"What would you do if you were G2's GM?" BLAST Rivals Talent give their thoughts on how to save G2
2025 hasn't been king to G2 so far. Not only did they lose NiKo to Falcons at the end of last year, they've now lost m0NESY to the Saudi organisation, too.
Although they've recruited the experienced hands of hades for the time being, G2 fans aren't happy with the team's perceived regression, with many being critical of their General Manager, peca.
At least for the time being, G2 have faded away from the spotlight. Not part of an extremely competitive top four, the loss of their two biggest stars has led many in the scene to believe they can't get back to trophy contention - but is that really true?
With an incredibly important rebuild process coming up after the BLAST.tv Austin Major, we spoke to the talent at BLAST Rivals to get their thoughts on what they would do if they were the GM of G2.
G2 have lost both NiKo and m0NESY to Falcons in the last six months. Photo: Michal KonkolWho should stay, go, and be signed?
As is with any Major, a busy rostermania is bound to ensue upon its completion.
Considering the rebuild that will then need to happen, the first port of call for G2 will be deciding which parts of their current team they want to build around, as long as they aren't willing to start from scratch to completely rebuild their team.
Mauisnake
Mauisnake is known for some of Counter-Strike's best analytics, he kept his opinions short and sweet.
"Maka and PR for Snax and hades" - Mauisnake
Anders
Legendary caster Anders was a little more unexpected with his answers, suggesting 9z AWPer MartinezSa as a potential new man for G2.
He also put focus on the future, with a couple of players from NAVI Junior getting a nod.
"My pitch for G2 after losing m0NESY is to either get degster or MartinezSa from 9z. I think with malbsMd and HeavyGod as a core, you could build a really strong team.
Maybe you could get a gla1ve to replace snax, and with a Strong AWP you're almost there. For a fifth if huNter- is benched, there is an ocean of talent in the tier two space, so get a NAVI junior player, dziugss or makazze and let's rock" - Anders
Only huNter- and malbsMd remain from the team that won BLAST Fall and World Finals in 2024. Photo: Michal KonkoldusT
dusT had clearly already thought about this question a lot, he had plenty of suggestions and justifications for the players he mentioned.
Also, considering the report about sAw and SunPayus that has since come from Sheep Esports, we'd like to know what the next lottery numbers are.
"I think the first thing to understand is that malbsMd and HeavyGod are solid talents to build around going forward. With that in mind, I think the big question to answer first is what should they do about the IGL position.
I do not feel Snax is the best option long term. One option to replace Snax is huNter-, as he is already leading the CT side and pistol rounds. It also seems like he has taken over the role of the second voice in general since the departure of NiKo.
This allows G2 to already have a core three and therefore opens up the options for the 2 other slots. If not, huNter could remain as a support player and G2 could attempt to reach out to siuhy as he is technically only on loan at the moment to Team Liquid. It also might be worthwhile reaching out to karrigan and pitching him the idea of taking over a team that has some solid talent to work with.
The next priority would be signing a long term AWPer after hades stint as a stand-in. I am not surely what realistic options are out there, but regardless, degster should at least be considered. I am honestly surprised G2 didn’t orchestrate a trade for him as part of their sale of m0NESY to Falcons. Another big option I would be looking into is a duo from Heroic: SunPayus as an AWPer as well as signing sAw as a coach. If those moves aren’t possible, as crazy as it might sound, Maka as an AWP IGL combo also isn’t a bad idea. Outside of that, you’d likely be gambling on an up and comer and I am not sure if that is wise
Depending on how things play out with the IGL and AWP roles, there may be space to sign another strong rifler. I am not sure who is realistically available, but some names that would be neat include folks such as TeSeS if he does depart Falcons, or PR from GamerLegion, or frozen as a combo with karrigan, or maybe you gamble on kyousuke. This slot is tough to call as I am really not sure what is possible." - dusT
voo
voo went even further than just suggesting changes to the team on the server, he also considered changes to both the coaching department and the general manager role in his answer.
"The problem G2 has feels like a lack of direction more than anything else. Interviews are all over the place, players seem unhappy, it’s just a mess. If G2 want success they need to start at the top, be that the GM, or a new Coach or IGL, they simply need direction.
No way I’m touching any of their main core of malbsMd, HeavyGod, or huNter- right now. I’d give hades a genuine chance but assuming he’s not jumping off the page, look for an upgrade.
Additionally, I would strongly consider what has been speculated for a long time, and that's huNter- as IGL. Stack this team with even more firepower and run with it." - voo
![hunter g2]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/6znhzi10/production/c6e6c0051363363b0f94840a55cdde30fcbe05ec-4096x2731.jpg?w=768&auto=format)
There were plenty of shouts for huNter- to take over as IGL. Photo: Michal KonkolWill it work?
Presuming G2 will have the funds to go out and sign the best players available, there's a very good chance they'll be able to go out and replace their stars.
However, considering how strong those four teams at the top are right now, do our talent members think that G2 can turn the top four into a top five?
Mauisnake
Mauisnake still has high hopes for G2, he doesn't see them breaking into the top four, but does see how they can slot themselves into the "best of the rest" category.
"Top six team, playoff appearances, but not a pure trophy contender if top teams are in attendance" - Mauisnake
Anders
Ever the optimist, Anders chose to go a step further in his answer, stating that G2 could pull off a similar feat to NAVI in 2024 and contend for trophies with solid teamplay.
"I absolutely think it's possible, the losses are really big, but we also know that it's possible to build a strong team from fundamentals, so I'm not worried." - Anders
voo
Like Mauisnake, voo answered with a realistic approach.
"It’s not about the players as much as the way they lost them and, yes, market availability. It’s definitely possible, but realistic? not really." - voo
VitalitySpiritMOUZ
