TL;DR
- Michael ‘MAiNLiNE’ Jaber, former CS:GO pro and coach, passed away after battling cancer
- He transitioned from playing to coaching, mentoring numerous rising esports talents
- Despite his diagnosis, he continued developing the NA CS:GO scene through 2019
- The gaming community united in tribute, highlighting his profound impact
- His legacy continues through players he coached who now compete professionally

The North American competitive gaming landscape has experienced a profound loss with the passing of a distinguished professional player.
Based on confirmations from colleagues who shared the virtual battlefield with him, former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitor Michael “MAiNLiNE” Jaber has died. As a strategic in-game leader, he directed multiple prominent North American organizations such as Selfless, Method, eUnited, and Enemy. When 2019 arrived, he moved into a coaching capacity where he guided emerging talents including Skyler “Relyks” Weaver toward professional success. The entire regional competitive ecosystem has united across digital platforms to acknowledge and honor MAiNLiNE’s substantial contributions to competitive gaming.
During August 2019, MAiNLiNE disclosed through online channels that he had received a cancer diagnosis. Close companions confirmed the illness contributed significantly to his untimely passing. Remarkably, even after learning his diagnosis, MAiNLiNE persistently worked to advance North American Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. He maintained his coaching responsibilities with the unsupported team New Identity throughout multiple qualification tournaments in the latter part of 2019.
I have cancer ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
— Michael Dibenedetto (@Mainlinecsgo) August 10, 2019
Joel “jcrueL” Cruel, who competed alongside MAiNLiNE and maintained a close friendship, first shared the tragic update via social platforms. Following this announcement, numerous former teammates, coaching staff, friends, and competitive rivals expressed their grief online. MAiNLiNE established himself as a significant presence within North America’s secondary competitive tier.
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, the founding force behind Selfless Gaming, recalled his collaborative experiences with MAiNLiNE across social media. He recounted numerous cherished moments from their time together. Additionally, he commended MAiNLiNE’s unwavering commitment to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, describing him as “the emotional foundation for a squad that consistently exceeded expectations.”
Mitch “mitch” Semago likewise recounted his interactions with the departed competitor. He states that MAiNLiNE organized his inaugural professional team evaluation. mitch currently competes with Cloud9 Blue’s Valorant lineup. He represents one of many competitive gaming professionals now upholding MAiNLiNE’s enduring 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
— mitch (@mitchfps) October 7, 2021
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