Report: Crypto-backed organization in negotiations with NA ECL roster with former ESIC banned player

Dust2.us has learned from sources close to the team that Gaimin Gladiators are set to sign ChocoCheck. Additionally, the team are set to complete their lineup with former Party Astronauts player David "cynic" Polster in place of Zack "XotiC" Elshani. This report follows cynic previously telling Dust2.us that ChocoCheck were a "likely option" as he looked for a new home.

The signing will be Gaimin Gladiators' first foray into CS:GO under their new brand identity following the acquisition of Canadian esports organization OCG on January 11th.

Gaimin Gladiator's head sponsor and owner is Gaimin, a British/Swiss company which currently offers a program in beta that is designed to mine their proprietary cryptocurrency, GMRX tokens, in the background while users game. Outside of their soon to be announced CS:GO team, Gaimin Gladiators also host a European Dota 2 team, a Canadian Pokemon Unite team, and a Canadian Warcraft 3 player among other titles.

Prior to their acquisition, OCG hosted a number of French Canadian and American lineups that played in ESEA Premier Seasons from 2019 to 2022. Their last foray into CS:GO was derailed in the leadup to ESEA Premier Season 36 playoffs when David "J0LZ" Jolin and Alex "vek" Voynov were suspended from competition by ESIC. This temporary suspension came as a result of Dust2.us' reporting on a leaked recording that implicated OCG players and ChocoCheck in conspiring to matchfix.

Following the release of that transcript, OCG were quick to release the team stating "going forward OCG will not be supporting or associating with ANY player that may be involved in matchfixing." It is worth noting that the two OCG players were eventually cleared of all charges following the conclusion of the investigation.

This stance runs headlong into Gaimin Gladiator's decision to sign ChocoCheck, as the tag is heavily associated with matchfixing accusations. Additionally, Carson "nosraC" O'Reilly in particular was banned by ESIC for 111 days for failing to disclose knowledge of former teammates Sebastian "retchy" Tropiano and Kevin "4pack" Przypasniak's conspiracy to commit matchfixing.

This is to say nothing of the team's most recent scandals which include forfeiting the ESEA Premier Season 39 finals against Extra Salt due to an unlikely series of events that rendered most of the team unable to play the finals.

Despite all the controversy, Gaimin Gladiators are hoping the team can find success in game with a number of talented journeyman players including the previously mentioned cynic, Anthony "CLASIA" Kearney, and Jeorge "jeorgesnorts" Endicott.

Gaimin Gladiators should consist of:

• Carson "nosraC" O'Reilly

• Dominick "JazzPimp" Dimpfel

• Anthony "CLASIA" Kearney

• Jeorge "jeorgesnorts" Endicott

• David "cynic" Polster

Dust2.us reached out to a representative of Gaimin Gladiators who confirmed the signing would be happening in the near future before later clarifying that nothing had been signed.