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage. He left the Hyderabad venue on Day 2. And suddenly, half the internet is convinced he has been dropped or is walking away from the org.

He is not. And the evidence for that is not even subtle.

Amar’s Statement Says It Plainly

GodLike co-owner Amar released a statement on March 17 that directly addresses the noise. He called the rumors floating around the community “baseless” and said they do not reflect reality. He also confirmed that either he, Kronten, or Jonathan will explain the situation when the time is right.

But the line that matters most is this: Amar said the entire team shares the dream of lifting an official trophy “alongside Jonathan.” You do not use that kind of language about a player you are about to release. That is a statement of intent, not a goodbye.

He also asked fans to keep supporting the squad, noting that the team is performing well and that the encouragement matters to the players. The tone was calm and measured. Not damage control. Not spin. Just a request for patience.

The Benching Was a Tactical Call

When Jonathan was absent from GodLike’s opening match on Day 1 of the Survival Stage, fans jumped to conclusions almost immediately. But captain Manya cleared things up after the matches. He said the decision to sit Jonathan out was strategic, not personal.

And it is hard to argue with the results. GodLike Esports topped the overall standings after Day 1 with the lineup of Manya, Admino, Spower, and Godz. They looked composed and coordinated. That does not happen when a team is in the middle of internal chaos. That happens when a plan is being executed.

The BGIS 2026 Survival Stage is a compressed, high-pressure format. Twelve matches over two days, and only the top eight qualify for the Grand Finals. In formats like this, roster flexibility can be a genuine tactical advantage, and GodLike appears to have used it.

Jonathan Left for a Shoot, Not a Transfer

On March 17, Jonathan left the Sandhya Convention Center in Hyderabad. Reports confirmed he was heading to Mumbai for a shoot. This is the detail that a lot of people are overlooking.

Shoots require scheduling. Travel needs to be booked. This was not a last-minute walkout after a heated argument in the team room. It was planned. The team knew about it and adjusted accordingly.

Also worth considering: players who get dropped do not fly to another city for brand or content commitments. That is not how exits work. Jonathan’s departure from the venue looks far more like a pre-arranged absence than any kind of dramatic split.

The Team’s Performance Tells Its Own Story

If there were real problems between Jonathan and GodLike, results would suffer. Roster drama almost always shows up on the scoreboard. But GodLike finished Day 1 at the top of the standings. Godz fit into the lineup without any visible friction, and the team played with confidence across all their matches.

That kind of performance does not come from a squad dealing with internal tension. It comes from a group that made a decision together and committed to it.

The Grand Finals Are Still Ahead

The BGIS 2026 Grand Finals are scheduled from March 27 to March 29 at the Chennai Trade Centre. If GodLike qualify through the Survival Stage, and they are well on track to do so, there is a gap of over a week before the finals begin.

That is more than enough time for Jonathan to rejoin the roster. And based on Amar’s statement, that seems to be exactly what the org expects. The trophy talk, the reassurance, the promise of a proper explanation. All of it points toward Jonathan being part of the Grand Finals lineup.

Why the Rumors Got So Loud

It is not hard to understand why the community reacted this way. Jonathan is one of the most recognized names in Indian BGMI esports. Any change involving him, even a temporary one, generates massive attention. When he was missing from the Day 1 lineup with no public explanation, fans filled the information gap with speculation.

Social media did the rest. Clips, screenshots, and theories spread fast, and the “Jonathan dropped” story had already taken hold before Manya or Amar said anything. But stories built on incomplete information tend to collapse once the actual facts surface. And the facts here do not support a permanent exit.

The Bottom Line

Jonathan is not leaving GodLike. The co-owner has called the rumors baseless. The captain has called the benching strategic. The team topped the Day 1 standings. And Jonathan’s departure from the venue was for a scheduled shoot, not a dramatic walkout.

