Ammar Sabilarrohman
By Craig Robinson, Senior Editor
Last Updated: July 7, 2026
The landscape of competitive World of Warcraft (WoW) is shifting once again as Method, the iconic UK-based esports organisation and 12-time "World First" raiding guild, has officially announced a new partnership with Dallas-based hardware manufacturer Glorious Gaming. This collaboration marks a significant pivot in the organisation’s infrastructure as they gear up for the next installment of the prestigious Race to World First (RWF) campaign.
The partnership, which sees the Method roster fully outfitted with Glorious Gaming’s suite of peripherals, replaces the organisation’s previous equipment collaboration with Bolton-based computing supplier SCAN. As the RWF remains one of the most grueling and high-stakes events in the MMORPG calendar, this hardware alignment is being framed by both parties as a critical step in maintaining Method’s competitive edge.
The Strategic Alliance: Why Glorious Gaming?
The decision to align with Glorious Gaming—a brand predominantly recognized for its lightweight, high-performance mice, keyboards, and mousepads—is a tactical one. In the high-pressure environment of mythic raiding, where boss encounters can last upwards of 15 minutes and require hundreds of attempts over several days, physical comfort and input precision are paramount.
Pat Wachedorf, CEO of Glorious Gaming, emphasized the synergy between the two entities. "The Race to World First represents one of the most demanding tests in all of competitive gaming," Wachedorf stated. "For us, partnering with Method isn’t just about product placement; it’s about supporting a legacy of excellence. We want to ensure that when a raider makes a split-second decision to dodge a mechanic or execute a rotation, their hardware is as reliable as their strategy."
While Glorious is celebrated for its lightweight gaming mice, an interesting point of discussion among the community is the brand’s lack of traditional "MMO mice"—peripherals featuring the 12-to-14 programmable thumb buttons that have long been a staple of WoW raiding. Despite this, the move suggests a shift toward a focus on raw sensor precision and ergonomics, signaling that Method’s roster is prioritizing tactile feedback and lightweight maneuverability for their upcoming efforts.
Chronology: Two Decades of Dominance and Evolution
To understand the weight of this partnership, one must look at the historical trajectory of Method. Founded in 2005, the organization has transcended its origins as a simple raiding guild to become the undisputed titan of the World of Warcraft competitive scene.
- 2005–2010: The formative years. Method establishes itself as a powerhouse, pioneering the professionalization of raiding culture and securing early World First titles.
- 2010–2018: The "Golden Era." Method cements its status as the world’s premier raiding guild, consistently outperforming global competition. During this period, the RWF began its transformation from a niche community event into a global streaming spectacle.
- 2019–2020: Expansion and Challenges. The organization scales rapidly, facing internal challenges and the eventual departure of key personnel, which led to the formation of the splinter group, Echo.
- 2021–2025: Rebuilding and Diversification. Method stabilizes, focusing on long-term sustainability, content creation, and high-tier competitive raiding. They remain a constant top-three contender, consistently pushing the limits of difficulty in the game’s most challenging raid tiers.
- 2026: The current chapter. As the World of Warcraft narrative moves into the Midnight expansion cycle, Method seeks to reclaim the top spot, currently held by rivals Echo and North American giants Team Liquid.
Supporting Data: The Competitive Landscape
The current hierarchy of the RWF is arguably the most competitive it has ever been. Since the rise of Echo and the professionalization of Team Liquid, the race has evolved into a three-way standoff.
Current Performance Metrics (Recent Cycles):
- Team Liquid: Have dominated the last four major RWF events, demonstrating an unprecedented level of preparation and execution.
- Echo: The primary rivals to Method, maintaining a consistent grip on the top two positions.
- Method: Historically, Method holds a firm third-place position. However, data from the Amirdrassil raid and subsequent tiers indicate that Method remains within striking distance, often pushing the top two teams to their absolute limit during the final boss encounters.
The transition to Glorious Gaming hardware is intended to bridge the performance gap. In a high-stakes environment where a singular "wipe" can cost a team hours of progress, the marginal gains provided by low-latency sensors and optimized switch actuation are no longer considered luxuries—they are requirements.
Official Perspectives and Implications
The announcement comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the release of Patch 12.1, which will kickstart Season 2 of the Midnight expansion. While Blizzard Entertainment has yet to finalize the launch window for the next raid tier, Method’s preemptive partnership indicates a proactive approach to preparation.
Implications for the Organization
Method is undergoing a broader transformation. Beyond their raiding operations, they have recently launched a dedicated "indie game space" on their digital platform. This pivot is a calculated move to diversify their brand. By moving into guides and evergreen content for smaller, indie titles, Method is attempting to leverage its expertise in game mechanics to capture a wider audience.
For the hardcore raiding community, this suggests that Method is no longer just a "raiding guild"; they are becoming a comprehensive media and lifestyle brand. This diversification helps insulate the organization against the volatility of the WoW content cycle, ensuring that even during lulls in raiding content, they maintain a consistent presence in the broader gaming ecosystem.
The "Method" Identity
Method’s identity has always been intrinsically tied to the RWF. For twenty years, they have been the benchmark against which all other guilds are measured. The transition from their previous partnership with SCAN to Glorious Gaming signifies a shift in how they view their "performance stack." By aligning with a brand that emphasizes the physical interface between player and game, Method is betting that the next RWF will be won by the team that combines superior mechanical skill with the most responsive, reliable hardware available.
Looking Toward the Future
As the community waits for news on the Midnight raid schedule, the partnership between Method and Glorious Gaming serves as a reminder that the Race to World First is an arms race as much as it is a test of skill.
Method’s efforts to expand into the indie space also suggest a maturity in their business model. By supporting smaller developers and creating high-quality, long-form educational content, they are building a community that extends beyond just the few weeks of the RWF. They are evolving from a singular focus on "World First" prestige to a more holistic gaming organization.
While the "Race to World First" remains their heartbeat, the organization’s future appears to be one of broader horizons. Whether or not this new hardware partnership will propel them back to the number one spot remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: in the high-octane world of competitive World of Warcraft, stagnation is the enemy of success. By constantly refining their roster, their partnerships, and their content strategy, Method is ensuring that they remain a cornerstone of the MMORPG scene for years to come.
As fans of the genre, we wait with bated breath for the announcement of Patch 12.1. When the gates of the next raid finally open, the world will be watching to see if the new Glorious-equipped Method roster has the mechanical edge to reclaim the crown they have chased for two decades.
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