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Last Free Nation

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

Snake & Banter

In this episode of Snake & Banter, Thorin, Maui, and guest Tedd dive deep into the latest storylines shaking up the CS2 competitive scene. From surprising team performances to controversial roster changes, this hour is packed with analysis, debate, and sharp takes.

 

 

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The Problem With FaZe Clan No One Wants To Admit... (ft Tedd)

In this episode of Snake and Banter, Thorin, Mauisnake, and guest messioso dive deep into the world of Counter-Strike 2 — breaking down the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) system, tournament qualification dynamics, and how teams can (and can’t) game the system.

 

 

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Is The VRS System Too Complicated? Tier 1 Teams Still DON'T KNOW! (ft messioso)

Join us for an in-depth episode of Snake and Banter featuring Brazilian CS legend FalleN as we cover everything from his transition from AWP to IGL, to building synergy with YEKINDAR, and FURIA’s rise with rookie superstar molodoy. FalleN opens up about adapting to shifting metas, mentoring new talent, and navigating Brazil’s unique esports business challenges.

 

 

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FURIA Finally Win A Tournament... How Did They Do It? (ft FalleN)

In this episode of Snake and Banter, dona joins Thorin and Mauisnake to dive deep into the latest in Counter-Strike — from roster drama to gameplay updates affecting the pro scene. If you love Counter-Strike breakdowns, esports industry insights, and candid pro analysis — this is a must-watch episode.

 
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CS2 Continues To Make The Game Worse With Every Update... (ft dona)

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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Why zont1x Getting Replaced Is Incredibly Ambiguous (ft TeaTime)

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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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

FalleN Is A Top 3 IGL Again?! (ft Cxzi)

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.

 
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How The MongolZ Changed Asian Counter-Strike Forever (ft Ne0kai)

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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Why You Can Never Play Perfect CS / FaZe Are An Absolute Mess... (ft voo)

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

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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Why EliGE Is Better Than You Think / Are Online Events The Future?... (ft Dinko)

Thorin and Mauisnake are joined by the legendary kennyS to discuss the thriving French CS scene, B1ad3's great work with NAVI, why the cadiaN on Astralis experiment needs to end, problems with BLAST seeding, the ugly state of NA Counter-Strike, and more.

 

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Catching Up With kennyS / The Problem With Star Players (kennyS)

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