There are still unanswered questions, and those will be addressed when Amar, Kronten, or Jonathan decide the time is right. But whether Jonathan is leaving GodLike is not one of those open questions. Based on everything available right now, the answer is no.

Jonathan BGMI: GodLike Amar Dismisses Rumors, Asks Fans to Keep Supporting the Team

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GodLike Esports co-owner Amar has released an official statement addressing the growing speculation around Jonathan’s absence from the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage. In his message, Amar called the rumors circulating in the community “baseless” and confirmed that either he, Kronten, or Jonathan will address the situation at the right time.

The statement comes after two days of confusion. Jonathan was benched on Day 1 of the Survival Stage on March 16, with Godz taking his spot in the lineup. On Day 2, reports confirmed that Jonathan had left the Hyderabad venue entirely and was traveling to Mumbai for a shoot.

What Did GodLike Amar Say?

Amar’s statement was short and direct. He acknowledged that the team has been working toward winning an official trophy and that they all share the dream of lifting it with Jonathan. He specifically asked fans not to engage with the rumors floating around in the BGMI community.

He also pointed out that the team is performing well and that fan support plays an important role in keeping the players confident. The message ended with a request for patience, saying the full picture will be shared when the time is right.

Jonathan’s Absence From BGIS 2026 Survival Stage: What Happened

The timeline started on March 16 when GodLike fielded Manya, Admino, Spower, and Godz in their opening match of the Survival Stage. Jonathan was not part of the playing four. The move surprised fans since this is a do-or-die stage for GodLike, who missed direct qualification from the Semi Finals.

Despite the shock, the decision worked. GodLike topped the overall standings after Day 1, putting themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Grand Finals.

On March 17, things took another turn. Jonathan was seen leaving the Sandhya Convention Center in Hyderabad. Reports indicated he was heading to Mumbai for a shoot, confirming he would miss the final day of the Survival Stage as well.

GodLike’s Performance Without Jonathan

With Godz in the lineup, GodLike looked sharp on Day 1. The squad of Manya, Admino, Spower, and Godz delivered consistent results and finished at the top of the standings. Captain Manya had said after Day 1 that the decision to bench Jonathan was purely strategic, and hinted that fans might see him return on Day 2.

That did not happen. Jonathan’s departure from the venue means Godz will continue in the lineup for the remaining matches. If GodLike maintain their current form, they are in a strong position to finish inside the top eight and book their spot at the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals in Chennai.

Will Jonathan Play in the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals?

That is the biggest question right now. The Grand Finals are scheduled from March 27 to March 29 in Chennai. There is no official word yet on whether Jonathan will return to the roster for the finals.

Amar’s statement does suggest the team still sees Jonathan as part of the long-term plan. The mention of “lifting the trophy alongside Jonathan” indicates there is no permanent split. But until Amar, Kronten, or Jonathan address the situation publicly, the exact details remain unclear.

For now, GodLike fans have been asked to stay patient and keep supporting the team as they push through the Survival Stage.

Wuthering Waves 3.2 Maintenance: Server Downtime Schedule, Start and End Times for All Regions

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Kuro Games has confirmed the maintenance schedule for Wuthering Waves Version 3.2, titled “Resolution to Illuminate the Shadows.” Servers will go offline on March 19, 2026, and players will not be able to log into the game during this window.

Here is everything you need to know about the downtime, including start and end times across regions, compensation details, and what to do before the servers go down.

When Does Wuthering Waves 3.2 Maintenance Start and End?

The Version 3.2 update maintenance will begin on March 19, 2026, at 4:00 AM (UTC+8). It will last for seven hours, with an expected end time of 11:00 AM (UTC+8) on the same day.

This follows the same pattern as previous updates. Kuro Games has consistently used the 4 AM to 11 AM (UTC+8) window for major version updates, including 3.0 and 3.1.

That said, maintenance can sometimes wrap up earlier than the full seven hours. It is still best to plan around the entire window.

