G2 Esports
{{Short description|European professional esports organisation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox sports team
| name = G2 Esports
| short_name = G2
| logo = Esports organization G2 Esports logo.svg
| logo_size = 150px
| alt =
| caption =
| sport_label = Divisions
| sport = {{ubl
| Fortnite
| iRacing
| Valorant
| Call of Duty (as Minnesota RØKKR)
| Kings League (as G2 Football Club)
}}
| founded = {{start date and age|2014|02|24|df=yes}}
| history = {{ubl
| Gamers2 (2014–2015)
| G2 Esports (2015–present)
}}
| location = Berlin, Germany
| owner = Jens Hilgers
| fanclub =
| parent_group =
| folded =
| website = {{URL|www.g2esports.com/}}
| footnotes =
| partners = Logitech, Red Bull, AOC, Philips, Pringles, Mastercard, Lenovo, Ralph Lauren, Metaplex, Spotify, Herman Miller, Next Level Racing
}}
G2 Esports (or simply G2) is a European esports organization headquartered in Berlin, Germany,{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=535269394 |title=G Esports Holding GmbH: Private Company Information |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=19 March 2018}} with players competing in League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Hearthstone, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and iRacing. G2 also opperate the Minnesota RØKKR in the Call of Duty League and G2 Football Club in Kings League Germany. The organization was founded in Spain on 24 February 2014 as Gamers2 by former League of Legends pro Carlos "ocelote" Rodríguez Santiago{{cite web|url=https://www.earlygame.com/the-story-of-g2-esports-part-1/|title=The story of G2 Esports – Part 1|website=EarlyGame|date=20 June 2020}} and investor Jens Hilgers. The organization rebranded as G2 Esports on 15 October 2015.{{cite tweet|user=G2esports|number=654710244757471233|title=Welcome to the new era of G2}}
G2's League of Legends team competes in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), the highest level of competitive League of Legends in Europe. The team has won sixteen domestic titles in Europe, the most of any organization, and became the only Western team to win the Mid-Season Invitational in 2019. The organization's Rainbow Six Siege team competes in the European League (EUL), the highest level of competitive Rainbow Six Siege in Europe. The team won two World Championships, the only team to do so. First in 2019 by defeating Team Empire at the Six Invitational 2019 final and second at the Six Invitational 2023 following a lower bracket run to the final. The CS:GO team holds the second longest LAN map winning streak at 22 as well as being one of three teams that has won Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice and Cologne in the same year.
G2 are also members of the Esports World Cup Foundation Club Partner Program, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which gives teams monetary rewards for painting the Esports World Cup tournament series in a positive light and driving engagement to the tournament, which is seen to some as a sportswashing tool that Saudi Arabia is using to distract the public from their poor human rights record.{{cite news |last1=Fudge |first1=James |title=30 Teams Selected for the Esports World Cup Club Support Program |url=https://esportsadvocate.net/2024/05/30-teams-selected-for-the-esports-world-cup-club-support-program/ |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=The Esports Advocate |date=6 May 2024}}
Organization
Carlos Rodríguez resigned as CEO of G2 on 23 September 2022, amidst controversy surrounding his acquaintanceship with Andrew Tate. He had previously been suspended from his position after a clip of him partying with Andrew and his brother Tristan Tate went viral.{{cite news|last=Saksena|first=Sanchay|date=20 September 2022|title=Esports CEO Receives Backlash For Partying With Andrew Tate|url=https://in.ign.com/india/174699/news/esports-ceo-receives-backlash-for-partying-with-andrew-tate|work=IGN India|access-date=27 September 2022}} Commentators later suspected this incident to be the reason for G2 being denied a franchise spot in the 2023 season of the Valorant Champions Tour.{{Cite news|last=Klimentov|first=Mikhail|date=21 September 2022|title=Andrew Tate incident ends G2's bid for 'Valorant' partnership slot|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/esports/2022/09/21/g2-valorant-andrew-tate-carlos/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=22 September 2022|url-access=limited}} Carlos Rodriguez was later suspended from Riot-sanctioned competition until 13 November 2022, having to follow a sensitivity and executive training to be allowed back to the LEC.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2022 |title=Competitive Ruling: Carlos Rodríguez |url=https://lolesports.com/article/competitive-ruling-carlos-rodr-guez/blt6fb2808ddd043d19 |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=LoL Esports}}
Current divisions
= ''League of Legends'' =
{{Infobox sports team
| name = G2 Esports
| game = League of Legends
| founded =
| folded =
| current =
| league = LEC
| conference =
| division =
| colors =
| coach = Dylan Falco
| gm =
| championships = 1× MSI (2019)
{{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|16× LEC}}
| 2017 Spring
| 2017 Summer
| 2019 Spring
| 2019 Summer
| 2020 Summer
| 2022 Spring
| 2023 Winter
| 2023 Summer
| 2023 Finals
| 2024 Winter
| 2024 Spring
| 2024 Summer
| 2024 Finals}}
}}
== History ==
Gamers2 had made a start for League of Legends in 2014 with an initial roster of Top laner Jesper "Jwaow" Strandgren, jungler Sebastián "Morden" Esteban Fernández, Mid laner Carlos "Ocelote" Rodríguez, AD carry Soler "Yuuki60" Florent, and support Hugo "Dioud" Padioleau.{{cite web|url=https://www.gfinity.net/news/details/league-of-legends-pro-ocelote-retires|title=League of Legends Pro "ocelote" Retires|author=KRAZYSLAYER187|website=Gfininty|date=18 February 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-date=31 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831134334/http://www.gfinity.net/news/details/league-of-legends-pro-ocelote-retires|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://2015.na.lolesports.com/articles/how-ocelote-built-gamers-2-ground|title=HOW OCELOTE BUILT GAMERS 2 FROM THE GROUND UP|first=Taylor Riot RoboTayCo|last=Cocke|website=LoL Esports|publisher=Riot Games|date=3 December 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104618/http://2015.na.lolesports.com/articles/how-ocelote-built-gamers-2-ground|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}
The team participated in the Spring Expansion Tournament, beating Reason Gaming in the seeding game and Team Strix in Round 1. G2 were knocked out of the tournament in Round 2 after being beaten by n!faculty.
G2 Esports was renamed from Gamers2 after qualifying for the 2016 EU LCS Spring Season.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/ocelote-gamers2-lcs-csgo/|title=Ocelote on Gamers2 rebranding plans and how he's building 'a world class esports club'|first=Josh|last=Raven|website=The Daily Dot|date=29 September 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014522/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/ocelote-gamers2-lcs-csgo/|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}
G2 Esports has also a sister team in Spain competing in the EU Challenger Series, called G2 Vodafone, in representation of their sponsor Vodafone. They qualified for the 2016 EU Challenger Series Summer Split Qualifiers, but failed to qualify for the EU CS. They also won the Spanish 2016 Final Cup Spring Split.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
The team failed to qualify for the LCS three splits in a row.
The team finished 1st in the Challenger Series season. They then took 2nd in the playoffs, thereby qualifying for the 2016 Spring EU LCS. Gamers2 qualified for the LCS by defeating SK Gaming 3–2.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/gamers2-gambit-lcs/|title=Gamers2 and Gambit qualify for the LCS|first=Josh|last=Raven|website=The Daily Dot|date=5 September 2015|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926140928/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/gamers2-gambit-lcs/|archive-date=26 September 2015|url-status=dead}}
File:G2 holding 2016 EU LCS Summer trophy.jpg
G2 finished the 2016 EU LCS Spring Split regular season in 1st place. In the playoffs, they defeated Fnatic before winning the 2016 EU LCS in Rotterdam after beating Origen. This also meant that they had qualified for the 2016 Mid-Season Invitational tournament in Shanghai. G2 would represent Europe at the competition against 5 other teams. However, in the weeks before the tournament, the team took an infamous vacation and came to the tournament unprepared. Because of this, they lost 8 of their 10 games, their only two wins against the lowest ranked seed there. This also cost the EU LCS league its 1st seed for the 2016 World Championship later that year. This meant that the 1st seed for Europe of the 2016 Summer EU LCS would be at a disadvantage in the tournament.
