G2 Esports: The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of Europe's Flashiest Dynasty

Origins of a Maverick: 2013–2015

In a landscape often defined by restraint and tradition, G2 Esports emerged with swagger. Founded in 2013 by former League of Legends pro Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez, G2 (initially named Gamers2) wasn’t just another org hoping to ride the esports wave—it was an expression of charisma, competitiveness, and chaos rolled into one.

Ocelote’s background as a mid-laner for SK Gaming—and his reputation as a fiery and polarizing figure—shaped G2’s early brand. Unapologetically bold, he envisioned an org that would be both dominant in-game and iconic outside of it. After a brief stint in Spanish semi-pro scenes and a rocky entry into CS:GO and LoL tournaments, G2 rebranded and launched its presence into the Tier 1 scene by 2015.

League of Dominance: 2016–2019

G2’s League of Legends legacy truly began with a bang in 2016. Their European roster featuring Perkz, Trick, and Emperor bulldozed through the EU LCS Spring Split, taking first place and setting a precedent for excellence. Over the next few years, G2 solidified itself as Europe's kings of LoL, capturing title after title:

• EU LCS Champions: Spring 2016, Summer 2016, Spring 2017

• MSI 2017 & 2019 Appearances: Their 2019 run marked their international peak

But it was 2019 that etched G2 into LoL history. With a hyper-flexible roster including Caps, Perkz, Wunder, Jankos, and Mikyx, G2 adapted styles with near-telepathic fluidity. They won MSI 2019, shocking the world by taking down Team Liquid in a near-flawless 3-0 sweep. Their meme-filled, banter-heavy media presence only amplified their fan appeal.

Yet, the dream year ended with heartbreak. At Worlds 2019, after slaying SKT in the semis, G2 fell to FPX in the Grand Finals—shattering Europe's hopes of lifting the Summoner’s Cup.

Reinvention and Roster Roulette: 2020–2022

In the wake of their international surge, G2 tried to maintain dominance—but internal pressures and meta shifts proved challenging. The team’s decision to role-swap Caps and Perkz showcased their willingness to experiment, but also exposed instability.

Key shifts:

• Perkz Departs (2020): A seismic change as G2’s spiritual leader left for Cloud9

• Rekkles Era (2021): G2 shocked fans by acquiring the ADC legend—but the synergy never clicked

• 2022 Rebuild: With Caps and Jankos as veterans, a younger core emerged (BrokenBlade, Flakked, Targamas)

Despite moments of brilliance, Worlds qualification slipped from their grasp in 2021—a major blow for the franchise.

Enter CS2: Legacy Reloaded

While G2’s LoL team often grabbed headlines, their Counter-Strike division was quietly building a juggernaut. From early years with kennyS and shox to the rise of NiKo, G2’s CS:GO journey was a slow burn of almosts and heartbreaks.

Their 2022–2023 roster, however, sparked a resurgence:

• IEM Katowice 2023: G2 stormed to a championship with NiKo, m0NESY, jks, huNter-, and HooXi

• Consistency Returns: Regular deep runs in S-tier events as they transitioned into Counter-Strike 2

M0NESY, the teenage AWP prodigy, became the face of G2’s new era—blending insane mechanics with clutch factor. Under HooXi’s unpredictable IGLing and NiKo’s timeless rifle prowess, G2 entered 2024 as a serious Major contender.

The G2 Brand: Chaos Engineered

More than their trophy cabinet, G2’s legacy lies in branding. Their social media presence, meme mastery, and unapologetically chaotic vibes broke the mold of corporate esports entities. Ocelote, for all his controversies, built a team that didn’t just compete—they entertained.

From Twitter banter to fan engagement stunts like dressing up as samurai or launching music videos, G2 made esports fun. They were meme-lords, villains, heroes—depending on the day.

Controversy and Restructuring

Ocelote’s personal controversies in late 2022 led to his exit from the organization, prompting a major identity shift. While G2 lost its charismatic founder, it found a more structured leadership under CEO Alban Dechelotte.

This transition, though rocky, marked a new chapter. G2 leaned further into performance and stability while preserving its meme culture—balancing brand and business more effectively.

Beyond League and CS: Global Expansion

G2 has also dipped its toes into other scenes:

• VALORANT: Despite a rough start and delays entering VCT, G2 now fields a competitive team in the Americas League

• Rocket League: A NA-based superteam with consistent regional success

• SIM Racing & Apex Legends: Smaller divisions that reflect G2’s versatility

Their fan-first mentality and elite infrastructure allow them to dabble widely—while keeping their eyes on the prize in CS2 and LoL.

Legacy and the Road Ahead

G2 Esports today represents the evolution of modern esports:

The org’s journey mirrors the industry itself—raw at first, polished over time. They've played the villain, the savior, and the punchline. And as of 2025, G2’s identity feels renewed. NiKo still hunts for his Major. Caps carries the LoL torch. And the next generation waits in the wings.