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Patrick Nussbaumer, known online as Sinerias, earns a living playing “League of Legends,” one of the world’s most popular video games. The 26-year-vintage from Vorarlberg, Austria, has transformed a passion into a profession, dedicating upwards of 40 hours a week – sometimes reaching 70 to 80 – to the demanding world of competitive gaming.

Nussbaumer’s income primarily comes from streaming, allowing viewers to watch him play in real-time. He supplements this revenue by working as a coach, offering guidance and expertise to other players seeking to improve their skills, much like a fitness or football coach. According to OP.GG, as of February 16, 2026, Sinerias currently holds Challenger rank on the EUW server with 1485 LP, specializing in Master Yi, with a 63% win rate across 97 games.

The pursuit of excellence recently led Nussbaumer to spend 70 days in South Korea, a global hub for competitive gaming. He described the environment as intensely competitive, requiring as little as two hours of sleep per night. Despite the grueling schedule, he emphasizes the importance of adequate rest, stating that sleep deprivation is counterproductive.

When asked about the potential for addiction, Nussbaumer firmly rejects the label, characterizing his dedication as “passion.” He asserts his ability to disengage from gaming for extended periods to pursue other interests, viewing it as a lifestyle and a source of enjoyment.

Initially, Nussbaumer’s family harbored doubts about his career path. However, his brother, Leon, now offers his support, acknowledging the mental strain of the demanding schedule. “Sometimes I reckon it really takes a toll on the psyche, when he plays so many hours a day, and not just for one day, but the whole week through. That is tough, but Patrick is an all-or-nothing type, so he always goes all in and when he wants to get something done, he does it that way and I have no concerns about him and he knows himself when he needs to stop,” Leon told ORF Vorarlberg.

To maintain balance, Nussbaumer actively seeks activities outside of gaming. He prioritizes sports and spending time in nature, recognizing their importance in preserving his well-being and optimizing his performance. “I also have to be at peace with myself in order to do what I love,” he said.

Sinerias’s YouTube channel, launched in 2024, currently features content focused on “League of Legends” gameplay and coaching, attracting a growing audience. His expertise is particularly focused on the champion Master Yi, where he is considered a world-class player.

Israeli prosecutors have announced their intention to charge a West Bank settler with the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, a rare move that signals a potential shift in how authorities address violence committed by settlers in the occupied West Bank. The decision comes after months of investigation into the July 2024 death of Hathaleen, who was known for his work documenting the challenges faced by Palestinians and his involvement in the Oscar-winning film, No Other Land.

The case has drawn international attention, not only due to Hathaleen’s prominence as an activist and filmmaker, but too given that the confrontation leading to his death was captured on video from multiple angles. The planned indictment represents a significant departure from the typical lack of prosecution in cases involving settler violence against Palestinians, a concern repeatedly raised by human rights organizations. Attacks by settlers and the demolition of Palestinian homes have seen a dramatic increase over the past two years, creating a climate of fear and instability in the region.

Details of the Incident and Investigation

According to reports, the incident occurred during a confrontation between Palestinians and Yinon Levi, the settler who is now facing charges. Video footage, reportedly taken by Hathaleen himself, appears to show Levi firing in the direction of the camera. Another video shows Levi firing two shots, though it does not clearly indicate where the bullets landed. The Guardian reported on the immediate aftermath of the shooting, highlighting the tensions in the area.

Initially, an Israeli judge released Levi from custody six months ago, citing insufficient evidence to link him directly to Hathaleen’s death. However, the State Attorney General’s office confirmed on Monday that proceedings to indict Levi have been initiated. While the specific charges have not yet been disclosed, Eitan Peleg, an attorney representing Hathaleen’s family, stated that the office intends to pursue a charge of reckless homicide. This will trigger a process allowing Levi to contest the charges before they are formally filed.

A Rare Prosecution Amidst Rising Violence

“Enforcement of the law in cases like this involving Palestinians in the West Bank is very rare, so this is unique,” Peleg told the Associated Press. The lack of accountability for settler violence has long been a point of contention, with Palestinians and rights groups alleging a systemic failure by authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. According to the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, investigations into settler attacks have significantly decreased under National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. More than 3.4 million Palestinians and 700,000 Israelis currently reside in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 and claimed by Palestinians for a future state.

Khalil Hathaleen, Awdah’s brother, expressed a mix of relief and frustration, stating that while the family is glad some form of justice is being sought, they believe a charge of “reckless homicide” is insufficient given the circumstances. “It was an intentional killing in broad daylight, with prior intent and premeditation,” he said.

Legal Response and Next Steps

Avichai Hajbi, Levi’s attorney, declined to comment on the impending indictment, stating he had not yet received official notification. Following the shooting, Hajbi claimed Levi acted in self-defense, but provided no further details. Levi could not be reached for comment. Israeli military officials have deferred questions regarding the indictment to the police, who have yet to respond.

The international community widely considers Israeli settlement construction in the occupied territories to be illegal and a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace agreement. This prosecution, while rare, could set a precedent for future cases and potentially influence the dynamics of settler violence in the West Bank. The outcome of the legal proceedings will be closely watched by both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as international observers.

What comes next remains to be seen, but the formal filing of charges against Levi will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny of Israeli policies regarding settler violence and accountability. The case underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of conflict and ensure equal protection under the law for all residents of the West Bank.

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