G2

G2 Esports, originally founded as Gamers2 in February 2014, has grown into one of the most iconic esports organizations globally. With its roots in Europe, G2 has made a significant mark in various esports titles, most notably in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and its successor, Counter-Strike 2. Known for their dynamic roster changes, highly skilled players, and impressive tournament performances, G2 has become a household name in the Counter-Strike community. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, the organization’s dedication to excellence and adaptability has kept it at the forefront of competitive Counter-Strike.

G2 Esports – A Brief History

G2 Esports, initially branded as Gamers2, was the brainchild of Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez. The organization entered the CS:GO scene in early 2015 by acquiring the roster of ESC Gaming, which featured players such as Innocent, SZPERO, mouz, rallen, and MINISE. However, this lineup struggled to deliver substantial results, notably underperforming in tournaments like ESL One Katowice 2015 – Lan Qualifier and ESEA Invite Season 18 – Europe. This necessitated roster changes and experimentation, marking the beginning of a fluid and iterative approach to team building that has defined G2’s history.

Key Milestones

• 2014: Organization founded as Gamers2 by Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez.
• 2015: Transitioned into professional CS:GO, acquiring the ESC Gaming roster.
• 2016: Rebranded to G2 Esports and signed the roster of Titan, a major turning point.
• 2017: Assembled one of the most prominent lineups in CS:GO, featuring shox and kennyS.
• 2023: Entered Counter-Strike 2 with a strong, experienced, and promising roster.

Early Days and Roster Evolution

The initial ESC Gaming lineup struggled to achieve competitive results, prompting the organization to explore new talent. After an unfruitful 2015, G2 rebranded and set its sights on creating a world-class CS:GO team. The pivotal moment came in 2016 when G2 signed players from the roster of Titan, including Ex6TenZ, RpK, shox, SmithZz, and ScreaM. Known as a highly skilled lineup, this team achieved a respectable 3rd place in ESL Expo Barcelona the same year, laying the foundation for future successes.

DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015

One of the early highlights for G2 was their performance at the DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 Major. Despite numerous challenges, the team secured an impressive 3rd-4th place finish, showcasing their potential on the global stage. However, roster instability hindered consistent progress, leading to multiple changes in subsequent years.

The “Super Team” Era (2017)

In February 2017, G2 unveiled what many considered a “super team,” featuring shox, bodyy, NBK-, apEX, and the legendary AWP player, kennyS. This lineup was widely regarded for its aggressive and innovative playstyle, with kennyS often stealing the spotlight with his exceptional AWP mechanics. Despite high expectations, the team frequently encountered strong competition, especially during the Astralis-dominated era. Nevertheless, they managed to secure a title at DreamHack Masters Malmö 2017, a significant achievement that solidified their reputation.

Transition and Modern Era

As the competitive landscape of CS:GO evolved, so did G2’s approach to team building. Between late 2019 and 2022, the organization made notable acquisitions, including star players Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, and Ilya “m0NESY” Ilyuk. These signings created a strong and well-balanced roster capable of competing at the highest level.

The super duo of m0NESY and NiKo that had secured G2 notable trophies such as IEM Cologne, IEM Katowice, IEM Dallas, and three BLAST titles ended at the start of 2025 when NiKo joined Falcons.

By 2025, G2’s Counter-Strike roster included:

• Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko: The Israeli rifler was brought in at the start of 2025 to replace the star rifler NiKo.
• Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač: A versatile rifler and NiKo’s cousin, bringing unmatched synergy to the team.
• Ilya “m0NESY” Ilyuk: A young prodigy from NAVI Junior, showing immense promise as the team’s designated AWPer.
• Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa: The Guatemalan rifler was one of the big revelation of 2024.
• Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski: The team’s in-game leader (IGL), known for his strategic mind and leadership skills.

Former Notable Players in G2

rain: The Norwegian rifler is best known for his time in FaZe, but was actually a part of G2 in the early days
Scream: The Belgian headshot machine was part of the lineup in 2016.
shox: One of the most legendary French players spent several years on G2.
kennyS: The French AWP’er enjoyed some of his best years playing for G2.
NiKo: Despite never winning a Major during his time on G2, the Bosnian superstar elevated G2 into a winning team during his stint.

Major Achievements

BLAST Premier: World Final 2024 – $500,000
BLAST Premier: World Final 2022 – $500,000
IEM Cologne 2023 – $400,000
IEM Katowice 2023 – $400,000
PGL Major Stockholm – $300,000
Esports Championship Season 1 2016 – $250,000

G2 has had an illustrious career in Counter-Strike tournaments, marked by several high-profile victories and deep runs in major events. Below are some of their most noteworthy achievements:

Key Tournament Wins

• DreamHack Masters Malmö 2017: G2 claimed the title in a highly competitive environment.
• IEM Katowice 2023: One of G2’s most significant wins, affirming their place among the elite teams.
• BLAST Premier World Finals 2024: A decisive victory over Team Spirit, featuring exemplary performances across multiple maps.

Major Championship Results

Despite their success, G2 has yet to win a CS Major Championship. Here are some of their most notable results:

• DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015: 3rd-4th place.
• ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017: 12th-14th place, a disappointing finish.
• General Major Appearances: G2 reached several finals but faced challenges in securing titles, especially between 2020 and 2022.

PGL Major Stockholm 2021
DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015
PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024
Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024

Cross-Disciplinary Achievements

In addition to their Counter-Strike successes, G2 Esports has excelled in other esports disciplines. Notably, they became the first organization to win two Six Invitational trophies in Rainbow Six Siege—a testament to their versatility and commitment to excellence across gaming genres.

FAQ About G2 Esports

What is the origin of G2 Esports?

G2 Esports was originally founded as Gamers2 in February 2014 by Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez. It rebranded to G2 Esports in 2015.

Who are the key players in G2’s current Counter-Strike roster?

The current roster features Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko, Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, Ilya “m0NESY” Ilyuk, Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa, and Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski.

What was G2’s first major Counter-Strike achievement?

Their first notable success came at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015, where they finished 3rd-4th.

When did G2 win DreamHack Masters Malmö?

G2 won DreamHack Masters Malmö in 2017 with a roster featuring shox, kennyS, and others.

Has G2 ever won a CS Major Championship?

No, G2 has not yet won a CS Major Championship despite several close attempts.

Who is the in-game leader of G2’s Counter-Strike roster?

Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski serves as the in-game leader (IGL) for the team.

How does G2 perform in other esports titles?

In addition to Counter-Strike, G2 has excelled in games like Rainbow Six Siege, winning multiple Six Invitational trophies.

What is G2’s relationship with kennyS?

KennyS was a standout AWPer for G2 and part of its famous “super team” lineup in 2017.

When did G2 rebrand from Gamers2?

G2 rebranded from Gamers2 to G2 Esports in 2015.

Who are the Kovač cousins in G2?

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač and Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, both highly skilled riflers, are cousins and were integral parts of the team before NiKo left at the start of 2025.