What now, G2? And how did the organization manage to lose both of its superstars within just five months?
That’s what we asked Counter-Strike analyst Janko “YNk” Paunović, following the sale of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov earlier this week.
Questionable decisions and a rebuild plan
In his comments to Pley.gg, YNk offers sharp criticism of G2’s management and how they’ve handled the roster situation.
Here, the Serbian expert points out that losing m0NESY is a direct consequence of letting go of NiKo – a player G2 previously claimed they could have kept “if they wanted to.”
We also asked YNk to step into the role of General Manager and share how he would rebuild the roster, naming his top picks for a potential new core.
Pley: First of all, how big of a loss is this for G2 with m0NESY leaving the squad?
YNk: “It’s a monumental loss for G2, on and off the server. He’s one of the best players in the world. And with him gone, it will also be harder for G2 to attract talent to their squad.”
What is your opinion on G2’s reasoning behind the transfer, as explained by CEO Alban Dechelotte?
“It’s a bit of a strange statement to make. It’s similar to the comment he made before NiKo left, on how they “could’ve kept him if they wanted to.” Why would you brag about that you didn’t want to keep a player of that calibre? m0NESY leaving is a direct consequence of that and also some of the other roster decisions that have been.
Throwing shade at the previous management as well just doesn’t sit right with me, especially since it was them who built the core that won the trophies he was referencing. Doesn’t sound to me that he really comprehends the severity of what happened in their CS division.”
G2 have now lost both of their big franchise players, m0NESY and NiKo, in the span of four months. How do you evaluate the decision-making and GM’ing from G2 in this situation?
“I’ve said this after IEM Dallas last year, they should’ve done whatever possible to keep NiKo and m0NESY in their lineup since that would’ve secured their future in CS for the foreseeable future, especially with NiKo’s eventual switch to IGL, you would’ve had 2 of the more important roles covered for years to come.
It obviously doesn’t look good from the outside, losing players of that calibre, but it’s hard to give a proper evaluation without knowing all the factors. Maybe G2 didn’t have the budget for them both? That would be concerning considering their aspirations and the fact they’re one of the biggest orgs in esports. But if that’s the case, it changes the perspective.”
How do you see G2 recovering and rebuilding from this?
“Slowly and painfully.”
As an expert and former coach, what do you think G2 should do now?
“I think G2 could have already done some things. They should’ve known at the start of the year pretty much that they wouldn’t be able to keep m0NESY. With that, they could’ve already made moves like grabbing siuhy as soon as he became available, perhaps Jambo too before fnatic got him (although he’s a bigger question mark) and also go out there and get a coach like ashhh to team up with siuhy again. Or if you could pluck sAw from Heroic with all the extra cash you got. Then you would’ve had a young roster to build for the future.
Now some of these players are unavailable, but they have to swing big in the offseason. If it were me, I’d try and get karrigan if FaZe keeps struggling this season and then SunPayus as the AWP. Coach wouldn’t be the biggest factor in that scenario since karrigan takes care of a lot in that department, so I’d talk to him about who he prefers and bring him if it makes sense.”
How do you see their chances of making a great result at the Major and in general the rest of the year?
“There’s always a chance because of the bo1’s but they are not beating any of the top 5 teams in a bo3. Making the playoffs would be a great result for them in Austin.”
After NiKo and m0NESY have gone to Falcons, G2 has brought in Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko and recently the AWPer Olek “hades” Miskiewicz to fill out the team sheet.
However, the latter has only joined huNter- and company on loan.
