After the group stage of IEM Kraków 2026, the Counter-Strike scene was hit by an unexpected media storm — and this time it was caused not by match results, but by words. During the Hot Take Point Made podcast, Duncan “Thorin” Shields openly attacked Justinas “jL” Lekavičius’ performance on the ESL analyst desk, effectively questioning whether he should be working at top-tier tournaments at all.
Thorin: “He shouldn’t be an analyst at this level”
Thorin didn’t hold back, delivering his opinion in direct and uncompromising terms.
jL shouldn’t be an analyst for any more matches at IEM Kraków or any major events until he’s shown at smaller events that he is actually capable of talking.
According to Thorin, the issue was not just nerves or lack of experience, but fundamental broadcast skills.
The job of an analyst is to talk. There were moments where he was asked a question and just sat there in silence.
Thorin also criticized jL’s prediction style, calling it reactive rather than analytical.
He flipped his prediction after every map — that’s not analysis. That’s how HLTV fans think.
The most viral moment came from one of his exaggerated comparisons, which quickly spread across social media:
An octopus could make predictions just as effectively.
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The podcast wasn’t one-sided: other voices pushed back
Despite Thorin’s sharp tone, other participants in the show took a more balanced approach. Analyst Mauisnake acknowledged jL’s struggles on the desk but emphasized his achievements in other areas.
jL is an extremely capable player, a Major MVP, a strong streamer, and a compelling content creator. But being an analyst is a separate profession. You can’t have it all.
Former coach kassad went even further, shifting responsibility toward broadcast organizers.
Putting someone with no experience straight onto one of the most prestigious events isn’t the smartest decision — not for him and not for ESL.
Community reaction: the scene splits into opposing camps
After the podcast aired, social media quickly turned into a battleground of opinions.
Some fans supported Thorin and described his statement as obvious rather than controversial.
- “Not even a hot take.”
- “Coldest take ever.”
- “Putting jL on the desk is the worst human rights violation ever.”
Others criticized the growing trend of inviting pro players to analyst desks based solely on their in-game achievements.
Seeing former pros on the desk just because of their playing career is disrespectful to professional analysts.
Several viewers also pointed to specific broadcast moments.
There was a segment where jL couldn’t answer a question and just stayed silent while the other analysts had to save the discussion.
Defending jL: another side of the community sees a bigger issue
At the same time, a large portion of the community pushed back against the harsh criticism. Some fans highlighted jL’s value as a player.
He has far more to offer the scene as a player. He’s a Major MVP.
Others focused on the structural problem of talent development.
If he wants to become an analyst, he needs time. People are being thrown into top-tier events without preparation.
Some viewers also criticized Thorin’s communication style, arguing that his delivery was intentionally provocative.
The debate moves beyond one individual
The discussion quickly evolved from a personal controversy into a broader conversation about the future of CS2 broadcasts.
The key question raised across the scene became:
Is being a legendary player enough to become a strong broadcast analyst?
Modern esports is increasingly moving toward traditional sports-style production, where analysis is treated as a separate professional discipline with its own standards.
Clash of philosophies: provocation versus professional evolution
Thorin is well known for using provocative statements to spark debate and generate attention. While his criticism appeared extremely harsh, it forced the scene to address a topic that is often ignored. At the same time, community reactions reveal another growing trend — increasing support for gradual talent development and less tolerance for highly personal public criticism.
Why this story matters for CS2
The controversy surrounding jL reflects broader changes within the industry. It highlights:
- rising expectations for broadcast quality
- tension between popularity and professionalism
- the difficulty of transitioning from player to analyst
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Thorin triggered a conversation the scene can’t ignore
Thorin’s comments acted as a catalyst, but the community’s response showed that the scene no longer views such situations in a single, unified way. For some, it represents declining analytical standards. For others, it highlights the need for time and support when developing new broadcast talent. And this clash of perspectives is shaping the future of Counter-Strike’s media landscape.