G2 performed well in 2018 and got much further at the 2018 League of Legends World Championship than expected for a team considered an underdog, making it all the way to the Semifinals match. G2 lost to eventual world champion Invictus Gaming in the semis.{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/ig-slaughter-g2-msi-2019|title=Invictus Gaming slaughter G2 at MSI|first=Jerome|last=Heath|date=10 May 2019}} Something the G2 team of 2018 was known for was unconventional picks in the bot lane; their AD carry Hjarnan was a rare Heimerdinger player.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mineski.net/news/heimerdinger-how-one-tiny-yordle-changed-g2-esports-fate|title=Heimerdinger: How One Tiny Yordle Changed G2 Esports' Fate|website=Mineski.net}}
G2 retooled their team for the 2019 season, releasing their bottom lane duo of Hjarnan and Wadid, and signing Mikyx as a new support and acquiring Caps as their new midlaner from their regional rival Fnatic.{{Cite web |last=Casquero |first=Miguel |date=20 November 2018 |title=Report: Caps to sign with G2 Esports, PerkZ moves to bot lane |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/report-caps-to-sign-with-g2-esports-perkz-moves-to-bot-lane |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} Since the team now had two midlaners, Perkz was sent to the bottom lane to role swap to AD carry.{{Cite web|last=Heath|first=Jerome|date=6 January 2019|title=The biggest League of Legends roster swaps of the offseason|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/the-biggest-league-of-legends-roster-swaps-of-the-offseason|access-date=15 July 2021|website=Dot Esports|language=en-US}} G2 became the first team to be crowned LEC champions after they won its inaugural split post name change from EU LCS on 14 April 2019, in a 3–0 sweep against Origen.{{cite news |last1=Esguerra |first1=Tyler |title=G2 Esports destroy Origen to win 2019 LEC Spring Split finals |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-destroy-origen-win-2019-lec-spring-finals |access-date=18 April 2019 |work=Dot Esports |date=14 April 2019}}
File:G2 Esports lifting the 2019 MSI Trophy.jpg
After sweeping Team Liquid from North America 3–0 in the grand final of the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational, G2 became the first European team to win a Riot-sponsored international tournament since Fnatic won the Season 1 World Championship.{{cite news |last1=Amos |first1=Andrew |title=G2 smash Team Liquid to become the MSI 2019 champions |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-are-the-msi-2019-champions-smashing-team-liquid |access-date=15 June 2019 |work=Dot Esports |date=19 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Stubbs |first1=Mike |title=G2 Esports Win 'League of Legends' MSI 2019 Tournament |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestubbs/2019/05/19/g2-esports-win-league-of-legends-msi-2019-tournament/#10844d0a3f80 |access-date=15 June 2019 |work=Forbes |language=en}} They finished first in the 2019 LEC Summer Split regular season and later defeated Fnatic 3–2 in the finals to secure their sixth domestic title.{{cite news |last1=Samples |first1=Rachel |title=G2 Esports crowned LEC Summer Split champions after taking down Fnatic |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-esports-crowned-lec-summer-split-champions-after-taking-down-fnatic |access-date=9 September 2019 |work=Dot Esports |date=8 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kolev |first1=Radoslav |title=G2 Esports beat Fnatic, crowned 2019 LEC Summer champions |url=https://www.vpesports.com/leagueoflegends/news/g2-esports-beat-fnatic-crowned-2019-lec-summer-champions |access-date=9 September 2019 |work=VPEsports |date=8 September 2019 |archive-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112154903/https://www.vpesports.com/leagueoflegends/news/g2-esports-beat-fnatic-crowned-2019-lec-summer-champions |url-status=dead }}
At the 2019 League of Legends World Championship, G2 finished runner-up, losing to Chinese team FunPlus Phoenix in the grand finals.{{cite web |url=https://win.gg/news/2934/funplus-phoenix-trounce-g2-esports-win-lol-worlds-2019-finals |title=FunPlus Phoenix trounce G2 Esports, win LoL Worlds 2019 finals |website=win.gg |access-date=10 November 2019 |date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110233656/https://win.gg/news/2934/funplus-phoenix-trounce-g2-esports-win-lol-worlds-2019-finals |url-status=dead }}
In the 2020 LEC Spring Split, Perkz and Caps role-swapped for the split after Perkz expressed a desire to play mid lane again.{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/perkz-explains-g2s-role-swap-and-the-state-of-the-lec-team|title=Perkz explains G2's role swap and the state of the LEC team|first=Gökhan|last=Çakır|date=16 May 2020}} G2 came first in the regular season, but lost their first playoff match against MAD Lions, resulting in a drop to the loser's bracket. From there, the team won the three remaining matches and ultimately won the split, claiming their seventh title and tying the record belonging to Fnatic.{{cite web |last1=Esguerra |first1=Tyler |title=G2 sweep Fnatic to win the 2020 LEC Spring Split finals |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-sweep-fnatic-to-win-the-2020-lec-spring-split-finals |website=Dot Esports |access-date=24 April 2020 |date=19 April 2020}} In Summer, G2 made it to the LEC playoffs; they lost to Fnatic 3–2 in the winner's bracket finals, but defeated Rogue in the loser's bracket finals and then defeated Fnatic in the Grand Finals rematch 3–0 to win the split. At the 2020 League of Legends World Championship, G2 made it to the semifinals, but were eliminated by eventual champion Damwon Gaming and finished in 3rd/4th place.[https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/30119447/2020-league-legends-world-championship-bracket-stage-recaps-stats-more 2020 League of Legends World Championships recaps], DAMWON Gaming 3, G2 Esports 1.
G2 revamped its roster for the 2021 LEC season, notably with trading longtime team captain Perkz to Cloud9 and acquiring Martin "Rekkles" Larson from Fnatic.{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-signs-rekkles-to-replace-perkz|title=G2 signs Rekkles to replace Perkz|first=George|last=Geddes|date=20 November 2020}} While G2 finished at the top of the standings after the regular season of the 2021 Spring Split with a 14–4 record,{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Tyler |date=15 March 2021 |title=Rekkles ends the 2021 LEC Spring Split with a 12.6 KDA, only died 18 times this season |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/rekkles-ends-the-2021-lec-spring-split-with-a-12-6-kda-only-died-18-times-this-season |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} they failed to win in the playoffs, first losing to MAD Lions,{{Cite web |date=3 April 2021 |title=[LEC Spring Playoffs] MAD Lions sends G2 Esports to the lower bracket in 3–1 victory |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/13706/lec-spring-playoffs-mad-lions-sends-g2-esports-to-the-lower-bracket-in-3-1-victory |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=InvenGlobal |language=en}} and then being eliminated by Rogue in the lower bracket.{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Tyler |date=10 April 2021 |title=Rogue make history by taking down G2 Esports, advance to 2021 LEC Spring Finals |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/rogue-make-history-by-taking-down-g2-esports-advance-to-2021-lec-spring-finals |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} The team finished in second place in the regular season of the 2021 Summer Split,{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Tyler |date=1 August 2021 |title=Rogue lock in first place in the 2021 LEC Summer regular season standings |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/rogue-lock-in-first-place-in-the-2021-lec-summer-regular-season-standings |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} but lost to MAD Lions in the playoffs once again and were sent to the loser's bracket. There, they faced Rekkles's old team and long-time LEC rival Fnatic, and were defeated, eliminated G2 from contention.{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Tyler |date=22 August 2021 |title=Fnatic exorcise their demons, take down G2 in explosive series to lock in a spot at Worlds 2021 |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/fnatic-take-down-g2-esports-lock-in-spot-at-worlds-2021 |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} As a result, G2 failed to earn one of the LEC's three slots at Worlds, and 2021 marked the first year G2 failed to qualify for Worlds since joining the EU LCS in 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://lolesports.com/article/it-s-a-wunder-ful-life-a-worlds-without-g2/blt1cb4f7991b1966da|title=It's A Wunder-ful Life: A Worlds Without G2 |website=lolesports.com}}
For the 2022 LEC season, G2 released Grabbz, Rekkles, Wunder, and Mikyx. Dylan Falco and BrokenBlade were acquired from the disbanding Schalke 04 Esports as the new head coach and top laner. Flakked and Targamas were acquired and promoted from non-LEC European leagues for the bottom lane.[https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-esports-unveils-2022-league-of-legends-roster G2 Esports unveils 2022 League of Legends roster] G2 finished fourth place in the Spring Split regular season with an 11–7 record and lost to Fnatic in their initial upper bracket playoff match. However, they went on to win out in the lower bracket, defeating Vitality, Misfits, Fnatic (in a rematch), and Rogue in 3–0 matches.[https://news.yahoo.com/league-of-legends-g2-sweep-rogue-2022-lec-spring-champions-093804473.html League of Legends: G2 Esports sweep Rogue to claim 2022 LEC Spring title] This qualified them as the LEC representative at the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational. There, G2 initially performed strongly, sweeping ORDER and Evil Geniuses in the group stage, and getting a strong 4–0 start in the "rumble" stage. Including the LEC playoffs, G2 had gone on a 24-game winning streak.[https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/17256/psg-talon-end-g2-esports-24-game-win-streak PSG Talon end G2 Esports' 24-game win streak] The streak was broken with a loss to PSG Talon, however, and G2 finished the rumble stage 5–5. Their record qualified them for the semifinals, but G2 was defeated by the LCK representative T1 in a decisive 3–0 sweep.[https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/t1-show-supremacy-secure-msi-2022-finals-spot-after-3-0-sweep-against-g2 T1 show supremacy, secure MSI 2022 finals spot after 3–0 sweep against G2] Following the elimination from the World Championship, Jankos revealed to be parting ways with the G2 Esports organization, ending a 5-year partnership with the team.{{Cite web |last=Vejvad |first=Christian |date=22 October 2022 |title=Jankos leaves G2 Esports, announces free agency for 2023 |url=https://www.jaxon.gg/jankos-leaves-g2-esports/ |access-date=25 October 2022 |website=Jaxon |language=en-US}}
On 1 September 2022.G2 announced a full female League of Legends teams called G2 Hel.{{Cite web |title=We are going to need a bigger trophy cabinet ... |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1565369012560723972 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}
