G2 Esports is expected to extend the contracts of Trent "
Trent" Cairns and Jacob "
valyn" Batio, according to sources close to
Sheep Esports. As the contracts of a significant portion of the current roster come to an end, Trent and Valyn are expected to continue playing for G2 Esports during the
VCT Americas 2026 season.
Trent and Valyn, aged 20 and 22 respectively, have shown great dominance this season. Even though they didn’t win any international titles, the two American players have imposed their dominance in VCT Americas. It was therefore to be expected that G2 would try to keep their two players for the next season.
Two key players in G2's history
Trent and Valyn joined the European organization during their first year in VCT Americas in 2024 at the same time as Jonah "
JonahP" Pulice and Nathan "
leaf" Orf. While the roster's early performances were already promising in 2024, this season was one of domination for G2 in VCT.
Three regional titles won out of three possible. Despite a very closely contested final against T1 at the Masters Bangkok, G2 will not win their first international title this year.
Trent and Valyn have still placed themselves among the best players in the world in their role. The first one has established himself as one of, if not the best Tejo player in the world. He greatly contributed to G2's VCT Americas titles this season, notably with a very strong performance in the Stage 1 final against Sentinels. The second is not to be outdone, as despite his role as IGL and controller, he regularly climbed to the top of the scoreboard and was also crucial in his team's successes.
While their season ended with an elimination in the first round of the Champions playoffs, Valyn and Trent will still continue with G2. Alongside Alexander "jawgemo" Mor, already under contract until 2026, they will attempt to maintain the team's dominance in the Americas region and take it to the next level with an international title. The future of the rest of the last year’s roster as well as coach Josh "JoshRT" Lee remains unknown at this time.
Header Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
