After a year filled with success, G2 Esports’ roster was widely expected to remain largely unchanged heading into the new season. The team claimed all three VCT Americas titles and demonstrated near-total dominance within the region. However, G2 ultimately fell short on the international stage, failing to secure a global trophy despite narrowly losing the Masters Bangkok final to T1.

With several members of their original VCT lineup nearing the end of their contracts, G2’s priority was to retain the core of the roster. In the end, only a single change will be made compared to the 2025 lineup.

Several key contract extensions

Five members of G2 Esports’ inaugural VCT roster from 2024 were due to renegotiate their contracts to remain with the team for 2026. This group included players Trent "trent" Cairns, Jacob "valyn" Batio, and Nathan "leaf" Orf, as well as coaches Josh "JoshRT" Lee and Peter "shhhack" Belej. G2 first secured one-year extensions for trent and valyn, thereby retaining the services of their Initiator—widely regarded as one of, if not the best Tejo players in the world—and their captain, who was also named Grand Finals MVP of VCT Americas 2025 Stage 2.

The organization then reaffirmed its confidence in the coaching staff that guided the team to the top of the region. JoshRT and shhhack will look to replicate last year’s success across upcoming competitions. Despite dealing with health issues during the season that kept him away from the team for much of Stage 2, leaf will also remain with G2 next year.

The babybay gamble

The main surprise of the offseason for G2 concerns Jonah "JonahP" Pulice, often referred to as “The Professor.” Despite still being under contract, the Canadian has been moved to the team’s inactive roster and will not compete with G2 this season. Like three of his teammates, he had joined the organization when G2 entered VCT in 2024.

He will be replaced by Andrej "babybay" Francisty. While his career path is somewhat unconventional, babybay already spent part of Stage 2 with G2 as a substitute for leaf during his health-related absence. After stepping away from competitive play in 2023 to move into broadcasting, he now officially returns to professional competition. Tasked with filling the void left by JonahP, babybay has signed a contract that runs through 2027. Finally, Alexander "jawgemo" Mor, who joined G2 Esports ahead of this year, will unsurprisingly continue with the team next season following a highly accomplished year.

G2 Esports roster for 2026:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.