Founder Returns To Luminosity Gaming

Luminosity Gaming is officially back under the control of its original founder, Steve Maida, marking a full circle moment for one of esports’ most recognisable legacy brands.

Maida confirmed the reacquisition in an emotional LinkedIn post, declaring “I’M BAAAAAACK!” and reflecting on how Luminosity began as a basement project fuelled by pure passion for Counter-Strike. What started as a dream to build a cool logo and cheer for a CS team eventually grew into a global esports brand, one that was previously sold to NHL ownership before changing hands again in recent years.

For Maida, the return is deeply personal. He described quitting a comfortable corporate job, working for days without sleep to build the brand, and realising Luminosity had real impact the first time he saw a young fan wearing a Luminosity hoodie in public.

“It’s been an absolutely wild ride, and I couldn’t be happier to be back in control of my baby,” Maida said. “It means the world to me.”

What Happened Under Vertiqal Studios

Luminosity was acquired by Vertiqal Studios in August 2025, after Vertiqal purchased the brand from Enthusiast Gaming. The goal at the time was to expand Luminosity’s creator and content presence across platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and social media.

The acquisition included an agreement that Vertiqal would take on roughly US$2.6 million in existing and ongoing liabilities. However, issues surfaced just months later when players and creators began speaking out about missed payments.

High profile Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stars, including Leonardo “MkLeo” Perez and Carlos “Sonix” Perez, publicly expressed concerns about unpaid salaries and uncertainty surrounding their sponsorships. Vertiqal later acknowledged it had taken on a distressed company and claimed it did not initially realise the full scale of unpaid obligations.

At the same time, Enthusiast Gaming disputed the idea that Luminosity had been mismanaged before the sale, stating the organisation had a strong brand and competitive rosters.

Details Of The Sale And Who Pays What

Vertiqal Studios officially announced the sale of Luminosity in January 2026, stating the brand would be better positioned under dedicated ownership focused solely on its community and creators.

The sale price was C$300,000, with an additional C$125,000 payable once future revenue targets are met under a sales agency agreement. Importantly, Vertiqal retained responsibility for all historical debts, liabilities, and unpaid creator obligations incurred before the ownership change.

Luminosity confirmed that all active players and creators were paid in full using proceeds from the sale. Any past debts or unpaid obligations remain the sole responsibility of Vertiqal Studios, not the newly restructured Luminosity.

What This Means For Luminosity’s Future

Under Maida’s renewed leadership, Luminosity is now fully independent and has complete control over its strategy and day to day operations. Vertiqal will remain involved only as a non exclusive commercial partner on select sales efforts.

Luminosity’s website currently lists an active Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster, including MkLeo, Sonix, Maister, and Marss, while its League of Legends team is marked as TBD. There has also been speculation around potential future expansions, including a renewed focus on Smash and creator driven initiatives.

For fans and players, the reacquisition signals a reset. Luminosity is once again being led by the founder who built it from the ground up, with a renewed focus on stability, transparency, and long term growth.

After months of uncertainty, Luminosity Gaming is officially back where it started, in the hands of the person who created it.

The post Steve Maida Reacquires Luminosity Gaming, Founder Takes Back Control After Turbulent Sale appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Short-Lived Chapter Ends

Brazilian Counter-Strike veteran Marcelo “coldzera” David has officially parted ways with ODDIK, ending a brief three-month stint with the organisation. The move was confirmed on October 28, with both parties stating the split was by “mutual agreement.”

Informamos que, em comum acordo, o atleta @coldzera não faz mais parte do elenco de nossa equipe de CS2.

Agradecemos ao jogador pela sua breve passagem pela Oddik e desejamos sucesso em seus próximos passos. pic.twitter.com/gI9MvbiEQx

— ODDIK (@ODDIKgg) October 27, 2025

The 30-year-old joined ODDIK in July 2025 after a year with RED Canids, where he took on an unexpected AWPing role. Upon joining ODDIK, coldzera returned to rifling and posted a solid 1.11 rating across 94 maps. However, despite flashes of promise, the team struggled to convert performances into consistent results on the South American circuit.

