An update that was meant to be a celebration for traders has turned into economic chaos. And while price fluctuations used to be discussed only by analysts, now even professional players are reaching their breaking point.
Lotan “Spinx” Giladi
The 25-year-old Israeli player Lotan “Spinx” Giladi, currently competing for MOUZ, publicly announced that he has sold all his CS2 skins. In his post, he wrote:
I sold everything I had. Every single skin. I’ve completely left the CS2 market — I can’t take it anymore. Aggressive dumping, manipulation, constant pressure… Skins are over for me.
This was not just an emotional statement — it was a message from a player long regarded as part of the CS elite. Over his career, Spinx has earned more than $935,000 in prize money and owned one of the most valuable inventories among professionals: AK-47 | Wild Lotus, M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler, Pandora’s Box gloves, and other premium items worth over $25,000 in total.
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Context: a market in crisis
The massive collapse was triggered by the Knife Trade Up Update, which for the first time in history allowed players to craft knives through the trade-up system. This instantly destroyed the market balance:
- Prices of Covert skins increased 5–10 times.
- The value of knives and gloves, on the other hand, plummeted.
- The total market capitalization dropped from $6 billion to $4.25 billion in just one day — a loss of $1.75 billion in 24 hours.
All of this caused widespread panic among traders and collectors. However, Spinx’s case became the first public example of a professional player deciding to completely withdraw from the CS2 economy.
We always asked for some CS updates but after yesterday dont update anything the game is completely perfect
— Spinx (@SpinxCS2) October 23, 2025
“Even esports players are giving up”
Social media users instantly picked up on Spinx’s quote, calling it “a cry on behalf of the entire community.” Commentators in trading chats pointed out that his decision was “a sign of how toxic the market atmosphere has become.”
When even a player with a Major trophy can’t handle it — that’s a sign Valve has gone too far.
Analysts added that the aggressive price fluctuations following the update resembled the crypto crashes of 2021: some doubled their wealth, while others lost everything overnight.
Spinx on the server — steady; off the server — searching for calm
Amid all this, MOUZ are preparing for IEM Chengdu 2025, where they will face FaZe Clan on November 3. Spinx himself remains in excellent form — a 1.10 rating over the past three months, 81/100 in firepower metrics, and consistent performances against Na’Vi and 3DMAX.
Despite everything, the player emphasized that his decision is not related to his career:
Life has its dreams, and each one of them is beautiful. It’s simply time to close this chapter.
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Consequences for the community
Spinx’s move could become a turning point for the entire CS2 economy. If even professional players lose faith in the market, Valve will have to respond — either by restricting new crafting options or introducing compensation mechanisms.
But after Spinx’s post, one thing has become increasingly clear: for some players, this is no longer just a game — it’s a struggle against the market itself.
