CS2: The puppet coach has been nominated for HLTV's Best Coach award, and netizens appreciate the official humor.

In the esports arena, under the spotlight, whether in front of the screen or on-site, the audience's eyes are all on the players. Hand speed, application, reaction, a bead of cold sweat on the forehead, a close-up shot, instantly revealing the inner thoughts. In addition to operational skills, the players' image is also a money-making tool. Endorsements and traffic, the income of the most popular players can easily surpass the prize money earned through hard work. Moreover, cross-industry collaborations, a friendly and humorous persona, and entertainment value make it easy to transition to other fields in the future, and their careers are not limited to the esports circle.

Forums, media interviews, and anchor analyses constantly revolve around the contestants. They are like pop singers; their words, actions, and travel destinations are all under scrutiny. With fame comes controversy, and a single piece of negative information can destroy years of achievements. Their success seems to be the result of one person's efforts, while the contributions of their teams are often overlooked. Just as a discerning eye can recognize talent, coaches also play a crucial role and deserve an award for recognition, right?

With the successful conclusion of IEM Cologne 2026, the HLTV Awards quickly announced the nominees for Best Coach. Four people were shortlisted: Falcons coach zonic, Vitality coach XTQZZZ, Spirit coach hally, and Natus Vincere coach B1ad3. Ironically, a puppet coach named Jab Jabich was shortlisted, which went viral online. Fans love official parodies. With only half a year left in the season, perhaps HLTV is hinting at a vacancy.

Image source: Internet