Goldenglue

Early Life and Entry into Esports

Greyson Gilmer grew up in Flower Mound, Texas, where he was an athlete, playing varsity football for Edward S. Marcus High School. His path took a sharp turn in March 2014 when he received an offer to join the NA LCS team Dignitas. Gilmer chose to quit football and pursue a professional career in League of Legends, adopting the in-game name Goldenglue. This decision set the stage for a career that would span over a decade in the competitive scene.

A Challenging Start with Dignitas

Goldenglue's signing to Dignitas in March 2014 was a significant opportunity, as he was brought in to replace the team's long-time mid laner William 'Scarra' Li, who had agreed to transition to a coaching role. However, this starting position lasted only two weeks before he was benched and Scarra was returned to the active roster. Goldenglue left the team shortly after this demotion, an early experience of the volatility in professional esports rosters.

Years in the Challenger Series and Brief LCS Appearances

From mid-2014 through late 2016, Goldenglue's career was primarily spent with various Challenger series teams. During this nearly three-year period, his opportunities in the top-tier LCS were limited to brief stints as an emergency substitute player or during critical relegation matches. This phase established him as a constant presence in the North American League scene, yet one often on the periphery of the main league.

The Team Liquid Era and Repeated Benching

In late 2016, Goldenglue was offered a starting spot on Team Liquid for the 2017 NA LCS Spring Split, marking a return to a premier team. After the team's disappointing performance in the first half of the regular season, he was benched. He regained his starting position for the next split but was benched again, which prompted him to leave the organization. This cycle highlighted the intense pressure and short leashes for players on struggling LCS rosters.

Academy League Dominance with Cloud9

The introduction of the NA LCS franchise model in late 2017 provided a new path. Goldenglue joined Cloud9's academy team, where he found regular-season success. During his stay, Cloud9 Academy finished first in every regular season. Despite this dominance, the team never won a playoff championship, with their highest finish being runners-up, an accomplishment they reached twice.

His skills were recognized with a call-up to assist Cloud9's main roster in defeating Team SoloMid during the 2018 NA LCS Summer Playoffs. Even with this high-profile contribution, no LCS team offered him a starting position for the 2019 season, leading him to stay with Cloud9 Academy for another full year.

Final LCS Playing Stints and Release

In late 2019, Goldenglue was signed by Golden Guardians for the 2020 LCS Spring Split. The team barely qualified for playoffs and finished in fifth or sixth place. Following this, Goldenglue was benched yet again and replaced by Damonte. Shortly after, Golden Guardians released him from their starting roster.

Upon his release, Goldenglue made a public statement affirming his belief that he was still an LCS-caliber player and would be trying out for teams as either a player or a coach for the upcoming split. Initially receiving no playing offers for the summer, he was eventually signed by Evil Geniuses on July 16, 2020, to complete the season after the first half of the regular season had concluded.

Transition to Coaching and Championship Success

Goldenglue began his coaching career in 2021 with 100 Thieves Academy. He later had a short stint with Disguised in the NACL during the Summer of 2023. His return to 100 Thieves in a head coaching role proved to be the defining move of his post-playing career. Under his guidance, 100 Thieves achieved a top level of success by qualifying for and competing at the League of Legends World Championship.

This achievement, leading a team to the sport's premier international event, validated his strategic understanding and leadership. Following his departure from 100 Thieves, this success made him a sought-after coach, leading to his signing as the head coach of Sentinels for the 2026 LCS season.

Legacy and Current Role

Goldenglue's career is a notable narrative in North American League of Legends. As a player for roughly eight years, he was known for his persistence through numerous team changes and benchings. His story is documented in a 2020 biographical documentary film titled DRIVE: Goldenglue available on YouTube.

His transition from player to coach has been demonstrably successful. By leading 100 Thieves to Worlds, he achieved a goal that eluded him during his playing days. Now at the helm of Sentinels, Goldenglue applies his extensive experience from both sides of the competition to shape a new team's future in the LCS.