G2 revamped its roster again for the 2023 LEC season, G2 signed Yike from LDLC OL and Hans Sama from Team Liquid. Mikyx also returned to G2 from Excel Esports.{{Cite web |last=Miter |first=Mateusz |date=22 December 2022 |title=G2 confirms its 2023 LEC roster with new and returning faces |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-confirms-its-2023-lec-roster-with-new-and-returning-faces |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} The team took the tournament from 4th place in the regular season, after which they confidently closed the group stage with a score of 2-0 in Group B.{{Cite web|title=G2 Esports become champions of LEC Winter 2023|url=https://egamersworld.com/lol/news/22484/g2-esports-become-champions-of-lec-winter-2023-aAEAOK62p|access-date=2023-02-27|website=egamersworld.com|language=en-US}} G2 Esports won the 2023 LEC Season Finals with a 3–1 victory over Fnatic, marking their second domestic title of the year after their LEC Winter win. As a result, G2 Esports would represent the EMEA region as the first seed at the 2023 League of Legends World Championship.{{cite news |last1=Geracie |first1=Nick |title=G2 Esports Triumph Over Fnatic 3-1 to Win 2023 LEC Season Finals - Esports Illustrated |url=https://esi.si.com/league-of-legends/g2-esports-triumph-over-fnatic-3-1-to-win-2023-lec-season-finals |access-date=13 September 2023 |work=Esports Illustrated |date=10 September 2023 |language=en}} At worlds G2 started off strong with wins against Dplus KIA and Weibo going 2-0 and requiring one more win to play-offs.{{Cite web |title=G2 Esports vs Weibo Gaming: 20.10.23. LoL, Worlds 2023 LoL - Group Stage. Betting Tips, Stream, LiveScore, Results. Twitch, YouTube - Ylk2oAp8K |url=https://egamersworld.com/lol/match/NySRKDN2T/g2-esports-vs-weibo-gaming-Ylk2oAp8K |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=EGamersWorld |language=en}} However G2 would end up losing against Gen.G, NRG Esports and would then be eliminated by Bilibili Gaming.{{Cite web |title=G2 Esports vs Bilibili Gaming: 29.10.23. LoL, Worlds 2023 LoL - Group Stage. Betting Tips, Stream, LiveScore, Results. Twitch, YouTube - TJn3Wq9WU4 |url=https://egamersworld.com/lol/match/NySRKDN2T/g2-esports-vs-bilibili-gaming-TJn3Wq9WU4 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=EGamersWorld |language=en}} Despite the loss G2 announced that they wouldn't make any roster changes for the 2024 LEC Season.{{Cite web |title=Farewell, @G2Caps |url=https://twitter.com/G2League/status/1722322856351260684 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}
For 2024 season, G2 won both Spring and Summer, because of this they represented LEC as the first seed at the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational.{{Cite web |date=16 April 2024 |title=G2 Esports champions of LEC Spring 2024 |url=https://egamersworld.com/lol/news/24148/g2-esports-champions-of-lec-spring-2024-CmYPq9IcX |access-date=16 April 2024 |website=egamersworld}} There they would lose to T1 in a 5-game series and be sent to the lower bracket.G2 would pick up 3-0 wins against PCSs PSG Talon and LPLs Top Esports before getting 3-0'd by T1 in a rematch to finish 4th place.{{Cite web |date=17 May 2024 |title=T1 eliminated G2 Esports from the tournament. |url=https://egamersworld.com/lol/news/24403/msi-2024-t1-eliminated-g2-esports-from-the-tournam-UmDdcLmMr |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=egamersworld}} G2 would go on to win the remaining LEC events, Summer and Finals, to complete the first LEC Grand Slam in the new LEC format.Of course with the Season Finals win, G2 represented LEC at 2024 League of Legends World Championship as their first seed.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2024 |title=Your back-to-back Season Finals CHAMPIONS |url=https://x.com/G2League/status/1830332111737262258 |access-date=1 September 2024 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}} However at Worlds, G2 would finish 2-3 in Swiss Stage being knocked out again by Bilibili Gaming.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2024 |title=WELCOME TO THE WORLDS2024 QUARTERFINALS, BILIBILIGAMING! |url=https://x.com/lolesports/status/1845520022522753251 |access-date=13 October 2024 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}
For the 2025 season,G2 released both Mikyx and Yike.{{Cite news |title=G2 League of Legends (@G2League) on X |url=https://x.com/G2League/status/1861424164206207156 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206051210/https://x.com/G2League/status/1861424164206207156 |archive-date=6 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-16 |work=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=G2 League of Legends (@G2League) on X |url=https://x.com/G2League/status/1863961544779849930 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214194224/https://x.com/G2League/status/1863961544779849930 |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-16 |work=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en |url-status=live }} Soon after G2 announced the additions of Rudy "Skewmond" Semaan from Team BDS Academy and Labros "Labrov" Papoutsakis from BDSs LEC Roster as Jungler and Support respectively.{{Cite news |title=G2 League of Legends (@G2League) on X |url=https://x.com/G2League/status/1866875879663583549 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211190253/https://x.com/G2League/status/1866875879663583549 |archive-date=11 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-16 |work=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en |url-status=live }}
== Current roster ==
{{Esports roster header
| team = G2 Esports
| game = League of Legends
| role = yes
}}
{{Esports player | role = Top | handle = BrokenBlade | first = Sergen | last = Çelik | nat = DE }}
{{Esports player | role = Jungle | handle = SkewMond | first = Rudy | last = Semaan | nat = FR }}
{{Esports player | role = Mid | handle = Caps | first = Rasmus | last = Winther | nat = DK }}
{{Esports player | role= Bot | handle= Hans Sama | first= Steven | last= Liv | nat= FR }}
{{Esports player | role= Support | handle = Labrov | first = Labros | last = Papoutsakis | nat= Gr }}
{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach =
- Dylan Falco
| asst_coach =Jonas "Memento" Elmarghichi
| otherlegend =
| roster_url = https://g2esports.com/teams/league-of-legends/
| transaction_date = 11 December 2024
}}
= ''Counter-Strike'' =
== History ==
{{Prose|section|date=January 2022}}
=== ''CS:GO'' ===
G2 Esports acquired the roster of Team Kinguin on 11 September 2015.{{cite web|url=http://1337mag.com/7675-gamers2-signs-on-the-team-kinguin-csgo-squad|title=Gamers2 Signs on the Team Kinguin CS:GO Squad|first=Rasmus|last=Lund-Hansen|website=1337 Magazine|date=11 September 2015|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915014504/http://1337mag.com/7675-gamers2-signs-on-the-team-kinguin-csgo-squad|archive-date=15 September 2015|url-status=dead}} G2 finished 3rd–4th at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/counter-strike-envy-navi-dreamhack/|title=EnvyUs deny Na'Vi's breakthrough win|first=Jared|last=Wynne|website=The Daily Dot|date=2 November 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110200544/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/counter-strike-envy-navi-dreamhack/|archive-date=10 November 2016|url-status=dead}}
On 20 January 2016, G2 Esports announced that FaZe Clan had acquired their international Counter-Strike roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2-csgo-team-acquired-by-faze/|title=G2's Counter-Strike team acquired by FaZe Clan|website=G2 Esports|date=20 January 2016|access-date=20 January 2016|archive-date=22 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122212150/http://www.g2esports.com/g2-csgo-team-acquired-by-faze|url-status=dead}} G2 announced a new French-speaking roster on 1 February 2016{{cite web|title=G2.Kinguin presents new CS:GO team|url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2kinguin-presents-new-csgo-team|website=g2esports.com|access-date=1 February 2016|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203214315/http://www.g2esports.com/g2kinguin-presents-new-csgo-team|url-status=dead}} which consisted of Titan's former roster. On 9 April, shortly after placing 9–12th at the MLG Major Championship: Columbus, G2 announced Alexandre "bodyy" Pianaro would be replacing Kévin "Ex6TenZ" Droolans.{{cite web|title=G2 welcomes bodyy to CS:GO team|url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2-welcomes-bodyy-to-csgo-team/|website=G2 Esports|access-date=9 April 2016|archive-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409181246/http://www.g2esports.com/g2-welcomes-bodyy-to-csgo-team/|url-status=dead}} G2 placed 2nd at the ESL Pro League Season 3 Finals on 16 May 2016 after losing 2–3 to Luminosity Gaming in the grand finals.{{cite web|last1=Guevarra|first1=Earl|title=Luminosity Gaming Wins ESL CS:GO Pro League Season 3 in Nailbiter Series|url=http://esports.inquirer.net/15161/luminosity-gaming|website=Inquirer.net|access-date=18 May 2016}} G2 Esports won the Esports Championship Series Season 1 after beating Luminosity in the finals on 26 June 2016.{{cite web|last1=Mira|first1=Luis|title=G2 beat Luminosity to win ECS S1|url=http://www.hltv.org/news/18148-g2-beat-luminosity-to-win-ecs-s1|website=HLTV.org|access-date=28 June 2016}}
With effect from 3 February 2017, 3 players from Team EnVyUs joined G2 Esports. Kenny "kennyS" Schrub, Dan "apEX" Madesclaire and Nathan "NBK" Schmitt thus forming the "French Super Team". The players they replaced were Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom, who joined Team EnVyUs, Cédric "RpK" Guipouy, who also joined Team EnVyUs and Edouard "SmithZz" Dubourdeaux who became the head coach of G2 Esports.{{fact|date=April 2025}}
On 4 June 2018, Edouard "SmithZz" Dubourdeaux and Kevin "Ex6TenZ" Droolans replaced apEX and NBK- in the lineup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/23845/shox-returns-to-g2-ahead-of-ecs-finals-nbk-apex-benched|title=shox returns to G2 ahead of ECS Finals; NBK-, apEX benched|website=HLTV.org}} The latter two would go on to be acquired by Team Vitality on 8 October 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkesport.com/news/g2-announce-departures-of-apex-and-nbk-following-their-transfer-to-vitality/|title=G2 announce departures of Apex and NBK following their transfer to Vitality » TalkEsport|last=Gada|first=Parth|date=8 October 2018|website=TalkEsport|language=en-US|access-date=7 April 2020}}
In November 2018, Audric "JaCkz" Jug and Lucas "Lucky" Chastang joined G2 while SmithZz and Ex6TenZ moved to the bench.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/25470/jackz-and-lucky-join-g2-smithzz-and-ex6tenz-benched|title=JaCkz and Lucky join G2; SmithZz and Ex6TenZ benched|website=HLTV.org|language=en|access-date=7 April 2020}}
On 8 March 2019, François "AmaNEk" Delaunay joined G2 replacing bodyy in the active lineup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkesport.com/news/g2-signs-amannek-bodyy-benched/|title=G2 signs AmanNEk; Bodyy benched » TalkEsport|last=Popat|first=Malav|date=8 March 2019|website=TalkEsport|language=en-US|access-date=7 April 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://g2esports.com/2019/03/07/welcome-amanek-csgo-roster-update/|title=Welcome AMANEK – CS:GO Roster Update|date=6 March 2019|website=G2 Esports|language=en-US|access-date=7 April 2020}}
