The rumors are true—
has returned to
. Absent since the
end of 2020, the legendary player is now back in the organization that shaped the foundation of his career and helped establish him as one of Europe’s most decorated players. After a near six-year tenure as both midlaner and, for a time, AD Carry, the Croatian now returns in a coaching role, as
revealed on broadcast during the Spring Grand Finals.
“It’s been great to share my experience and what I’ve learned in the past to help G2 reach new heights.” — Perkz
According to his own words, he has been assisting the Samurais since as early as
Week 2 of the LEC Spring Split. This year, while much remains to be accomplished, G2 Esports stunned the world at First Stand 2026 by
sweeping both South Korean seeds in Brazil 6-0, reaching the Grand Final before being bested by China’s Bilibili Gaming. And what better addition to the coaching staff than a
Mid-Season Invitational champion ahead of the 2026 edition?
Nemeses make the best teammates?
Once the two strongest midlaners in Europe, Perkz and
have always evolved hand in hand—or rather, face to face. It is no secret to old-school LEC fans that, since his arrival in 2017, the Danish midlaner reshaped the foundation of the EMEA region. Though he would only claim his first title in 2018, Caps profoundly changed the landscape of the LEC under Fnatic, ending G2’s then three-year near-flawless
domestic dominance.
That rivalry would soon end as Caps joined G2 Esports in 2019, pushing Perkz into the AD carry role and forming what is, to this day, perhaps the most dominant lineup Europe has ever produced. With an MSI 2019 title and a
Worlds 2019 runner-up finish, the duo helped define a new era of Western esports. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and with the team unable to replicate its results the following year, Perkz eventually left G2 after nearly six years with the organization, with Caps indirectly
“winning” the rivalry.
“I’ve worked with Perkz before, so we share similar ideas about how to approach the game. He’s helped us become more aggressive as well—at times we were maybe a bit too disciplined.” — Caps
Perkz would go on to compete for four more years in both the LCS and LEC, though he would never again reach the same heights, eventually
retiring in 2025 to focus on his personal life.
Now, the two former nemeses turned teammates reunite once more—and what better timing than after G2’s strongest international run in years at First Stand 2026? Could the magic of 2019 G2 return? Only time will tell whether the duo can once again lead G2 to glory.
The MSI champions return?
One thing is certain: there is no room for doubt or error. The
2026 edition of MSI begins on June 28, just three weeks away, and the newly crowned champions of Europe will have to put everything on the line if they wish to write history once more.
Daejeon beckons, and many hungry contenders stand in G2’s way. Fortunately, the squad has earned the luxury of entering directly into the bracket stage, avoiding the grueling play-ins and a potential elimination match against the LCK’s second seed.
With only best-of-fives ahead and elite opposition from both the LPL and LCK champions, only the very best will survive the trials ahead, with no room left to question who stands at the top.
