G2 Benches HooXi Amid Major Roster Changes in CS2 Esports

News

Jul 10

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In a move that has sent ripples through the Counter-Strike 2 esports community, G2 Esports has officially benched their Danish in-game leader (IGL), Rasmus “⁠HooXi⁠” Nielsen. This decision comes on the heels of significant roster changes within the team, including the recent benching of Nemanja “⁠nexa⁠” Isaković and the addition of Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa.

The news of HooXi’s benching, while not entirely unexpected due to circulating rumors, was confirmed after G2’s triumphant run at IEM Dallas, where they played with Stewie2K as a substitute and secured victory. G2 Esports expressed their gratitude towards HooXi on social media, acknowledging his contributions and sharing a heartfelt video tribute for fans.

Multiple trophies, hundreds of memes, and loads of the most cracked content.

Thanks for everything, m'Lord @HooXiCSGO, you'll forever be the real CS Gigachad 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/HlOI02BFwh

— G2 CS (@G2CSGO) July 1, 2024

As G2’s IGL for almost two years, HooXi has been a crucial player. Four S-tier tournament titles were won by the squad under his leadership: IEM Katowice 2023, IEM Cologne 2023, IEM Dallas 2024, and BLAST Premier: World Final 2022. Additionally, they placed admirably in third and fourth position at PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. Even if G2 consistently placed in the top eight in 2024, benching HooXi shows that the team intends to reorganize and pursue even greater success.

Speculation is rife about who will step into HooXi’s shoes. One prominent candidate is cadiaN, a move that many in the CS2 community deem logical. However, with the Esports World Cup just two weeks away, G2 must swiftly finalize their new IGL. The possibility of other top players joining the roster adds an element of excitement and uncertainty to the mix.

Amidst these changes, attention also turns to the Ukrainian superstar s1mple, who has been absent from the competitive scene for nearly a year. With his career potentially at a crossroads, the question of whether s1mple could join G2 looms large. The team’s need for a strong IGL could see NiKo taking up the role, thereby opening a slot for s1mple or another non-IGL player.

G2’s recent addition of malbsMd, a promising 21-year-old talent from Guatemala, underscores their strategy of blending seasoned experience with emerging talent. MalbsMd’s impressive performance with M80 earned him a spot on G2’s roster, highlighting the organization’s commitment to nurturing potential.

HooXi’s next move remains uncertain, but his impressive track record makes him a valuable asset for many teams, both within and outside the top ten rankings. As the CS2 community eagerly awaits further announcements, G2’s evolving roster promises an exciting season ahead, with the potential for numerous trophy wins in the coming months.