On 30 September 2019, G2 acquired Nemanja "nexa" Isaković and Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač from CR4ZY replacing Lucky and Richard "shox" Papillon in the lineup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.g2esports.com/g2-csgo-goes-global/|title=G2 CS:GO Goes Global|date=30 September 2019|website=G2 Esports|language=en-US|access-date=30 September 2019|archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930234632/https://www.g2esports.com/g2-csgo-goes-global/|url-status=dead}}
On 28 October 2020, G2 signed Nikola "NiKo" Kovac from FaZe Clan for an undisclosed fee. This move reunited NiKo with his cousin, huNter.{{Cite web|title=G2 confirm NiKo signing|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/30544/g2-confirm-niko-signing|access-date=19 January 2021|website=HLTV.org|language=en}} G2 later released JaCkz, stating they did not want to pursue a six-man roster.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
On 5 March 2021, G2 benched kennyS, and brought back JaCkz into the active roster following a series of underwhelming results.{{Cite web|title=G2 bench kennyS; JaCkz returns to roster|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/31306/g2-bench-kennys-jackz-returns-to-roster|access-date=23 May 2021|website=HLTV.org|language=en}}
On 7 November 2021, G2 made their first appearance as Major finalists at the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, where G2 would finish second place to Natus Vincere.{{cite web |title=PGL Major Stockholm 2021 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/4866/pgl-major-stockholm-2021 |website=hltv |access-date=22 May 2022}}
Following a dominant Natus Vincere during the latter half of 2021, many tier 1 teams adjusted their rosters for 2022.{{Cite web |title=The 2022 rostermania recap |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/33078/the-2022-rostermania-recap |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} On 3 January 2022, G2 acquired 16-year old prodigy AWPer Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov from Natus Vincere Junior.{{Cite web|title=G2 unveil m0NESY signing|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/33053/g2-unveil-m0nesy-signing|access-date=3 January 2022|website=HLTV.org|language=en}}
On 23 January 2022, G2 announced their completed new roster. Long-time IGL nexa was swapped for Finnish IGL Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen from OG Esports. AmaNEK was benched and m0NESY replaced him as their primary AWPer. Former Team Vitality coach Rémy "XTQZZZ" Quoniam joined as their head coach.{{Cite web |title=G2 add Aleksib, XTQZZZ |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/33157/g2-add-aleksib-xtqzzz |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
Following a lackluster performance, longtime member JaCkz left G2 on 10 August.{{Cite web |title=JACKZ departs G2 |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/34372/jackz-departs-g2 |access-date=12 August 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
G2 revamped their roster again on 16 August. G2 signed Australian player Justin "jks" Savage from Complexity Gaming. Aleksib was benched and in his place Danish IGL Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen was signed from Copenhagen Flames.{{Cite web |title=G2 announce jks and HooXi signings |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/34404/g2-announce-jks-and-hooxi-signings |access-date=16 August 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
Aleksib was signed by Ninjas in Pyjamas on 8 September.{{Cite web |title=NIP sign Aleksib; Plopski benched |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/34566/nip-sign-aleksib-plopski-benched |access-date=11 September 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
For the first time since signing a team all the way back in 2015, G2 failed to make a major going 1–3 and being eliminated from the RMR by Gamerlegion{{Cite web |title=G2 eliminated from RMR, fnatic keep Major dream alive |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/34757/g2-eliminated-from-rmr-fnatic-keep-major-dream-alive |access-date=8 October 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
G2 announced the departure of XQTZZZ as he decided to step down; it was also announced that their analyst Swani would step in as interim coach.{{Cite web |title=G2 confirm XTQZZZ departure |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/34917/g2-confirm-xtqzzz-departure |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
G2 also announced that after 6 years they parted ways with their team manager Niak on 1 November.{{Cite web |title=Today we say farewell to our CS:GO manager @NiaK Thanks for an amazing 6 years Jéjé, good luck with whatever comes next |url=https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1587399056510267393 |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en}} It was also announced on the same day that Serbian manager Petar "peca" Marković would take the role of team manager.{{Cite web |title=Please give a warm welcome to @pecagg, who will take over as our new CS:GO General Manager |url=https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1587403015287357447 |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
G2 announced on 15 November that KennyS has departed the roster after 6 years with the organization. This marked the first time since 2016 that the CS:GO division did not have a French member.{{Cite web |title=kennyS departs G2 after almost six years with the organization |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/35082/kennys-departs-g2-after-almost-six-years-with-the-organization |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
On 18 December 2022, G2 won the Blast Premier World Final 2022 with a 2–0 win over Team Liquid exactly 1092 days after winning their last LAN map in a Grand Finals, and more than 5 years since their last Tier 1 event win, DreamHack Masters Malmö, on 3 September 2017.{{Cite web |title=G2 sweep Liquid to claim BLAST Premier World Final title |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/35268/g2-sweep-liquid-to-claim-blast-premier-world-final-title |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} m0NESY was crowned the HLTV.org MVP for the event.{{Cite web |title=@G2m0NESY secures HLTV & @1xBet_Esports MVP award for BLAST World Final 2022, the first in his career |url=https://twitter.com/hltvorg/status/1604451541095792641 |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
In an interview with HLTV on 20 January, huNter confirmed that Swani will stay as the team's permanent coach.{{Cite web |title=hunter-: "Swani will stay and be our coach" |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/35425/hunter-swani-will-stay-and-be-our-coach |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
G2 began the 2023 season in superlative form, besting Natus Vincere and BIG in dominant fashion in the Blast Premier Spring Groups and qualified for the Blast Premier Spring Finals. G2 continued their strong run of form into IEM Katowice 2023, where they dispatched of NaVi, FaZe, and BIG without dropping a single map to proceed straight to semi finals. Once in the semi-finals, G2 swept aside Team Liquid 2–0 en route to the grand finals where they encountered an also in-form Heroic. G2 began the series by winning Mirage and Nuke 16–13 and 16–12, respectively, which pushed the series into a 2–0 and extended their LAN map winning streak to 22, the second longest in the history of CS:GO. This streak was unfortunately broken by Heroic during the 3rd map Inferno. G2 eventually defeated Heroic 3–1 after comfortably winning Heroic's 2nd map pick Ancient 16–7,{{Cite web |title=G2 lift IEM Katowice trophy undefeated |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/35593/g2-lift-iem-katowice-trophy-undefeated |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} crowning themselves as the IEM Katowice 2023 champions, with huNter- being named the HLTV.org MVP and jks becoming DHL MVP.{{Cite web |title=huNter- claims IEM Katowice MVP award |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/35596/hunter-claims-iem-katowice-mvp-award |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} It was also NiKo's first time winning IEM Katowice ever, having previously fallen short in 2 consecutive Grand Finals with FaZe Clan and one with G2.
On 7 March 2023, G2 announced an all-female line-up named G2 Oya consisting of Ex-G2 Gozen players zAAz and juliano {{Cite web |title=G2 WELCOMES OYA - AN ALL-WOMEN CSGO TEAM |url=https://g2esports.com/blogs/news/welcome-g2-oya |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=EU - G2 Esports |date=7 March 2023 |language=en}}
G2 qualified for Blast.tv Paris Major 2023 as Challengers with a 3-1 record in the RMR.{{Cite web |title=G2 defeat Cloud9 to secure Paris Major berth |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36050/g2-defeat-cloud9-to-secure-paris-major-berth |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} At the major they went 3-0 in the Challenger Stage and qualified for the Legends Stage.{{Cite web |title=G2 dominate Apeks to advance to Paris Major Legends Stage |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36226/g2-dominate-apeks-to-advance-to-paris-major-legends-stage |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} In the Legends Stage, G2 lost against Vitality{{Cite web |title=Vitality halt G2 comeback to win opening Legends Stage game |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36267/vitality-halt-g2-comeback-to-win-opening-legends-stage-game |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} and Bad News Eagles{{Cite web |title=BNE mount T-side comeback to upset G2 in Paris |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36275/bne-mount-t-side-comeback-to-upset-g2-in-paris |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} on the first day, relegating them to the elimination bracket. They managed to secure a win against Furia Esports,{{Cite web |title=FURIA fall to G2 to exit the BLAST Paris Major with a whimper |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36288/furia-fall-to-g2-to-exit-the-blast-paris-major-with-a-whimper |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} however, G2 could not continue to survive in the elimination bracket as they suffered a shocking defeat in the 1-2 bracket match against Fnatic, only managing to scrap together a win on Inferno and suffering defeats on Ancient and Vertigo. This resulted in G2 exiting the Paris Major with a 1-3 record in the Legends Stage.{{Cite web |title=fnatic eliminate G2 from Paris Major and end NiKo's title hopes |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36300/fnatic-eliminate-g2-from-paris-major-and-end-nikos-title-hopes |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
Despite many roster changes happening in the off-season, G2 announced that they wouldn't be making any changes to their roster.{{Citation |title=G2 ROSTER UPDATE |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZaxk2F7oKc |access-date=2023-08-01 |language=en}}