Wuthering Waves 3.2 Maintenance Times Across Different Time Zones

Since the downtime runs globally at the same time, it falls on different dates depending on your region. For players in North America, the maintenance actually starts on March 18.

Here is the full schedule:

  • PDT (UTC-7): March 18, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • EDT (UTC-4): March 18, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • GMT (UTC+0): March 18, 8:00 PM to March 19, 3:00 AM
  • CET (UTC+1): March 18, 9:00 PM to March 19, 4:00 AM
  • IST (UTC+5:30): March 19, 1:30 AM to 8:30 AM
  • JST (UTC+9): March 19, 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • AEST (UTC+11): March 19, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Players in India, for example, will see the downtime start in the early hours and end by morning. American players can expect it during the afternoon and evening of March 18.

Wuthering Waves 3.2 Maintenance Compensation

Kuro Games will compensate all eligible Rovers for the server downtime. Based on previous version updates like 3.0 and 3.1, players can expect to receive 300 Astrites and 2 Crystal Solvents through the in-game mailbox.

To qualify for the compensation, your account needs to have a character with the Mail feature unlocked before the maintenance begins. Once the update goes live, just open your mailbox and collect the rewards.

If the maintenance runs longer than expected, Kuro Games has said they will issue a follow-up notice and adjust the compensation accordingly.

Preload Details for Version 3.2

The preload for Wuthering Waves 3.2 went live on March 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM (UTC+8). However, there is one important change this time around. The pre-download feature is only available on PC for Version 3.2. Mobile players will not have access to preload for this update.

The PC download size is approximately 19 GB. Kuro Games recommends having at least 28 GB of free storage space to account for decompression and installation.

What to Do Before the Servers Go Down

Since you will be locked out for up to seven hours, it is a good idea to take care of a few things in advance:

Finish your dailies. Any tasks tied to the daily or weekly reset should be completed before the maintenance starts in your region.

Wrap up limited-time events. If there are any Version 3.1 events still running with approaching deadlines, clear them now. You will not get another chance once the servers shut down.

Use your remaining stamina. There is no point letting Waveplate energy sit idle during a seven-hour window. Spend it before maintenance begins.

Make your final banner pulls. Version 3.1 banners will close before the 3.2 update goes live. If you are still pulling on current banners, do it before the downtime.

What is Coming in Wuthering Waves Version 3.2?

Once the maintenance ends, players will have access to a solid batch of new content. Here is a quick overview of what Version 3.2 brings:

New Story Content: Main Quest Chapter III Act IV and a new Segue quest continue the ongoing narrative in Lahai-Roi.

New Resonator: Sigrika is the only new 5-star character in this update, available through her featured Convene banner alongside her signature weapon, Solsworn Ciphers.

New Enemies: Six new enemy types are being added, including Phagosite: Bipolarch, Phagosite: Hysterarch, Phagosite: Miserarch, Fractsidus Milliner, Fractsidus Mawdoll, and Fractsidus Ripper.

Endstate Matrix Update: The endgame challenge system is getting a rework with rotating Challenge Cycles. The first one, Endstate Matrix: Doomsday Cycle, will run from Version 3.2 through Version 3.4.

New Tactical Hologram: Tactical Hologram: Hyvatia is a new boss challenge being introduced with this patch.

Special Events: Multiple events are coming, including Soar to the Beat, Lahai-Roi Blocks, Speed up! F.U.E.L. Instrumentality Project!, Knights of the Wild, The Flaming Red in Memory, and Gifts of Solsworn.

Permanent Events: Whispers Between Stars is being added as a permanent event alongside the Endstate Matrix.

Motorbike Liveries: Two new Expedition Motorbike skins, Queen Livery and Violet Livery (Persona 5 Royal collaboration), will be available from the in-game store starting April 9, 2026. The Persona 5 Royal livery continues the collaboration that first launched with Version 3.0, which introduced the initial wave of Persona and Sonic motorbike skins.

