G2 Coach Explains Replacing SunPayus with r1nkle: Team Lacked Aggression

The European squad G2 reached the playoffs of the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris, which became the first tournament for the team after signing Ukrainian AWPer Artem "r1nkle" Moroz. Head coach Eetu "sAw" Saha spoke about the reasons for the roster change and the adaptation of the new player.

According to the coach, the decision to bench Álvaro "SunPayus" García was due to the previous roster having exhausted its potential. The team lacked an aggressive AWPer capable of creating space and making opening picks, as most of the other players on the team play in a more passive style.

sAw noted that over time, r1nkle could become a more complete player than SunPayus. The coach highlighted the Ukrainian's strong mechanical skills not only with the AWP, but also with rifles and pistols. G2 expects temporary inconsistency and minor mistakes (specifically unnecessary overpeeks), but they are confident this will be fixed with experience.

The roster change also altered internal dynamics and role distribution:

• Communication: With SunPayus's departure, the number of competing voices in the game decreased, making communication calmer. The main role in decision-making during rounds is taken on by in-game leader huNter- and NertZ.
• Role distribution: Since the team lacks a dedicated entry fragger, G2 is working on a balance: huNter- takes on more aggression on the T side, NertZ and MATYS are responsible for more calculated duels, and HeavyGod ensures stable performance of his tasks.

Currently, the coaching staff's main goal is to integrate r1nkle into the G2 system, giving him the opportunity to focus on his own game and unlock his "X-factor" in key situations.

As a reminder, EWC 2026 in CS2: the playoffs begin — who is contending for the trophy?