Due to their first place finish at IEM Katowice 2023, G2 qualified for IEM Cologne 2023 where they achieved victories over Astralis, FaZe and Vitality, earning them a semi-final spot.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2023 |title=G2 beat Vitality to earn IEM Cologne semi-final spot |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36794/g2-beat-vitality-to-earn-iem-cologne-semi-final-spot |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=HLTV}} There, G2 beat Astralis once more in a 2-0 finish.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2023 |title=G2 overpower Astralis to face Ence in IEM Cologne grand final |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36829/g2-overpower-astralis-to-face-ence-in-iem-cologne-grand-final}} In the finals, G2 won 3-1 against ENCE, winning Nuke, Mirage and Ancient.{{Cite web |date=6 August 2023 |title=G2 triumph over ENCE to take IEM Cologne trophy |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36832/g2-triumph-over-ence-to-take-iem-cologne-trophy |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=HLTV}} With this win, G2 became the third and final team in CS:GO to win both IEM Katowice and Cologne in the same year, the others being Fnatic and FaZe. NiKo was awarded the HLTV and DHL MVP.{{Cite web |date=6 August 2023 |title=NiKo named MVP of IEM Cologne |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/36833/niko-named-mvp-of-iem-cologne |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=HLTV}}
=== ''CS2'' ===
On 9 November 2023, G2 reportedly benched jks.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=G2 Esports reportedly bench jks in surprise CS2 roster change |url=https://www.dexerto.com/counter-strike-2/g2-esports-reportedly-bench-jks-in-surprise-cs2-roster-change-2376584/ |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=Dexerto |language=en}} He was replaced on 21 November with the return of nexa.{{Cite web |date=21 November 2023 |title=nexa returns to G2 |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/37559/nexa-returns-to-g2 |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=HLTV}}
On 4 December, Swani announced his decision to step down as head coach of G2 after Blast World Finals 2023.{{Cite web |date=4 December 2023 |title=Swani to step down from G2 after World Final |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/37675/swani-to-step-down-from-g2-after-world-final |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=HLTV}} Two days before the event, on 11 December, G2 announced that ex-Virtus.pro player and Major winner Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas had joined the team as their head coach.{{Cite web |date=11 December 2023 |title=TaZ has become the new coach of G2 |url=https://bo3.gg/news/taz-becomes-the-new-g2-coach |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=bo3.gg}}
G2 announced the release of its Oya roster on 19 December 2023.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=G2 release women's team |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/37823/g2-release-womens-team |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=HLTV}}
G2 won IEM Dallas on 2 June 2024, with Jake "Stewie2k" Yip standing in for HooXi.{{cite news |last1=Taifalos |first1=Nicholas |title=Sublime Stewie2K, G2 stun Vitality at IEM Dallas to claim org's first trophy in CS2 |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/sublime-stewie2k-g2-stun-vitality-at-iem-dallas-to-claim-orgs-first-trophy-in-cs2 |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Dot Esports |date=3 June 2024}} Despite the win, G2 benched Nexa on 17 June and replaced him with Guatemalan star Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa from M80 on 28 June.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title=G2 bench nexa |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/39274/g2-bench-nexa |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=HLTV}}{{Cite web |date=28 June 2024 |title=Official: malbsMd joins G2 |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/39318/official-malbsmd-joins-g2 |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=HLTV}}
After two eventful years, Hooxi was moved over to the inactive roster on 1 July.{{Cite web |date=1 July 2024 |title=Hooxi benched in G2 |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/39328/hooxi-benched-in-g2 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=HLTV}} Two days later, Nexa was released and G2 announced the addition of ex-Virtus.pro player Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski.{{Cite web |date=3 July 2024 |title=BLEED add nexa for faveN |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/39337/bleed-add-nexa-for-faven |access-date=3 July 2024 |website=HLTV}}{{Cite web |date=3 July 2024 |title=G2 unveil Snax singin |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/39338/g2-unveil-snax-signing |access-date=3 July 2024 |website=HLTV}}
On 3 January 2025, Nikola "NiKo" Kovac departed the team in an expected move to Falcons Esports,{{Cite web |title=Official: NiKo departs G2 |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/40663/official-niko-departs-g2 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}} and on 11 January 2025, G2 unveiled Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko as part of the main roster{{Cite web |title=G2 announce HeavyGod signing |url=https://www.hltv.org/news/40735/g2-announce-heavygod-signing |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=HLTV.org |language=en}}
== Championships ==
- DreamHack Open Tours 2017{{cite web|title=G2 beat HR to win DreamHack Tours|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/20426/g2-beat-hr-to-win-dreamhack-tours|website=hltv.org|access-date=8 May 2017}}
- ESL Pro League Season 5{{cite web|title=G2 Esports win ESL Pro League Season 5|url=http://fragbite.com/cs/news/40846/g2-esports-win-esl-pro-league-season-5|website=fragbite.com|access-date=5 June 2017}}
- Esports Championship Series Season 1
- DreamHack Masters Malmö 2017{{cite web|title=G2 win DH Masters Malmö over North|url=http://fragbite.com/cs/news/41309/g2-win-dh-masters-malmo-over-north|website=fragbite.com|access-date=3 September 2017}}
- Blast Premier World Final 2022
- IEM Katowice 2023{{Cite web |title=IEM Katowice 2023 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/6809/iem-katowice-2023 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=HLTV}}
- IEM Cologne 2023{{Cite web |title=IEM Cologne 2023 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/6811/iem-cologne-2023 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=HLTV}}
- IEM Dallas 2024{{Cite web |title=IEM Dallas 2024 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/7438/iem-dallas-2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=HLTV}}
- Blast Premier Fall Final 2024{{Cite web |title=Blast Premier Fall Final 2024 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/7556/blast-premier-fall-final-2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=HLTV}}
- Blast Premier World Final 2024{{Cite web |title=Blast Premier World Final 2024 |url=https://www.hltv.org/events/7557/blast-premier-world-final-2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=HLTV}}
== Current roster ==
{{Esports roster header
| team = G2 Esports
| game = Counter-Strike 2
}}
{{Esports player | handle = huNter- | first = Nemanja | last = Kovač | nat = BA}}{{Esports player|handle=hades|first=Olek|last=Miśkiewicz|nat=PL}}
{{Esports player | handle = malbsMd | first = Mario | last = Samayoa | nat = GTM}}
{{Esports player | handle = Snax | first = Janusz | last = Pogorzelski | nat = PL}}
{{Esports player | handle = HeavyGod | first = Nikita | last = Martynenko | nat = IL}}
{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach = Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas
| asst_coach =
| otherlegend =
| roster_url = https://g2esports.com/teams/counter-strike-global-offensive/
| transaction_date = 14 April 2025
}}
= ''Rainbow Six Siege'' =
== History ==
The announcement that G2 Esports acquired the full roster of PENTA Sports, all five players and two coaches came a few days before the kick-off of the Six Major Paris group stage. These players, winners of the Six Invitational 2018 and multiple Pro League champions, represented the colors of G2 from 10 August 2018. Niclas "Pengu" Mouritzen was considered the most experienced player in both the team and the wider Rainbow Six Siege scene, having been in the Year 1 Season 1 PENTA roster. Fabian "Fabian" Hällsten was the in-game leader of the team to whom the strategic success and flexibility of the team was often pointed towards, as one of the best IGLs in the European Pro League. Daniel "Goga" Mazorra Romero was the only non-Nordic player on the team, and the only Spanish player in the whole of Pro League at the time. He was often praised for his ability on the games hard breachers, particularly Thermite. JNSzki was one of the 2 Finnish players on the team, being acquired from PENTA's Year 1 rival of GiFu, he has been reputed throughout the Pro League's history as one of the best aimers and Bandit players in all of Siege.
The team quickly proved to be a beneficial pick-up by G2, winning the Six Major Paris and its $350,000 prize pool immediately following the purchase by defeating their rivals Evil Geniuses 3–0.{{cite news |title=G2 Esports Win $350,000 Rainbow Six Major Paris 2018 – Final Placements |url=https://www.dexerto.com/rainbow-six/g2-esports-win-rainbow-six-major-paris---final-placements-143259 |access-date=28 March 2019 |work=Dexerto.com |archive-date=2 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702213151/https://www.dexerto.com/rainbow-six/g2-esports-win-rainbow-six-major-paris---final-placements-143259 |url-status=dead }}
The team won the Six Invitational 2019 on 17 February 2019 by defeating Team Empire 3–0.{{cite news |title=G2 Esports cement Rainbow Six dynasty at Six Invitational |url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26021321/g2-esports-cement-rainbow-six-dynasty-six-invitational |access-date=27 March 2019 |work=ESPN.com |date=18 February 2019 |language=en}}
jNSzki was released by G2 Esports on 27 May 2019, replaced by UUNO from LeStream (Now KOI). Juhani "Kantoraketti" Toivonen was originally a loan to PENTA from ENCE for the LAN finals of Season 7 Pro League. Following the departure of Ville "SHA77E" Palola, Kantoraketti officially became the 5th member of PENTA, that would go on to be G2 Esports. UUNO had played for the PENTA Academy being coached by G2's own coach, Thomas "Shas[O]Uas" Lee. Shas is one of the longest working coaches in Siege, originally coaching for Team Fenix, a team which had also featured Fabian and previous roster teammate of Niklas "KS" Massierer, and is still the head coach for the team. Kevin "Sua" Stahnke was the secondary coach and analyst of the roster, brought in to replace Daniel "Ferral" Rotheram, G2's original analyst.
After signing Aleksi "UUNO" Työppönen and Joonas "jNSzki" Savolainen retired, G2 lost the Six Major Raleigh on 18 August 2019 after losing 3–1 to Russian rivals, Team Empire.
On 22 November 2019, Goga was replaced by the German player of Pascal "Cry1NNN" Alouane.{{Cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/rainbow-6/news/cryn-joins-g2-esports-goga-departs-r6-roster|title=Cryn joins G2 Esports, Goga departs R6 roster|date=22 November 2019|website=Dot Esports|language=en-US|access-date=3 March 2020}} Right before Six Invitational 2020 Cry1NNN was benched and was replaced by Ferenc "SirBoss" Mérész on loan from PENTA.{{Cite web|url= https://gameriv.com/g2-benches-cryn-sirboss-replaces-him-for-the-invitational|title=Cryn benched, SirBoss joins G2 as stand-in|date=31 January 2020|website=gameriv|language=en-US|access-date=31 January 2020}} After the event, SirBoss left G2.
