Gaimin Gladiators Return to Counter-Strike with ex-W7M Lineup

Gaimin Gladiators Return to Counter-Strike with ex-W7M Lineup

Canadian esports organisation Gaimin Gladiators has announced its return to the Counter-Strike scene, signing the former ex-W7M roster. 

New Roster

The lineup now consists of:

NEKIZ (Gabriel Schenato)

shz (Bruno Martinelli)

b4rtiN (Bruno Câmara)

JOTA (Jhonatan Willian)

bsd (Lucas Luan)

They will be coached by João “horvy” Horvath. 

Background & Context

The ex-W7M squad had been playing under that name following the departure of “W7M Esports” branding.

Gaimin Gladiators had previously dropped their Counter-Strike team; earlier this year the roster had been released.

Their last major return to CS under the GG banner before this was when they signed ECSTATIC’s roster in April 2024.

Motivations & Challenges

The news article doesn’t include direct quotes from the new roster or from organisation representatives about their expectations or plans. 
Some of the challenges they face include:

Re-establishing themselves in international competition after being inactive or less visible.

Competing with more active teams who have had better continuity.

Building synergy, especially since many players are from Brazil and will now represent a Canadian org, with a coach who has international experience. The linguistic, logistical, and practice structure adjustments will be key.

Related Incidents

Earlier in 2025, Fredrik “roeJ” Jørgensen, formerly with Gaimin Gladiators, claimed that the organisation improperly terminated contracts of several players, and expected legal action.

The ex-W7M roster was active in South American tournaments, participating in events like ESL Challenger League Season 50 Cup 2 and CCT Season 3 South America Series. Their recent results include both wins and losses; for example, they lost to Galorys 2-0 in the lower bracket round 4 of ESL Challenger League Season 50 – South America Cup 2.