The next CS:GO Major will begin this week in Berlin, Germany, and a lineup of commentators, analysts, and hosts has been revealed, each of them ready to guide viewers through one of the biggest events of the year. Many familiar names and some newcomers are featured in this broadcast team, including a casting duo who were previously rumored to be left out of this Major's broadcast team.
The biggest surprise in this lineup comes with the role of desk host, which is often shared by two people for an event, or held by just one person. In Berlin, though, we will see regulars Alex "Machine" Richardson and Tres "stunna" Saranthus hosting the desk, along with Matthew "Sadokist" Trivett. Sadokist is typically included in broadcasts as a commentator, paired with casting partner Henry "HenryG" Greer. This time around, onlookers will likely see Greer casting with Richardson, as Richardson will be taking on both roles for this tournament. Saranthus will also be bouncing between roles, as he will not only be sharing the responsibility of desk host, but he will also take over as stage host once the event reaches the main stage.
The next surprise comes with the analysis team, where gamers will see staple analyst Chad "SPUNJ" Burchill joined by other former pros Sean "seang@res" Gares and Jacob "Pimp" Winneche. Many expected to see Duncan "Thorin" Shields included on the analyst desk after it was rumored that StarLadder may be reconsidering the decision to leave him out. Thorin has not been part of a Major's on-air team since Eleague Atlanta in 2017.
Also rumored to be left out of this event's talent crew were casting pair Anders Blume and Jason "moses" O'Toole. The duo will be included on the broadcast, commentating alongside other common casting pairs like James Bardolph and Daniel "ddk" Kapadia. The extensive casting lineup also brings in first-time Major talents Hugo Byron and Harry "JustHarry" Russell. Harry and Hugo have been featured as a casting duo at a number of top-tier LAN events as well as multiple Minor tournaments, though this will be their first Major together.
The StarLadder Berlin Major main qualifier begins on August 23rd, while the main event's group stage will start on August 28th.