MSI 2025 Preview: G2 Esports Wants to Revive EU Hope
G2 Esports enters the Mid-Season Invitational as the LEC’s second seed. Despite this, they remain the hope for Europe. They won MSI in 2019, and no Western team has been able to achieve that feat since. But first, G2 must qualify for the Bracket Stage, finishing ahead of at least two of the Play-Ins teams. They face Bilibili Gaming, GAM Esports, and Furia in the Play-Ins.
G2 Esports Roster
- Sergen “Brokenblade” Çelik – German Top Laner
- Rudy “Skewmond” Semaan – French Jungler
- Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther – Danish Mid Laner
- Steven “Hans Sama” Liv – French Bot Laner
- Labros “Labrov” Papoutsakis – Greek Support
- Dylan Falco – Canadian Head Coach
After two years with the same roster, G2 Esports let go of Martin “Yike” Sundelin and Mihael “Mikyx Mehle. They replaced them with Skemond and Labrov. The Jungle Support duo has impressed during their time this season, but has struggled in the vital matches. In the Winter and Spring Finals, the two players could not find their footing, and G2 lost to Karmine Corp and Movistar KOI, respectively.
How They Got Here
In 2024, G2 managed to win all three Split titles and the Season Finals, but has stumbled this year. They missed out on the First Stand, losing 3-0 to KC in Winter, and qualified as the MSI second seed after losing 3-1 to KOI in the Spring Final.
Expectations
The expectations for G2 are lower this year than they have been for the past two years at MSI. The core of the roster remains, but the combined team has not put up the same performances. If Skewmond and Labrov improve and find their footing in the vital matches, they could restore the EU’s faith. Given the current circumstances, they must at least defeat any non-LCK or LPL opposition they face. If they find their form, the expectation will rise to challenge the LCK and LPL teams. They may even have a chance to defeat them, but all four rosters are looking terrifying this year.
G2 Esports’ Journey
G2 Esports begin MSI as the highest seed in the Play-Ins stage thanks to KC’s 2nd place at First Stand. Their first opponent is the LTA South seed, Furia. G2 should be victorious in that fixture. They must win two games to qualify for the Bracket Stage and not incur two losses to avoid elimination from MSI. Qualification will see them face GenG Esports in the first round, given that they can not face KOI.
