The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Shanghai Major has been full of surprises, but one controversy stood out above the rest. Wildcard Gaming, the North American team co-owned by streamer Amouranth, has been drawing attention not just for their performance, but for the reaction of players regarding their association with the controversial figure.
After a major upset in which Wildcard Gaming eliminated Virtus Pro from the tournament on December 2, 2024, a post by Dexerto referring to the team as “Amouranth’s team” sparked a backlash from players, particularly from Aran “Sonic” Groesbeek.
Here’s everything you need to know about the issue and the heated exchange that followed.
Who is Amouranth?
Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa is a 31-year-old content creator, entrepreneur, and influencer best known for her Twitch streams and her presence on multiple platforms. Amouranth is known for her ASMR and adult-themed content, which has earned her a massive following across social media, with over 14 million followers across all platforms.
She made waves in 2022 by branching out into business, purchasing gas stations, and expanding her portfolio. Her move to the streaming platform Kick in 2023 marked another milestone in her career.
Amouranth’s entry into the esports world came in June 2024 when she became a co-owner of Wildcard Gaming, a decision that surprised many in the industry but promised a fresh infusion of business savvy and audience reach.
Her ownership was seen as a way to boost the organization’s popularity and expand its social media footprint, and it quickly paid off as Wildcard’s Counter-Strike 2 team began making waves in tournaments.
Wildcard Gaming’s Rise to Prominence
Founded in 2019, Wildcard Gaming has made significant strides in esports, with notable success in Rainbow Six Siege. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that the organization ventured into Counter-Strike 2, quickly building a reputation through major A-tier tournament victories and impressive showings in North American qualifiers.
Wildcard’s Counter-Strike 2 roster includes players like stanislaw, Sonic, JBa, and others, and their recent success has elevated the team to the top of the international scene. Their performance at the 2024 Shanghai Major, where they eliminated heavyweights like Virtus Pro, was a major breakthrough for the young organization.
The Controversy: Wildcard vs. Amouranth’s Label
The drama began when Dexerto posted a tweet about Wildcard’s shocking win over Virtus Pro in the Shanghai Major, referring to the team as “Amouranth’s org Wildcard.”
While this might seem like a harmless acknowledgment of Amouranth’s involvement, it quickly caused friction within the team. Sonic, one of Wildcard’s players, tweeted his frustration, pointing out that the tweet should have mentioned the organization by its name, rather than reducing it to “Amouranth’s team.”
Sonic expressed his irritation with the lack of recognition for Wildcard Gaming as a standalone entity, stating, “Or you could just say Wildcard…” His frustration stemmed from the implication that the team’s identity was being overshadowed by Amouranth’s association, especially given their significant accomplishments at the tournament.
Screenshots shared by users on X.com (formerly Twitter) suggest that Dexerto’s original post did not mention Wildcard by name, adding fuel to Sonic’s complaint.
However, Amouranth responded directly to Sonic’s tweet, saying, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” and reiterating her long-standing support for the team, even before she became a co-owner. Amouranth defended her role as a value-added influence that helped expand Wildcard’s reach and fanbase.
Amouranth’s Response and the Fallout
In her response, Amouranth acknowledged the feedback but firmly stood by her position. She reminded Sonic of her substantial impact on the organization, noting that she had been a dedicated supporter of Wildcard even before joining as a co-owner.
Amouranth also responded to other Twitter users, defending her involvement and explaining that her presence at Wildcard was intended to help them grow, not overshadow their achievements.
Despite her defense, tensions remained high. Fans and members of the esports community were divided, with some supporting Sonic’s wish for more recognition for Wildcard itself, while others defended Amouranth’s contributions to the team’s growth and exposure.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between esports organizations and high-profile personalities like Amouranth, whose online presence can often overshadow the athletes and teams they support.
What’s Next for Wildcard Gaming and Amouranth?
While this controversy may have momentarily overshadowed Wildcard Gaming’s achievements, it’s unlikely to have a lasting impact on the team’s trajectory. Wildcard has made a name for itself as a rising star in the CS2 scene, and their future looks bright with Amouranth’s continued involvement.
However, the incident does underline a larger issue in the esports community: the tension between personal brand and team identity. As Wildcard Gaming continues to grow in popularity, it will be important for the organization to strike a balance between leveraging Amouranth’s massive online following and ensuring that the players and the organization receive the recognition they deserve.
Conclusion: Navigating the Fine Line
The controversy surrounding Amouranth’s co-ownership of Wildcard Gaming at the Shanghai Major serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern esports. While her involvement has brought much-needed visibility and success to the team, it has also stirred tensions within the organization.
As the esports landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Wildcard and other organizations navigate the intersection of gaming, branding, and personal influence. For now, Wildcard Gaming’s players remain focused on the task at hand: making history on the global stage.
For Amouranth, her influence will likely continue to be a double-edged sword, but if managed correctly, it could help propel Wildcard Gaming to even greater heights.