G2 Complete r1nkle Signing: Ukrainian AWPer Joins After NIP Exit Ahead of BLAST Bounty Season 2

26.06.2026 - 21:05

G2 Complete r1nkle Signing: Ukrainian AWPer Joins After NIP Exit Ahead of BLAST Bounty Season 2

G2 have officially completed the signing of Ukrainian AWPer Artem "r1nkle" Moroz, confirming one of the organization's biggest roster moves since the conclusion of the IEM Cologne Major. The former Ninjas in Pyjamas sniper replaces Álvaro "SunPayus" García, who was recently moved to the bench, and is expected to make his debut for G2 at BLAST Bounty Season 2.

The move represents a fresh opportunity for both player and organization as G2 continue rebuilding around a younger core heading into the second half of the 2026 Counter-Strike season.

Quick Summary

Item	Details
Team	G2
Player Signed	Artem "r1nkle" Moroz
Previous Team	Ninjas in Pyjamas
Role	Primary AWPer
Transfer Status	Officially confirmed
Replaces	SunPayus
Expected Debut	BLAST Bounty Season 2
Nationality	Ukraine

G2 Complete r1nkle Signing

G2 officially announced the acquisition of Artem "r1nkle" Moroz from Ninjas in Pyjamas, completing the organization's search for a new primary AWPer after benching SunPayus.

The Ukrainian arrives following a mixed spell with NIP. After joining the Swedish organization from B8 in April 2024, r1nkle quickly established himself as one of the team's most promising players and later signed a contract extension through 2028. Despite showing strong individual potential, NIP struggled to consistently compete at the highest level during 2026, eventually missing qualification for the IEM Cologne Major.

NIP subsequently reshaped its roster by moving away from r1nkle and transitioning Martin "stavn" Lund into the primary AWP position, opening the door for G2 to secure the Ukrainian sniper.

For G2, the signing fills one of the most important vacancies on the roster following SunPayus' departure from the starting lineup.

According to the official announcement, r1nkle is expected to make his first appearance for G2 during BLAST Bounty Season 2, before the team heads into the Esports World Cup later this summer.

Updated G2 Roster

Player	Role
Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač	Rifler / In-game leader*
Matúš "MATYS" Šimko	Rifler
Guy "NertZ" Iluz	Rifler
Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko	Rifler
Artem "r1nkle" Moroz	Primary AWPer
Coach: Eetu "sAw" Saha	Coach

*Leadership responsibilities remain with huNter- following earlier roster changes.

Background and Context

The transfer concludes a significant period of roster restructuring for both organizations.

For G2:

SunPayus was removed from the active lineup.
The organization required a long-term AWPer.
Rather than promoting academy talent or signing a veteran, G2 opted for a 21-year-old player with proven tier-one experience and long-term upside.

For Ninjas in Pyjamas:

r1nkle originally joined during the organization's 2024 rebuild.
He became one of NIP's highest-profile talents.
Following disappointing results in early 2026, NIP elected to change direction by bringing in stavn as their new primary AWPer.

Why This Matters

This move is significant for several reasons.

First, G2 secure one of the younger AWPers available with experience against elite opposition.

Second, the organization continues building around a roster that combines experienced veterans such as huNter- with emerging talent including MATYS, HeavyGod and now r1nkle.

Third, this transfer addresses arguably the most important role in modern Counter-Strike. Stability on the AWP often shapes a team's tactical identity, making the success of this signing one of the biggest storylines heading into the remainder of 2026.

Tactical Impact

Although G2 have not publicly detailed how roles will change, several expectations emerge:

r1nkle becomes the team's dedicated primary AWPer.
The remaining riflers should experience fewer role overlaps.
Coach sAw now has an opportunity to integrate another mechanically gifted young player into G2's system.

Whether r1nkle can consistently produce against top-tier opponents remains one of the key questions following the transfer.

Tournament Impact

The timing allows G2 to begin practicing with the new lineup before several important events.

Expected upcoming events include:

BLAST Bounty Season 2 (expected debut)
Esports World Cup 2026

These tournaments will provide the first indication of how quickly the roster can develop chemistry.

Timeline

Date	Event
April 2024	r1nkle joins Ninjas in Pyjamas from B8
May 2025	Signs contract extension with NIP through 2028
Early 2026	NIP struggle for consistency
April 2026	NIP replace r1nkle as primary AWPer
June 25, 2026	G2 officially announce signing
July 2026	Expected G2 debut at BLAST Bounty Season 2

Key Details

Category	Information
Player	Artem "r1nkle" Moroz
Age	21
Nationality	Ukraine
Previous Team	Ninjas in Pyjamas
New Team	G2
Position	AWPer
Transfer Status	Official
Contract Details	TBD

Impact Analysis

The move represents a calculated investment rather than a short-term solution.

r1nkle has already demonstrated flashes of elite-level potential throughout his career, but consistency has remained his biggest challenge. G2 will hope that working under coach sAw and alongside experienced teammates accelerates his development.

For NIP, the transfer marks the end of a project that never fully reached its expected ceiling despite periods of strong individual performances from the Ukrainian.

The success of the deal will ultimately be measured not by the transfer itself, but by whether G2 can convert individual talent into deep playoff runs at the biggest international tournaments.