On 3 March 2020, G2 Esports announced their new "superteam",{{Cite web|url= https://g2esports.com/2020/03/03/g2-introduces-r6-super-team|title=CTZN and Virtue join G2|date=3 March 2020|website=G2esports|language=en-US|access-date=3 March 2020}} picking up Ben "CTZN" McMillan from Natus Vincere and Jake "Virtue" Grannan from Fnatic while benching long time player Fabian in the process, who would eventually leave officially on 6 June 2020.{{Cite web|url= https://gameriv.com/fabian-officially-departs-from-g2-esports|title=Fabian leaves G2|date=6 June 2020|website=gameriv|language=en-US|access-date=6 June 2020}}
At the start of March 2021, Pengu announced his retirement at the age of 23.{{Cite web|last=Gursoy|first=Eren Merdan|title=The Best Rainbow Six Siege Player Of All Time, Pengu, Retires At The Age Of 23|url=https://gaimer.net/the-best-rainbow-six-siege-player-of-all-time-pengu-retires-at-the-age-of-23/|access-date=1 June 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215724/https://gaimer.net/the-best-rainbow-six-siege-player-of-all-time-pengu-retires-at-the-age-of-23/|url-status=usurped}} After few days, G2 Esports announced the addition of Jordan "Kayak" Morley into the roster.{{Cite web|last=Gursoy|first=Eren Merdan|title=G2 Esports Announced The Player That Replaces Pengu For The Rainbow Six Siege Roster|url=https://gaimer.net/g2-esports-announced-the-player-that-replaces-pengu-for-the-rainbow-six-siege-roster/|access-date=1 June 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215818/https://gaimer.net/g2-esports-announced-the-player-that-replaces-pengu-for-the-rainbow-six-siege-roster/|url-status=usurped}}
After underwhelming performances at the Six Invitational 2021, finishing 8th in Group A during the Group Stage and being eliminated in the first round of the lower bracket, the organization decided to revamp their roster. On 10 June 2021, it was announced that both remaining Finnish players Kantoraketti and UUNO were benched. On the same day, G2 introduced two new players: Lucas "Hungry" Reich, coming back from a break from the competitive scene, and Jonas "Jonka" Kaczmarzyk from MnM Gaming.{{cite tweet |number=1402973718142406662 |user=G2esports |title=Time for the SUPER Super team Welcome @Hungry_R6 and @G2Jonka to the #G2ARMY |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=10 June 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613063358/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1402973718142406662 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |url-status=live}}
This roster wouldn't qualify for the Six Invitational 2022. Because of this Hungry and Jonka would be moved to the inactive position shortly before leaving.{{Cite web |title=Today we say goodbye to the mad lads @G2Jonka and @Hungry_R6 Thank you for all your hard work, we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! ❤️ |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1522169616960790533 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Twitter |language=en}} G2 introduced three new players this time: Karl "Alem4o" Zarth, Kevin "Prano" Pranowitz and Jack "Doki" Robertson while Kayak left for Na'vi.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-11 |title=Reviving G2 : Rainbow Six Roster Announcement |url=https://g2esports.com/blogs/news/reviving-g2-rainbow-six-roster-announcement |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=EU - G2 Esports |language=en}} Only after 6 months joining, Prano moves to the inactive position,{{Cite web |title=Me, this Major & Siege |url=https://twitter.com/PranoR6/status/1560694851267698689?s=20&t=3UxCUzVAJimdmdWj5DiQdA |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Twitter |language=en}} Byron "Blurr" Murray is acquired after leaving Na'vi and Fabian rejoins the roster.{{Cite thesis |title=Blurr |publisher=Louisiana State University Libraries |first=Yuka |last=Seko|date=2003 |doi=10.31390/gradschool_theses.2556 |doi-access=free }} CTZN leaves and is replaced by Benjamin "Benjamaster" Dereli from Heroic.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=R6 Roster Update: Welcome Benjamaster and Titan |url=https://g2esports.com/blogs/news/r6-roster-update-welcome-benjamaster-titan |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=EU - G2 Esports |language=en}}
This time the org managed to qualify for the Six Invitational 2023.There they would finish 2nd in Group A before losing 2-0 to Wolves Esports in the first round of play-offs.After this G2 went on a tear through the lower bracket, winning every single match starting with Faze Clan, then Dark Zero, M80, a rematch against Wolves, Astralis and Oxygen to set up a final against w7m esports who were the tournaments favorites.G2 would go on to win 3-1 to become the first organization to win multiple Six Invitationals.{{Cite web |last=Angeles |first=Zen |date=2023-02-20 |title=G2 Esports wins Rainbow Six Invitational 2023 |url=https://clutchpoints.com/g2-esports-wins-rainbow-six-invitational-2023 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=ClutchPoints |language=en}}
Following a 5th-8th finish at the BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen 2023.Blurr is benched and shortly after leaves, while Luigi "Gemini" Ferrigno from Misfits is acquired.{{Cite web |title=We're taking over the world (again) 😈 Welcome @Gemini_R6 to our starting R6 roster! |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1673692662505918467 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Twitter |language=en}} Fabian leaves G2's coaching position on 18 August.{{Cite web |title=A legend, an emperor, a god. Today we say goodbye to @FabianHallsten, good luck in the future ❤️ |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1692506637171400925 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
Meanwhile UUNO returns to G2 after a year who replaces Gemini and Matheus "Ramalho" Gonçalves from FaZe Clan joins as coach.{{Cite web |title=WE NEED SUPPORT Welcome @UUNOFPS and @ramalhofps to the team ❤️ |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1694726269076902392 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
== Current roster ==
{{Esports roster header
| team = G2 Esports
| game = Rainbow Six Siege
}}
{{Esports player | handle = Loira | first = Roberto | last = Camargo | nat = BR | note = }}
{{Esports player | handle = BlaZ | first = Alexandre | last = Thomas | nat = FR | note = }}
{{Esports player | handle = Alem4o | first = Karl | last = Zarth | nat = BR | note = }}
{{Esports player | handle = Doki | first = Jack | last = Robertson | nat = UK | note = }}
{{Esports player|handle=UUNO|first=Aleksi|last=Työppönen|nat=FIN}}{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach =
- Matheus "Ramalho" Gonçalves
| asst_coach =
| otherlegend =
| roster_url = https://g2esports.com/teams/rainbow-six-siege/
| transaction_date = 27 June 2023
}}
= ''Valorant'' =
G2 Esports first entered the Valorant scene by signing former CS:GO player Oscar "mixwell" Cañellas Colocho as the team's captain on 16 June 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://g2esports.com/blogs/news/g2-esports-introduces-mixwell-as-first-valorant-player|title=G2 Esports Introduces Mixwell as First Valorant Player|website=EU – G2 Esports|date=15 June 2020 }} The following week saw Patryk "paTiTek" Fabrowski and Jacob "pyth" Mourujärvi also join the roster on 24{{cite tweet |number=1275806010079244290 |user=G2esports |title=He carried @CarlosR to the G2 Ignition Series Final. He must be good! Welcome @G2Patitek! |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811093449/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1275806010079244290 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |url-status=live}} and 26 June 2020{{cite tweet |number=1276518485703696384 |user=G2esports |title=CS:GO Pro ✅ Experience ✅ Next Champion ✅ |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811022925/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1276518485703696384 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |url-status=live}} respectively. Following the addition of a fourth player in Ardis "ardiis" Svarenieks on 3 July 2020,{{cite tweet |number=1279067754079936512 |user=G2esports |title=Upload Complete – @G2ardiis.exe ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ 100% |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=3 July 2020 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811093417/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1279067754079936512 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |url-status=live}} the G2 VALORANT team would then sign David "Davidp" Prins, who had been standing in for the first two successful event runs, on 31 July 2020{{cite tweet |number=1289215517782183936 |user=G2esports |title=You didn't really think we'd sign someone else right? Welcome @G2Davidp_ to G2 VALORANT! |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=31 July 2020 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821042738/https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1289215517782183936 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |url-status=live}} before going on to win a further four tournaments.
First Strike Europe saw G2 fall in the semi-finals to eventual champions Team Heretics which led to the benching of Davidp and the arrival of Aleksander "zeek" Zygmunt. The first half of 2021 was a contrast to the early domination and further struggles for the team saw them part ways with zeek, ardiis and paTiTek. These departures saw Žygimantas "nukkye" Chmieliauskas, Auni "AvovA" Chahade and Jose Luis "koldamenta" Aranguren Herrero added to the roster in their place.{{Cite web|url=https://g2esports.com/blogs/news/g2-valorant-roster-update|title=G2 VALORANT ROSTER UPDATE|website=EU – G2 Esports|date=2 June 2021 }} Three weeks later, a new fifth, Cista "keloqz" Wassim, was announced on 25 June 2021 following pyth's decision to bench himself two weeks previously.{{cite tweet |number=1408424795474173967 |user=G2esports |title=VCT won't know what hit it 😏 Welcome @G2keloqz to the #G2ARMY! |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=25 June 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811022757/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1408424795474173967 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |url-status=live}}
In October 2021, G2 announced the organization's first-ever all-female team, led by former CS:GO professional player Julia "Juliano" Kiran, which would compete in Valorant as G2 Gozen.{{cite web|last1=Matt|first1=Gardner|title=G2 Esports Unveils First-Ever All-Female Team For 'Valorant'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2021/10/19/g2-esports-unveils-first-ever-all-female-team-for-valorant/|website=Forbes|access-date=28 October 2021}} In November 2022, Gozen won the VCT Game Changers Championship in Berlin, beating Shopify Rebellion 3–2 in the grand finals to become the first team to win a championship in both Valorant and CS:GO.{{cite web|last1=Arias|first1=Jackie|title=G2 Gozen Members Become First Women Valorant & CSGO World Champions|url=https://gamerant.com/valorant-csgo-women-world-champions-g2-gozen//|website=GameRant|date=21 November 2022 |access-date=13 December 2022}}
G2 was denied a partnership slot by Riot Games for the 2023 season, despite being one of the favorites to be selected. It was speculated to be because of an incident between former CEO Carlos Rodríguez and Andrew Tate.
G2 from December 2022 to July 2023 operated a North American roster that competed in the Valorant Challengers stage.
On 23 September G2 was announced as a non-partner team for VCT Americas in a two-year with their roster made up of former 4 players from Ascension winner The Guard with their coach and team manager.{{Cite web |title=WE'RE SO FUCKING BACK VCT Americas, you're welcome |url=https://twitter.com/G2VALORANT/status/1705341343231508513 |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}
== Current roster ==
{{Esports roster header
| team = G2 Esports
| game = Valorant
}}
{{Esports player | handle = JonahP | first = Jonah | last = Pulice | nat = CAN }}
{{Esports player | handle = jawgemo | first = Alexander | last = Mor | nat = USA }}
{{Esports player | handle = trent | first = Trent | last = Cairns | nat = USA }}
{{Esports player | handle = valyn | first = Jacob | last = Batio | nat = USA }}
{{Esports player | handle = leaf | first = Nathan | last = Orf | nat = USA }}
{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach = Josh "JoshRT" Lee
| asst_coach = Peter "shhhack" Belej
| otherlegend =
| roster_url =
| transaction_date = 7 October 2024
}}{{Esports roster header
| team = G2 Esports
| subteam = Gozen
| game = Valorant
}}
{{Esports player | handle = amy | first = Amy | last = Lai | nat = NL }}
{{Esports player | handle = mimi | first = Michaela | last = Lintrup | nat = DK }}
{{Esports player | handle = Akita | first = Esllene | last = Xu | nat = FR }}
{{Esports player | handle = Nelo | first = Mathilde | last = Beltoise| nat = FR}}
{{Esports player | handle = Vania | first = Aleyna | last = Keskin | nat = TR }}
{{Esports roster footer
| head_coach = Kaan "Leader" Taşpınar
| asst_coach =
| otherlegend =
| roster_url = https://na.g2esports.com/blogs/teams/gozen
| transaction_date = 8 February 2024
}}
= ''Sim Racing'' =
On 13 November 2017, G2 Esports signed Sim Racer Cem Bölükbaşı and Racing Team Manager Danny Engels.{{cite tweet |number=930012658299998208 |user=G2esports |title=Today, we are excited to announce two new additions to our Sim Racing team! Give a warm welcome to @BolukbasiCem & @HuskyGoalie 🏁🏎️ #G2ARMY |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=13 November 2017 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731182421/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/930012658299998208 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |url-status=live}} A joint venture saw the launch of new Sim Racing team FA Racing G2 Logitech G between G2 Esports and Formula One driver Fernando Alonso later that same month.{{cite AV media |date=23 November 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqjrIBtzQ44 |title=Fernando Alonso & G2 Esports Introduce: FA Racing G2 Logitech G |publisher=G2 Esports |via=YouTube |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801010512/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqjrIBtzQ44 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |url-status=live}}
G2 would go on to launch a multi-year partnership with Red Bull Racing in the form of Red Bull Racing Esports Team, with drivers competing across multiple Sim Racing titles.{{Cite news|url=https://esportsinsider.com/2019/03/g2-esports-red-bull-racing-esports-team/|title=G2 Esports and Red Bull launch racing esports team|first=Adam|last=Fitch|newspaper=Esportsinsider |date=16 March 2019}}
Danish racing driver Dennis Lind was signed as Sim Racing Lead on 12 April 2021.{{cite tweet |number=1381578103906988035 |user=G2esports |title=Time to shift up a gear 🏎️ Welcome @DennisLindRacin as our Sim Racing Team Lead! |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=12 April 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815023404/https://twitter.com/g2esports/status/1381578103906988035 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |url-status=live}}
= ''Call of Duty'' =
{{Main|Minnesota Rokkr}}
G2 Esports announced their Call of Duty roster for the Black Ops 4 season on 25 October 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.g2esports.com/g2-esports-black-ops-4-squad/ |title=Announcing G2 Esports' Talented Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Squad |publisher=G2 Esports |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025225544/https://www.g2esports.com/g2-esports-black-ops-4-squad/ |url-status=dead }} The team did not qualify for that season's CWL Pro League.