Mixed Results and Missed Opportunities

ODDIK’s campaign never quite found its footing. The team exited early from several online competitions and failed to secure major wins at domestic LAN events such as the Circuito FERJEE de Esports Finals (2nd place), FERJEE Rush (3rd), and Circuit X South America Season 1 (5–8th).

Their only international appearance came at Fragadelphia Fragville, where they managed a fourth-place finish. ODDIK also narrowly missed qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major, falling short of the final Americas slot to RED Canids by just 16 VRS points.

Cold’s departure follows another recent shakeup in ODDIK’s roster, as Fillipe “pancc” Martins was benched earlier this month in favour of academy player Vitor “Ceruttera” Cerutti. Interestingly, coldzera was absent from the team’s last two matches in the ESL Challenger League Season 50 Cup 4, where coach Caio “CX1” Coutinho had to step in. Both matches ended in losses, signalling a deeper internal struggle.

With coldzera gone, ODDIK’s active lineup now features:

• João “naitte” Maia
• Adriano “WOOD7” Cerato
• Ítalo “ksloks” Meinberg
• Caio “CX1” Coutinho (Coach)

Meanwhile, matios, togs, and pancc remain benched.

“The End of an Era” or “One More Chapter”?

The announcement set the Counter-Strike community ablaze with discussion. Once hailed as one of the greatest players in CS history, coldzera’s recent years have been marked by inconsistent form and frequent team changes.

On social media, fans voiced both disappointment and sympathy. One user joked, “The guy retired coldzera with one DM,” referencing the viral drama that preceded his exit. Others compared his career trajectory to that of football legends, writing, “Is Cold the Neymar and FalleN the CR7? Two geniuses in their twilight, but one’s still shining while the other’s fading.”

Another fan lamented, “It’s sad to see such a legend end his career like this. It would’ve been more honourable to retire officially or build a youth project instead of jumping between teams.”

Still, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Some defended his right to continue playing, with one comment reading, “He was number one on HLTV twice, won two Major MVPs, and inspired a generation. Let the man play if he still loves competing.”

A Legacy That Can’t Be Erased

Despite the criticism, there’s no denying coldzera’s impact on Counter-Strike. As a two-time HLTV Player of the Year (2016, 2017) and a two-time Major MVP, he was once the face of Brazilian CS, leading Luminosity Gaming and SK Gaming to global dominance.

Yet, as the esports landscape continues to evolve, many wonder whether coldzera still has a place among the elite. His next move remains unknown, though community speculation hints that he may either step away from competition or seek one final roster to close his storied career on his own terms.

Whatever comes next, his legacy as one of Counter-Strike’s all-time greats is already cemented, even if his final chapters are proving to be the most turbulent yet.

The post Coldzera Parts Ways with ODDIK After Three Months appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Luminosity Gaming, one of North America’s most recognisable esports names, is being sold. The organisation is set to be acquired by Vertiqal Studios, a gaming and lifestyle company, in a deal worth around C$900,000 (~US$645,000). The acquisition, which also includes Enthusiast Gaming’s YouTube network Omnia, is expected to close on September 5th, 2025.

For Vertiqal Studios, this move is all about scale. The company already has a strong presence on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, but with Luminosity and Omnia onboard, it’s expanding its reach across Twitch, YouTube, and beyond. Vertiqal’s CEO Jon Dwyer said the deal was more than just adding brands, it’s about combining audiences, sales networks, and cross-platform capabilities to create a much bigger digital advertising ecosystem.

The End of an Era With Enthusiast Gaming

This acquisition also signals the end of Luminosity’s run under Enthusiast Gaming. The Canadian holding company had owned the org since 2019, but its CEO made it clear earlier this year that Luminosity wasn’t part of its long-term future. Instead, Enthusiast will now turn its focus to publications like Pocket Gamer and Icy Veins.

