CSGO pro MAiNLiNE passes away, former teammates pay respects

The North American CSGO scene has lost a top pro player.

According to statements made by his former teammates, former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive pro Michael “MAiNLiNE” Jaber has passed away. The in-game leader played a commanding role in several North American rosters including Selfless, Method, eUnited, and Enemy. In 2019, he switched to coaching where he trained Skyler “Relyks” Weaver and other aspiring pros. The region’s scene has come together through social media to recognize and respect MAiNLiNE’s impact on the game.

In August of 2019, MAiNLiNE announced through social media that he had been diagnosed with cancer. According to his close friends, the disease played a role in MAiNLiNE’s early death. Even after his diagnosis, MAiNLiNE still helped develop the NA CSGO scene. He continued to coach unsponsored squad New Identity through several qualifiers in late 2019.

I have cancer 😭😭😭

— Michael Dibenedetto (@Mainlinecsgo) August 10, 2019

Pros pay respects to MAiNLiNE

One of MAiNLiNE’s close friends and former teammates, Joel “jcrueL” Cruel, broke the unfortunate news on social media. In response, dozens of MAiNLiNE’s old teammates, coaches, friends, and rivals have mourned him on social media. MAiNLiNE was a prominent figure in the regional tier-two scene. 

I wish I checked up with you more often, Rest In Peace brother @Mainlinecsgo . Those csgo teams and times we spent at lan will always be some of the best memories for me.

— jcrueL (@jcrueL_) October 7, 2021

Steve “Ryu” Rattacasa, who founded Selfless Gaming, reminisced about his time with MAiNLiNE on social media. He listed off dozens of fond memories. He further praised MAiNLiNE’s dedication to CSGO, calling him “the emotional rock for a team that overperformed.”

.@Mainlinecsgo was the most humble, hilarious teammate I've ever had the pleasure of competing with.

I have never laughed harder or more consistently than I did with him on the team. He carried such a contagious enthusiasm and his catch phrases still put a smile on my face.

— Ryu (@SelflessRyu) October 7, 2021

Mitch “mitch” Semago also shared his experiences with the deceased. He claims that MAiNLiNE arranged for his first-ever professional tryout. mitch is currently signed to Cloud9 Blue’s Valorant roster. He is one of many esports professionals who now carry MAiNLiNE’s legacy.

Sad to hear the news of @Mainlinecsgo passing today. He always knew how to make people laugh, I’ll never forget all the memories we made throughout the years, and will be forever thankful for you giving me my first pro tryout. Rest easy Mikey

— OXG mitch (@mitchfps) October 7, 2021