Richard Lewis vs. OverDrive: ethics, leaks, and a public rift that split the CS2 news cycle

A months-long dispute between veteran journalist Richard Lewis and Russian insider/scout Aleksei “OverDrive” Biryukov has boiled over into one of CS2’s most visible media feuds, centering on the ethics of roster leaks, source vetting, and how organisations handle confidential information. The back-and-forth has played out across social posts, interviews and community round-ups, with each side framing the other’s role in the ecosystem very differently. 

How it started — and why it escalated

Lewis has repeatedly criticised the cottage industry of CS “leakers,” arguing that fast, unverified scoops erode trust and sometimes serve org agendas rather than fans. He has singled out OverDrive (and others) for posting rumours that later changed or proved incorrect, saying that this style lacks the rigor expected of journalism and can compromise teams’ competitive and commercial interests. Clips and community summaries of Lewis’s commentary circulated widely through mid-2025. 

OverDrive’s response has been consistent: he does not present himself as a journalist and publishes information as a creator/insider with connections in the scene, accepting that some reports will shift as deals evolve. In a long-form conversation and subsequent discussions, he outlined his sourcing approach, the pushback he gets from pros, and his view that leaks are part of the modern CS news cycle. 

The disagreement escalated when Lewis suggested that Team Spirit—where OverDrive has a well-known scouting relationship—might have benefited from or enabled his information flow. Coverage of the spat framed this as a broader organisational discipline issue: who owns information and who polices leaks when insiders have dual roles. OverDrive rejected the characterization and the “journalist” label, doubling down on his creator status. 

The core arguments

• Verification vs. velocity: Lewis argues that breaking news without newsroom-style verification introduces avoidable errors and undermines credibility; OverDrive counters that fluid deals inevitably change and that audiences value early signals even if details later move. 

• Conflicts of interest: The debate is sharper because OverDrive also scouts talent (notably with Team Spirit). Lewis and others say that dual hats risk blurred lines between private club knowledge and public leaks; OverDrive says he draws boundaries and publishes what he’s comfortable sharing.

• Impact on teams and players: Lewis contends that premature leaks can tank negotiations, spook sponsors, or create locker-room friction; OverDrive’s view is that transparency pressures orgs to communicate better and that fans ultimately benefit.

What each side has put on the record

• Lewis: Through videos, show appearances and social posts, he has laid out a broader critique of “leaker culture,” describing some outputs as agenda-driven and harmful to esports. His stance has been amplified on talk shows and X. 

• OverDrive: In interviews and AMAs, he has explained how he sources tips, pushed back on accusations of bad faith, and reiterated that he is a content creator/insider rather than a reporter bound to newsroom rules. He has also discussed his scouting work and how it intersects with public commentary. 

Why this matters to the scene

The feud lands at a sensitive moment for CS2 media. Post-Major cycles increasingly hinge on early roster intelligence; fans want speed, teams want secrecy, and outlets balance both. The Lewis–OverDrive dispute has sharpened attention on:

• Standards: When is a “rumour” ready to publish? What corrections or accountability mechanisms should apply?

• Access and incentives: Insiders with team ties can have unparalleled information—and complex conflicts. Teams, meanwhile, may use selective leaking to shape narratives or leverage negotiations.

• Audience expectations: The community consumes roster news like transfer windows in traditional sports; many accept fluidity, while others expect near-final accuracy from anyone with a platform.

The bigger picture

This is not the first time Lewis has clashed with parts of the industry over transparency and standards, and it won’t be the last. But the OverDrive episode is a particularly clear case study of two media models colliding: legacy reporting practices vs. creator-driven, source-networked leak culture. Where the scene lands will affect how teams communicate, how journalists source, and how fans calibrate trust the next time a blockbuster roster move hits social media first. 

Bottom line: There’s no formal “verdict” to be had—only evolving norms. Lewis is pushing the scene toward stricter verification; OverDrive is defending the speed and access of insider-driven coverage. For now, readers should treat early leaks as provisional, value outlets that publish corrections, and remember that in CS2’s transfer market, even true stories can change before pen meets paper.