Luminosity’s Legacy

Founded in 2015, Luminosity Gaming quickly became a household name in esports. The org first broke through in CS:GO, signing the Brazilian roster led by Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and featuring stars like coldzera, fer, TACO, and fnx. That squad etched their names into history by winning MLG Columbus 2016, the first-ever Counter-Strike Major held on American soil.

Relive the historic day, when @Luminosity won the $1,000,000 @MLG Columbus Major!
Read More: https://t.co/4tC7INgHcN pic.twitter.com/Lqq0K0pqXw

— Luminosity Gaming (@Luminosity) April 10, 2016

While the roster left for SK Gaming soon after and went on to win back-to-back Majors, Luminosity’s place in esports history was already secured. The organisation stuck with the Brazilian scene until 2019, but never managed to reach the same heights again.

Luminosity and SK Gaming are one of our biggest inspirations.

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) June 21, 2025

Outside of CS, Luminosity has remained active across multiple titles. The org currently competes in Apex Legends, League of Legends, and PUBG, and it also represents fighting game legend Dominique “SonicFox” McLean. In the past, it has also fielded squads in Call of Duty, Super Smash Bros., and Rainbow Six.

What Happens Next?

With Vertiqal Studios now steering the ship, questions remain over Luminosity’s competitive future. The organisation pulled out of Rainbow Six earlier this year after its cosmetics were removed from the in-game store, and its roster went on to play as “Orgless” in the North America League.

Given Vertiqal’s focus on digital content and platforms, it’s still unclear whether Luminosity will stay committed to esports in the long run or transition more into content creation and community building.

Either way, the acquisition is a big moment, both for Vertiqal Studios’ growth strategy and for Luminosity Gaming as it enters a brand new chapter in its storied history.

The post Vertiqal Studios Buys Luminosity Gaming in $645k Deal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 2025 Pokémon World Championships have wrapped up in Anaheim, California, and all eyes were on the Pokémon UNITE stage. After an incredible weekend of competition, Peru UNITE came out on top, making history as the new Pokémon UNITE World Champions.

After an INCREDIBLE series, @Peru_GG are on top of the world! 🏆

Congratulations to your 2025 #PokemonUNITE World Champions! #PokemonWorlds | #UNITEesports pic.twitter.com/lZdkBF7NX8

— Pokémon UNITE Championship Series (@UniteEsports) August 17, 2025

This win is especially big for the Latin American scene, with Peru lifting the trophy after years of coming close. They battled through some of the strongest teams in the world and proved that this year, no one could stop them.

The Road to the Title

Peru’s run wasn’t without challenges. The team started slow, but once they found their rhythm, they tore through the bracket. They took down Luminosity Gaming before facing off against Japan’s powerhouse ZETA Division in the grand final.

ZETA Division, known for their sharp strategies and consistency, pushed Peru to the limit. But when it mattered most, Peru kept their cool, closed out the series, and secured their first ever world title.

Lucario saves Game 3 for @Peru_GG! @LyNTempo racks up 3 KOs in a frantic final fight!#PokemonUNITE | #UNITEesports pic.twitter.com/H2XYbK0HFE

— Pokémon UNITE Championship Series (@UniteEsports) August 17, 2025

Final Standings and Prize Pool

Here’s how the top four shaped up at Worlds 2025:

• 🏆 1st – Peru UNITE – $100,000
• 🥈 2nd – ZETA Division – $70,000
• 🥉 3rd – Luminosity Gaming – $50,000
• 🎖️ 4th – Santos Laguna – $50,000

For Peru, this wasn’t just a win on stage, it’s a statement that Latin America is a serious contender in the Pokémon UNITE competitive scene.

A Championship to Remember

This year’s Pokémon UNITE finals had everything fans could want, tense matches, smart plays, and a storyline that ended with a long-awaited breakthrough. Peru’s victory is bound to inspire a new wave of players in the region, and with how quickly the competitive scene is growing, Worlds 2026 is already looking unmissable.

For now, though, it’s Peru’s time to celebrate. After all the battles, they stand at the top of the Pokémon UNITE world.

The post Peru UNITE Win 2025 Pokemon UNITE World Championship appeared first on Shane the Gamer.