How to Update Your Client After Maintenance

Once the servers come back online, you can update the game on your platform:

PC: Close the game, restart the launcher, and click “Update.” Android: Launch the game and follow the update pop-up instructions. iOS/Mac: Download or update through the App Store. PS5: Go to the home screen, select Wuthering Waves, press the OPTIONS button, and choose “Check for Update.”

The Wuthering Waves 3.2 update should go live immediately after maintenance ends. No separate launch window is planned.

FaZe Clan Part Ways With CS2 Coach NEO After Nearly Three Years

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FaZe Clan have officially removed Filip “NEO” Kubski from his position as head coach of their CS2 roster. The organization confirmed the decision on X, bringing an end to a partnership that lasted close to three years.

The move comes during a prolonged rough patch for the international lineup. While FaZe still carry one of the most talented rosters in Counter-Strike, results have fallen well short of expectations in recent months. With the IEM Cologne Major roster lock deadline fast approaching, the team clearly felt a change was necessary.

How NEO Ended Up at FaZe

NEO joined FaZe back in July 2023. He came in after Robert “RobbaN” Dahlstrom chose to step down from the coaching role and move into a different position within the organization. RobbaN had been behind some of FaZe’s biggest wins, so NEO was walking into a tough situation from day one.

His arrival also lined up with the shift from CS:GO to CS2, which made it hard to know how any team would perform in the new game. FaZe adapted quickly, though. They became one of the strongest teams in CS2 early on and looked right at home with the new mechanics and gameplay changes.

The Highs Under NEO

The early results spoke for themselves. FaZe won IEM Sydney 2023, which was the first CS2 tournament, and went on to make eight straight Grand Final appearances. They won four of those finals. That is a dominant stretch by any measure, and NEO deserves credit for keeping the team organized and competitive during such a turbulent transition period.

Where Things Went Wrong

After that strong run, FaZe’s form dropped off. They did reach two Major Grand Finals, which is still a solid achievement, but the team failed to deliver consistent results beyond those deep runs. For a roster with this much talent and history, that kind of inconsistency was hard to ignore.

FaZe’s struggles were on full display at IEM Krakow 2026, and continued through ESL Pro League Season 23 where they exited in 12th-14th place. Coaching changes are often the first move organizations make when results dip. It is less disruptive than swapping out players, especially when roster locks are right around the corner.

What Happens Next for FaZe

FaZe have announced that their analyst, Dominik “GruBy” Swiderski, will serve as interim head coach for the time being. The team is evaluating its options for a permanent replacement.

There are already rumors circulating about who might take the role. Ashley “ash” Battye, who previously coached GamerLegion, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Nothing is confirmed on that front, though.

Fans will get their first look at FaZe without NEO at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, which is coming up soon. It will be worth watching whether any tactical or structural changes are visible that early after the coaching switch.

NEO’s Next Move

NEO has not made any public statement about the decision so far. It remains unclear whether he plans to pursue another coaching role immediately or take some time away from competition. His experience in the game and his calm approach to coaching would make him an attractive option for plenty of teams looking for stability.

CS Legend n0thing Appointed to Board of USA Esports Alliance

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Former Counter-Strike professional Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert has been named to the Board of Directors of the newly formed USA Esports Alliance, marking a significant step in bringing player representation into national-level esports initiatives in the United States.

The USA Esports Alliance, a recently announced coalition of esports organizations, universities, and industry stakeholders, has revealed its board of directors as part of its broader effort to build a more structured esports ecosystem in North America. Among the most notable names included is Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert, one of the most respected figures in the history of Counter-Strike.

A Veteran Voice in Esports Leadership

Gilbert’s appointment brings decades of competitive and industry experience into the alliance’s leadership.

Widely known for his time with Cloud9, n0thing was part of the roster that won ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018, the first and only North American team to secure a Major title in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. His career spans the early days of modern esports, making him one of the most recognizable personalities in the scene.

