Spanish Squad Iberian Soul Returns as Gentle Mates Withdraw

The French organization Gentle Mates has formally announced its exit from Counter-Strike, ending its support for the Spanish roster. This withdrawal follows a period during which the team had notable successes in the tier-two circuit but ultimately struggled to secure a place at IEM Cologne.

Acquired by Gentle Mates in 2025, the Spanish team, competing as M8s, distinguished itself early in the season with a good standing in the VRS ranking. Throughout their tenure, they achieved significant victories, winning IstanbuLAN and finishing as runners-up in multiple events, including Radio Popular Roman Imperium Cup II and V, as well as LORGAR RANKINGS Season 1. They also placed within the top four of the Perfect World CS Challenge Series 2, StarLadder StarSeries Fall, and Roman Imperium Cup III.

Despite their accomplishments, the team struggled to maintain momentum at higher-stakes competitions, failing to progress past the group stage in high-profile tournaments like PGL Astana, IEM Rio, ESL Pro League, and PGL Bucharest.

Following the off-season departure of Antonio "MartinezSa" Martinez to HEROIC, the former Gentle Mates players have reassembled under the Iberian Soul banner. Currently, they are competing with Joey "CRUC1AL" Steusel as a stand-in and Daniel "djL" Narancic supporting as their coach. Additionally, Eloy "deLonge" Suárez, the previous team captain, has declared his free agency.

As Iberian Soul, the squad aims to secure a position at the Esports World Cup through its open qualifier, now battling alongside team members Alejandro "alex" Masanet, Alejandro "mopoz" Fernández-Quejo Cano, Pere "sausol" Solsona Saumell, and David "dav1g" Granado Bermudo.