G2 Valyn: "The region feels refreshed. Many teams retooled, perhaps because we three-peated last year, which forced others to level up"

G2’s Valyn and BABYBAY discuss roster changes, a refreshed Americas field, and triple-elimination stakes ahead of VCT 2026 Kickoff.

G2 presenting their new VCT bundle - Credit: G2 Esports/VALORANT

G2 Jawgemo: "My goal is to set the tone for the year, show something others can learn from while evolving my own approach"

One week before the start of the VCT Americas Kick-Off, G2 Esports answered questions from the media. With the addition of BABYBAY to the starting five, the team discussed their preparations and expectations regarding the strengthened Americas field, as well as the potential impact of changes to the VALORANT format and map pool on their early performances, and more topics.

Question for Jacob "valyn" Batio

BABYBAY initially filled a spot and is now starting in place of Jonah "JonahP" Pulice. Despite the 2025 season being strong overall, why make this change?

Valyn: "We’re always searching for marginal gains. The offseason was chaotic, and the move wasn’t something we planned far in advance; it was a timely decision. We believed BABYBAY could bring a perspective we lacked at international events, especially on the mental side, both in and out of the server. We saw a clear uptick in performance in Stage 2 when Leaf (Nathan Orf) was out; people said G2 looked revitalized with BABYBAY.

Bringing that spark into 2026 made sense. He’s still highly skilled, and his play is uniquely his own; you have to account for BABYBAY when you face G2. Last year had highs and lows. We underperformed at Champs, and even at Toronto, yes, we finished top four, but we needed a 3–11 comeback just to get there, and it still wasn’t enough. We’re looking for a path to first place. Maybe this is the answer; maybe it isn’t. But it’s the direction we believe is right for us, even if it was a difficult call.

What are your thoughts about the upcoming stage?

Valyn: The region feels refreshed. Many teams retooled, perhaps because we three-peated last year, which forced others to level up. I take pride in that. This year will be tougher; I’m not going to sit here and predict another three straight trophies. The field is fierce and infused with new talent, look at Leviatán youthful roster.

Personally, I feel myself maturing into more of a veteran role, and I’m excited to showcase our evolution. The staff has been cooking, and we’re eager to qualify for Santiago as a starting five with BABYBAY. A Paper Rex rematch would be fun. We’ll put in the work and see how the year unfolds.

Thoughts on the new triple-elimination format and Tier-2 teams entering directly into Stage 2 playoffs?

Valyn: I like triple-elimination; early upsets happen, and this gives a truer picture for the first Masters, especially with three qualifying slots. You can even have three finals, which is wild. The brutal edge case is making every final and still missing out, that would sting, but overall, the format’s great. Bringing in Tier-2 teams adds exposure and raises upset potential; they’ll play with nothing to lose.

The calendar adds Stage 2 Playoffs in São Paulo and integrates Tier-2. Does Valorant feel bigger this year?

Valyn: Absolutely. São Paulo’s a fantastic choice; the Brazilian fanbase is diehard, and not everyone can travel internationally to see their teams. Traveling to compete is one of the joys of this job; playing at home nonstop isn’t the same. Personally, last time I was in São Paulo, I won; let’s see if that repeats."

Question for Andrej "BABYBAY" Francisty

How does it feel to be back regularly, and what do you add to the lineup?

BABYBAY: "My job is to keep the team locked in, especially mentally. Across esports, so much is psychological; distractions creep in, and hesitation snowballs. I help Valyn with focus and mid-round calling, and I’m rediscovering form while building a unique style on agents people aren’t used to seeing me on. That uncertainty is an edge; some think they can roll me, and then they get sat down. It’s a fun dynamic. Now let’s turn it into a trophy.

G2 celebrate their three-peat at the VCT Americas Stage 3 - Credit: Tina Jo/Riot Games

With big names out of teams and fully “Valorant-raised” rookies emerging, are we seeing a generational shift?

BABYBAY: Not a full generational turnover. There’s excellent new talent, Neon (Bruno Rodríguez), who looked incredible in the offseason, but it’s not a changing-of-the-guard moment. I’m one of the older players, and I’m still here, excited to face the young guns. If you’re good enough, you belong in the league, simple as that.

Do you have any key takeaways from winning Red Bull Home Ground versus the bumpier Radiant Invitational?

BABYBAY: Bo1 are volatile; we get upset. The Radiant Invitational was valuable because we faced Paper Rex and Fun Plus Phoenix. Feeling PRX in the server for the first time was instructive; their disruptive style makes more sense when you experience it. We didn’t enter with sky-high expectations, but the reps against diverse styles were worth a lot.

There’s a narrative that G2 wins any tournament on American soil, so is Masters Santiago yours? And what about the international choking talk?

BABYBAY: We’ll happily embrace the storyline, but I don’t buy the “international choke” narrative. Most champions are teams that catch fire at the right time. You do the work, put yourself in position, and yes, you need a little luck. Stars aligning isn’t a weakness; it’s how tournaments are won."

Question for Alexander "jawgemo" Mor

What are your expectations for 2026 in a stacked Americas field with major roster moves and big names returning?

Jawgemo: "My goal is to set the tone for the year and show something others can learn from while evolving my own approach. I’m not preoccupied with opponents until their styles are clear. I’m confident in breaking down how teams want to play and folding that into our plan.

Riot has announced the new map rotation. What do you think about the changes made to Breeze from a competitive standpoint?

Jawgemo: Breeze still has awkward angles, though some rotation blockers help. B site is finally more playable, more room and workable corners. Overall, the pool looks like an aimer’s playground: more space, longer sightlines, and we’ll likely see more long-range options come into the meta. For now, it’s about strengthening our team structure and my fit within it; over the season, we’ll keep decomposing opponents and adding layers to our game."