Beyond competition, Gilbert has remained active as a content creator, mentor, and advocate for player development. His inclusion on the board suggests that the alliance is placing importance on incorporating the perspectives of former professional players into its decision-making process

Building a Broader Esports Structure

The USA Esports Alliance is being positioned as a collaborative body that aims to unify different segments of the American esports ecosystem.

Reports indicate that the initiative is led by Jesse Bodony, serving as President and CEO, alongside Daniel Clerke, who has been named Executive Director. The alliance is said to include major North American organizations such as Team Liquid, Cloud9, TSM, 100 Thieves, NRG, and FlyQuest, along with a growing list of universities involved in collegiate esports.

The group has also expressed interest in pursuing recognition as a National Governing Body (NGB) under the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, signaling ambitions that extend beyond traditional industry collaboration.

A Diverse Board of Directors

Gilbert joins a board that reflects a mix of competitive, academic, and community perspectives.

The reported board includes Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, another influential figure in North American esports, as well as Heather “sapphiRe” Mumm, known for her work in promoting inclusivity within competitive gaming. The inclusion of Dr. Gene Block, former Chancellor of UCLA, further highlights the alliance’s connection to collegiate esports and institutional development.

This combination suggests that the USA Esports Alliance is attempting to build a leadership structure that represents multiple layers of the ecosystem, from professional play to academic programs.

What n0thing’s Appointment Represents

While the long-term role of the USA Esports Alliance remains to be defined, Gilbert’s appointment offers an early indication of its direction.

Historically, many esports governance discussions have been led by publishers, tournament organizers, or commercial stakeholders. The inclusion of former professional players introduces a different perspective, one that is more closely tied to the competitive experience itself.

As esports continues to evolve, questions around player development, competitive integrity, and long-term sustainability are becoming increasingly important. Having voices like n0thing involved at a leadership level could help shape how those discussions unfold within the alliance.

Looking Ahead

The USA Esports Alliance is still in its early stages, and many details about its structure and influence remain unclear. However, the inclusion of established figures like Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert suggests that the initiative is aiming to build credibility within the esports community from the outset.

Whether the alliance can establish itself as a meaningful institutional force in North American esports will depend on how effectively it can align the interests of teams, players, universities, and publishers.

For now, n0thing’s appointment stands as one of the first concrete signals of how that effort is beginning to take shape.

How to Get Aston Martin in PUBG PC

You can acquire the Aston Martin skin in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for PC by joining the current Aston Martin collab event. KRAFTON has brought back the Aston Martin collab event with the release of the March 2026 store update.

Players can purchase Aston Martin items for PC from March 11th until March 30th, after the maintenance of the live servers. The Aston Martin Tokens acquired during this period will expire soon after the event. You should use your tokens as fast as possible.

How to Get and Use the Aston Martin Skin?

You should visit the Store tab and find the Aston Martin Loot Cache Packs for sale with G-COIN. You may also acquire the Aston Martin Loot Cache Fragments and other free crates as part of the events for PUBG’s 9th Anniversary and the check-in campaigns.

Open Aston Martin Loot Caches to receive Aston Martin Tokens and, with a bit of luck, Schematics or Aston Martin Prime Parcel with full vehicle skins. In the Workshop’s Special Crafting – Aston Martin tab, use Tokens and Schematics to craft DBX707 and V12 Vantage Roadster skins, as well as various cosmetic pieces.

Once crafted, use your Aston Martin skin on the vehicles it’s available for: DBX707 replaces Zima, Pickup, and UAZ while the V12 Vantage Roadster replaces the Coupe RB. In the game, an exclusive Aston Martin container will appear in the spawn areas of Erangel, Miramar, Sanhok, Vikendi, Taego, and Deston maps. Only the owner of the skin may unlock the container for themselves and their team before boarding the plane.