Fresh off a G2 Esports win against Sentinels, Andrej "BABYBAY" Francisty sat down with us to reflect on a whirlwind year: stepping away from professional VALORANT, learning the ropes of casting, and then being selected mid-season to join G2. He reflected on the hard work behind his comeback, the learning curve of his new role and how his mindset had matured in his approach to teammates and competition. We also discussed routines, locker-room dynamics and whether his future lies on stage, behind the desk or both.

You retired from professional VALORANT in 2023 and moved into casting before being called up as a stand-in for G2. Could you walk us through how that journey unfolded and how you prepared to return to competition?

Andrej "BABYBAY" Francisty: "I was signed to FaZe, and when they didn’t get a partnership slot, I had a decision to make: grind Tier 2 to try to play back into the league, or pivot. I’ve competed basically my whole life, turned pro at 15, and I’d played other titles at a high level: Crossfire, Brawlhalla and Overwatch. I wanted to try something new. Doug needed a duo at the time, and it felt like a great learning experience. I could still be part of the league, just differently, see if I had a knack for the analyst desk and casting. I learned a ton and gained huge respect for talent across the board. Players can underestimate how much work it takes, not just to build a show, but for the casters, analysts, and hosts. Honestly, grinding scrims is easier once you’ve done it for years than learning that craft.

I even had an offer from TSM to play Tier 2, but I chose to explore something new. Still, the competitive fire never goes away. Out of the blue at Esports World Cup, G2 asked if I thought I could still play. I’d been streaming a lot and had around 400 ranked games, so I said, “Let’s try out.” We did, they went with me, and it was hard work from there. The structure at G2, the coaching staff, and the players' openness made it possible. They were humble enough to learn from me too. You saw the swagger on stage today, Leaf (Nathan Orf) literally popped out of his chair screaming. This team has it.

What did you focus on during practice and scrims to adapt to G2’s style and regain form after the break?

BABYBAY: The biggest thing was role adaptation, filling Leaf’s role. The upside is that a year and a half of watching VALORANT domestically and internationally taught me a lot. So even if I hadn’t played that role in officials, I knew conceptually what I should be doing. Knowing is one thing; executing in the server is another. Learning how to take the right fights again took time. The team gave me space to adjust, and I’m a quick study. You could see the progression match to match, big jumps, not just small steps. By the end I was near the top of the stats, second overall at one point. If you include weeks four and five, I was right up there. I don’t chase numbers, I didn’t even know until Josh showed me, but it was a sweet moment. Now Leaf is up there too; he’s the GOAT “Daddy’s home.”

Despite being away from pro play for nearly two years, your fragging didn’t fade. How did you keep your aim and mechanics sharp? Any practice or warm-up routine?

BABYBAY: Red Bull, no joke. On one match day we were a little flat, after we played Corrode and lost, and Valyn (Jacob Batio) said, “Everyone take a sip” We did, and we dialed in immediately. It’s become part of my routine, it helps me lock in. Beyond that, while I was casting I still played a lot. Before EWC and Toronto had just happened, I was streaming consistently, around 400 ranked games and watch-partying the event. I wasn’t trying to be “the best player” during that period, but when you’ve been a professional, and you grind the game, it comes back. The stars aligned. If I hadn’t been playing, G2 wouldn’t even have considered me.

Beyond raw aim, you’ve said you bring positivity, mentality, and discipline. How would you describe your role in G2’s team dynamic and locker-room culture as a stand-in?

BABYBAY: I definitely bring vibes, but I’m not a passenger. I make solid mid-round calls and contribute micro details to strategy, little things that matter. I also learned a lot about being a better teammate. Toward the end of my time at FaZe, I probably wasn’t at my best, burnout, stress about making the league, then falling short. Time away matured me. You can’t take this for granted, and negativity gets you nowhere. I understand now what a good teammate is, and I can confidently say I’m an extremely good one.

Also read about: G2 jawgemo - "I love playing in grand finals. I thrive under pressure, and I want the guys to experience that too"

Has this experience changed how you think about your future as a player? Will you pursue more competitive opportunities or return to broadcasting?

BABYBAY: Ideally, both. The offseason is long, I could cast some Game Changers and also do tryouts. I’m definitely down to play, but I won’t close doors. If there’s a great playing opportunity, I’ll take it. If the broadcast wants me back, I’m happy to do that too. The competitive fire is there, how could it not be after playing on stage with these guys and performing well? I’d be scared to face this G2 roster, for sure, but who else is going to push them? Sentinels just got rolled, Sunset was kind of close, but still. I’ve shown I have what it takes mechanically and as a teammate to play in this league. Now it’s about whether a team thinks I’m the right fit.

I wonder how much damage I could do over a full season. I was getting better every match, playoffs included. That’s where you see who rises and who folds. And, I saw Team Liquid rate me D-tier. D for “deadly” right?"