On 5 December 2023, G2 announced that they had merged with Version1, owned by WISE Ventures (who also owned the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League among other investments), which included operating rights to the Minnesota RØKKR team that plays in the Call of Duty League.{{cite news |last1=Lemay |first1=Ryan |title=G2 officially enters Call of Duty League through RØKKR, Version1 merger |url=https://dotesports.com/call-of-duty/news/breaking-g2-officially-enters-call-of-duty-league-through-rokkr-version1-merger |access-date=8 December 2023 |work=Dot Esports |date=5 December 2023}}
After failing to capitalize after placing fourth in Major 1, G2 announced they have dropped Owakening and Vivid in favor for Gunless and Standy.
After placing Top 12 for Major 4, G2 announced that they are dropping Gunless and Standy, later picking up Estreal and Diamondcon for the Esports World Cup.
{{#section-h:Minnesota ROKKR|Current roster}}
= ''Kings League'' =
On 2 April 2025, G2 Esports announced G2 Football Club (or G2 FC), a seven-a-side football team that would participate in the newly created German division of Kings League, founded by former Spanish football international and FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué.{{cite news |last1=Sayal |first1=Rabia |title=G2 Esports enters traditional sports with G2 Football Club |url=https://esportsinsider.com/2025/04/g2-esports-enters-sports-g2-football-club |access-date=3 April 2025 |work=Esports Insider |date=2 April 2025}}
== Current roster ==
Link: [https://kingsleague.pro/en/teams/188-g2-football-club]
Roster current as of 2025 Kings World Cup Clubs.
Manager: {{flagicon|GER}} Malik Hadziavdic
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|no=7|nat=NED|pos=FW|name=Berkay Sezer}}
{{Fs player|no=10|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=Tarik Hadziavdic}}
{{Fs player|no=11|nat=NED|pos=MF|name=Abdullah Telli}}
{{Fs player|no=17|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=Danny Blum}}
{{Fs player|no=19|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=Berkan Ronay Celebi}}
{{Fs player|no=20|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=Nejmeddin Daghfous}}
{{Fs player|no=21|nat=GER|pos=DF|name=Fabrice Montcheu}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=24|nat=GAM|pos=GK|name=Amat Chaw}}
{{Fs player|no=29|nat=GER|pos=FW|name=Yunus Malli}}
{{Fs player|no=30|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=Alen Patak}}
{{Fs player|no=45|nat=GER|pos=GK|name=Lino Kasten}}
{{Fs player|no=61|nat=TUR|pos=MF|name=Cihan Ucar}}
{{Fs player|no=99|nat=URU|pos=DF|name=Kevin Moreira}}
{{Fs end}}
== History ==
class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
|+Key of terms and abbreviations |
scope="col" |Term or abbreviation
!scope="col" |Definition |
---|
scope="row" |GP
|Number of games played |
scope="row" |W
|Number of wins during regulation |
scope="row" |SW
|Number of shootout wins (wins in penalty shootouts) |
scope="row" |SL
|Number of shootout losses (losses in penalty shootouts) |
scope="row" |L
|Number of losses during regulation |
scope="row" |GF
|Goals for |
scope="row" |GA
|Goals against |
scope="row" |GD
|Goal difference |
scope="row" |Position
|Final position in Kings League Germany or Kings World Cup Clubs |
scope="row" |Q?
|How the team qualified for Kings World Cup Clubs (if they did) |
class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" |
style="background:#f0f6ff;"
! rowspan=2 | Split ! colspan=9 | Kings League Germany ! colspan=10 | Kings World Cup Clubs |
GP
! W ! SW ! SL ! L ! GF ! GA ! GD ! Position ! Q? ! GP ! W ! SW ! SL ! L ! GF ! GA ! GD ! Position |
---|
2025 Spring
| 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 44 | –13 | 3rd (lost to ERA Colonia 2-14 in Second Ticket KWC Match) | Qualified as 3rd place{{efn|Kings League Germany was originally given 2 spots into the 2025 Kings World Cup Clubs, but was given a third spot into the tournament on 15 May 2025. Since G2 Football Club finished in 3rd place, they therefore qualified.}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | –2 | TBD |
Former divisions
= ''Rocket League'' =
G2 Esports signed the RLCS Season One world champions, former iBUYPOWER Cosmic on 7 September 2016.{{cite web |title=G2 Esports sign Rocket League World Champions. |url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2-esports-sign-rocket-league-world-champions/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005070416/http://www.g2esports.com/g2-esports-sign-rocket-league-world-champions/ |archive-date=5 October 2016 |access-date=3 October 2016 |website=G2 Esports}}
Brandon "Lachinio" Lachin and Ted "0verZer0" Keil left the team, and Dillon "Rizzo" Rizzo and Jacob "JKnaps" Knapman were picked up on 22 February 2017.{{cite web |date=22 February 2017 |title=G2 Esports {{!}} JKnaps & Rizzo join Rocket League team |url=http://www.g2esports.com/jknaps-rizzo-join-rocket-league-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411234919/http://www.g2esports.com/jknaps-rizzo-join-rocket-league-team/ |archive-date=11 April 2018 |access-date=12 November 2017 |publisher=G2 Esports}}
The team won the ELEAGUE Cup 2017 tournament after missing RLCS Season 3.{{Cite web |last=Key |first=Kim |title=News: G2 Wins ELEAGUE Rocket League Cup | ESPORTS SOURCE |url=https://www.esportssource.org/2017/12/news-g2-wins-eleague-rocket-league-cup.html}}
The team finished 7th–8th at the RLCS World Championship Season 5, despite being the No. 1 seed from North America, and then finished 9th–10th in Season 6 as the No.2 seed from North America.
On 7 January 2019, the team dropped long-standing captain Cameron "Kronovi" Bills, and picked up Reed "Chicago" Wilen from Evil Geniuses.{{cite web |date=7 January 2019 |title=G2 Esports {{!}} G2 Rocket League Update: Welcome, Chicago! |url=https://www.g2esports.com/g2-rocket-league-chicago/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414062216/https://www.g2esports.com/g2-rocket-league-chicago/ |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=8 January 2019 |publisher=G2 Esports}} Kronovi went on to join Rogue.{{cite tweet |number=1082368713481957377 |user=GoingRogueGG |title=We at Rogue are extremely excited to welcome our Rocket League lineup for 2019! Let us know what you think! |date=7 January 2019}} G2 then finished 2nd at the RLCS World Championship Season 7 with Chicago.{{Cite web |title=Chicago |url=https://na.g2esports.com/blogs/team-member/chicago |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=NA – G2 Esports |language=en}}
G2 missed out on RLCS Season 8 Finals after a 2–5 finish and a fight through Promotion Playoffs to retain their spot for the following season. After finishing second ahead of playoffs in RLCS Season 9, G2 faced NRG in the semifinals of the NA Regional Championship, winning 4–3 in a close Game 7 to put them through to the grand finals to face Spacestation Gaming. They would go on to sweep Spacestation, crowning them the RLCS Season 9 North American Champions.{{Cite web |title=Congratulations to @G2esports, your North American #RLCS9 Regional Champions! |url=https://twitter.com/rlesports/status/1244061773860233216 |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
Throughout RLCS X, G2 saw subsequent quarterfinal exits in playoffs in Regional Event #1 and Regional Event #2. The streak ended in Regional Event #3 when G2 were able to rematch and defeat The Peeps in the quarterfinals, before falling to Team Envy in semifinals. Due to consistent placements throughout RLCS X: The Grid, G2 were awarded the Wildcard slot at the RLCS Season X – Fall: North American Major where they would go on to finish 3rd–4th.
On 18 March 2021, during RLCS X, Rizzo announced his plans to retire from professional Rocket League competition, revealing the upcoming Regional Event would be his last event on the roster{{cite tweet |number=1372609310434414598 |user=G2esports |title=ONE MORE FOR THE BOYS ❤ @Rizzo_TV has a few words for the #G2ARMY on his future. |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=18 March 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731182423/https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1372609310434414598 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |url-status=live}} before leaving the G2 Esports organization entirely on 29 June 2021.{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Ben |date=July 2021 |title=Rizzo is leaving G2 Esports, two months after retiring from Rocket League |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/esports/996633/Rizzo+is+leaving+G2+Esports+two+months+after+retiring+from+Rocket+League/ |website=Gamereactor UK}} Following Rizzo's decision to step down, 15-year-old Andres "Dreaz" Jordan played as a stand-in for the remainder of the season.
On 2 Janutary 2022.G2 traded Dreaz for Massimo "Atomic" Franceschi from Team Envy.{{Cite web |title=TIME TO DOMINATE 20G2 Welcome to the G2ARMY @At0micRL |url=https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1477769318825820163 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
This roster would go on to win the RLCS Winter Major 2022 in Los Angeles, winning the organization's first RLCS LAN tournament in 5 years.{{Cite web |title=YOUR #RLCS WINTER MAJOR CHAMPIONS, @G2esports! 🏆 |url=https://twitter.com/RLEsports/status/1508218097605308417 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
G2 made it to the RLCS 2021-22 World Championship as the No.1 seed from North America. There they would go undefeated and reach the grand final, there they faced a dominant Team BDS who were the No.2 seed from Europe. G2 would lose 4-1 in the finals.{{Cite web |title=@TeamBDS solidify themselves as the best team in the world with a dominating 4-1 win over @G2Esports @TeamBDS ARE YOUR #RLCS 2021-22 WORLD CHAMPIONS! @seikoo @Extra_RL @M0nkeyM00n @Mew1__ |url=https://twitter.com/ShiftRLE/status/1558980995218644993 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
G2 announced on 31 May 2023 a full female roster called G2 Luna.{{Cite web |title=G2 TO THE MOON |url=https://twitter.com/G2RocketLeague/status/1663938530136014848 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}
G2 wouldn't make any changes to their roster and qualified for the RLCS 2022-23 World Championship as the No.4 seed. They would finish 5th-8th, once again losing to Team BDS 4-1 in the quarter finals.{{Cite web |title=THE WORLD CHAMPIONS ARE STILL HERE! 🙌 @TeamBDS @M0nkeyM00n @riseRL_ and @seikoo ELIMINATE G2 ESPORTS IN THE WORLDS GRAND FINALS REMATCH!@RLEsports #RLCS |url=https://twitter.com/LiquipediaRL/status/1690744658169651201 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
Following the 2022-23 RLCS season, G2 released Chicago and JKnaps.{{Cite web |title=Restricted F/A After being with G2 for almost 5 years we have decided it would be best to go our separate ways. I'm very excited and determined to improve and become an elite level player again. |url=https://twitter.com/chicagorl/status/1700222475894927616?s=46&t=Hfioamu3WH4n2choFXPPBg |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Today we part ways with the Knapsack. Canada's fiercest (kindest) captain, future Hall of Famer, and one of the undeniable GOATs. Thank you @JKnaps ❤️ |url=https://twitter.com/g2rocketleague/status/1716182717321384043?s=46&t=Hfioamu3WH4n2choFXPPBg |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}} On 22 September 2023, it was reported that G2 would be acquiring Daniel "Daniel" Piecenski and Landon "BeastMode" Konerman from Version1.{{Cite web |title=[Rocket League Sources] G2 Esports will field Daniel 🇺🇸 and BeastMode 🇺🇸 in their Rocket League roster. Both players will be transferred from Version1 and complete the G2 roster with Atomic 🇺🇸 |url=https://twitter.com/lec_wooloo/status/1705322396880683045?s=46&t=Hfioamu3WH4n2choFXPPBg |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}} On 5 December the merger between the two orgs succeeded with the RL roster rumors being confirmed two days later.{{Cite web |title=New era. New name. New G2. |url=https://twitter.com/G2RocketLeague/status/1732860303115792667 |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}
This roster would go on to dominate the RLCS scene making all 6 regional finals and winning 4 of them. They would finish second place at the first major in 2024 in Copenhagen, losing to Gentlemates.{{Cite web |date=31 March 2024 |title=G2nd it is |url=https://x.com/G2RocketLeague/status/1774529028046696817 |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=X}} They would also make finals at the second major in London where they would beat Team Falcons to win their first LAN title in 2 years.{{Cite web |date=23 June 2024 |title=SILENCED THE DOUBTERS, NA ON TOP |url=https://x.com/G2RocketLeague/status/1804982148639629327 |access-date=23 June 2024}} With this success, G2 represented North America as the No.1 seed and one of the tournament favourites. G2 started off strong going 3-0 in Swiss stage. In the upper bracket quarter finals, G2 faced their old rivals BDS. In a 7 game marathon G2 lost but still had a chance to fight back.{{Cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=WHAT. A. SERIES! |url=https://x.com/RLEsports/status/1835112051032629272 |access-date=15 September 2024}} After two close games against South America’s Furia and Europe’s Karmine Corp, G2 made it to their 3rd final, tying BDS and Vitality for most World Finals.{{Cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=THE KINGS OF NA ARE HERE TO STAY! |url=https://x.com/RLEsports/status/1835366123044290583 |access-date=15 September 2024}}{{Cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=ANOTHER GAME 7 WIN! |url=https://x.com/RLEsports/status/1835409752970703033 |access-date=15 September 2024}} There they once again faced their archnemesis BDS. G2 proceeded to lose to them 4-2.{{Cite web |date=16 September 2024 |title=THE FINAL MOMENTS! |url=https://x.com/RLEsports/status/1835459368411697495 |access-date=16 September 2024}}
Despite the immense success the roster achieved throughout the year, G2 released their entire roster (including the Luna roster on 10 October) on 7 November 2024, after 8 years within the North American Rocket League scene.{{Cite web |date=7 November 2024 |title=All good things must come to an end. |url=https://x.com/G2RocketLeague/status/1854600403318427879 |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}
= ''Fortnite'' =
G2 Esports' debut into Fortnite saw Brand Manager and Hearthstone Manager Jakub "Lothar" Szygulski transition back into a full-time streamer and became the first competitive Fortnite player under the organization. A second player, Dominik "RazZzero0o" Beckmann, was signed on 12 September 2018.{{Cite web |date=18 September 2018 |title=Top Fortnite player RazZzero0o joins G2 Esports – G2 Esports |url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2-razzzero0o-fortnite/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918133833/http://www.g2esports.com/g2-razzzero0o-fortnite/ |archive-date=18 September 2018}} Following the conclusion of G2: Making the Squad, the top four contestants were offered contracts, with Kevin "Tohaj" Batic later transitioning into a professional player role in January 2020.{{cite tweet |number=1215649856167075842 |user=G2esports |title=No longer a content creator btw 😏 Join us in welcoming @G2Tohaj as our newest Pro Player! 🎉 |author= |author-link=G2 Esports |date=10 January 2020 |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729161250/https://twitter.com/G2esports/status/1215649856167075842 |archive-date=29 July 2021 |url-status=live}}
Leading up to the reveal of G2 Atlantis on 31 May 2021, various Fortnite players in both Europe and North America were signed. The first signing was Sean "Coop" Cooper on 13 October 2020, followed by Kevin "LeTsHe" Fedjuschkin, Zach "smqcked" Ebersole, Jesus "Jelty" Navarez Espinoza and Mack "MackWood" Aesoph to complete the all-new lineup. G2 said goodbye to Coop on 6 July 2021.{{cite web |date=7 July 2021 |title=G2 Esports parting ways with Coop |url=https://www.esportsguide.com/news/g2-esports-parting-ways-with-coop}}
= ''Apex Legends'' =
Initially fielding Apex Legends streamers, G2 Esports went on to sign an all-Finnish lineup of Sebastian "Mimu" Vesala, Aaro "rette" Hälli and Niko "ZeroNothing" Suominen in September 2019.{{cite web |title=Welcoming our new Apex Legends Team! – G2 Esports |url=https://www.g2esports.com/g2-apex-legends-team/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103204938/https://www.g2esports.com/g2-apex-legends-team/ |archive-date=3 November 2019}} The organization temporarily left the Apex scene and released its former players in April 2020.
G2 Esports returned to the Apex Legends scene with the signing of the former AimAssist roster on 1 June 2021 alongside new manager Christopher "BixLe" Dunbar.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSKo3wzC2I |title=G2 Apex Legends Roster Announcement! |date=1 June 2021 |publisher=G2 Esports |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729162611/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSKo3wzC2I |archive-date=29 July 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}
= ''Clash Royale'' =
G2 Esports signed with Supercell to join in Clash Royale League (CRL) on 3 April 2018.
= ''Heroes of the Storm'' =
Before the rebrand from Gamers2, G2 had an all-Polish Heroes of the Storm roster in 2015.
= ''Overwatch'' =
During the game's beta and while still known as G2.Kinguin, an Overwatch roster that was composed of retired European Team Fortress 2 players briefly competed under G2.{{cite web |url=https://g2esports.com/g2-kinguin-expands-to-overwatch/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129184444/https://g2esports.com/g2-kinguin-expands-to-overwatch/|archive-date=29 November 2015|title=G2.Kinguin expands to Overwatch – G2 Esports}}
= ''Paladins'' =
G2 Esports signed Team CryptiK's Paladins roster on 31 August 2017. The team went on to win Paladins Premier League North America Summer 2018 and the Paladins Premier League Summer Finals 2018. G2 left the Paladins scene in early 2019.{{cite web|title=Paladins Premier League 2019: Format & Details|url=https://esports.paladins.com/news/ppl-2019-details|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711195321/https://esports.paladins.com/news/ppl-2019-details|archive-date=11 July 2020}}
= ''PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds'' =
G2 Esports previously fielded PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds rosters from 2017 until 2020.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
= ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' =
G2 Esports signed Weston "Westballz" Dennis on 11 July 2016, but Dennis and G2 parted ways on 31 March 2019.{{cite web|title=G2 expands into Super Smash Bros Melee|url=http://www.g2esports.com/g2-expands-super-smash-bros/|website=G2 Esports|access-date=11 July 2016|archive-date=14 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714071635/http://www.g2esports.com/g2-expands-super-smash-bros|url-status=dead}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.g2esports.com/}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-ach}}
{{Succession box
| title = Six Invitational winner
| years = 2019
2023
| with =
| before = PENTA Sports
TSM
| after = Spacestation Gaming
w7m esports
}}
{{Succession box
| title = Mid-Season Invitational winner
| years = 2019
| with =
| before = Royal Never Give Up
| after = Royal Never Give Up
}}
{{Succession box
| title = League of Legends European Championship winner
| years = Spring 2016 – Summer 2017
Spring 2019 – Summer 2020
Spring 2022
| with =
| before = Fnatic
Fnatic
MAD Lions
| after = Fnatic
MAD Lions
Rogue
}}
{{S-end}}
{{League of Legends Championship Series Europe}}
{{Call of Duty League}}
{{Professional Call of Duty competition}}
{{Professional Counter-Strike competition}}
{{Rocket League Championship Series}}
Category:2014 establishments in Spain
Category:Companies based in Berlin
Category:Esports teams based in Germany
Category:Esports teams established in 2014
Category:Heroes of the Storm teams
Category:League of Legends EMEA Championship teams
Category:Super Smash Bros. player sponsors