G2 Esports’ huNter- Talks Health Struggles, Recovery Routine & SunPayus’ Surgery Ahead of Big CS2 Events

G2 Esports’ huNter- Talks Health Struggles, Recovery Routine & SunPayus’ Surgery Ahead of Big CS2 Events

G2 Esports rifler Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač has opened up about recurring health issues that affected his performance and preparation, revealing how the veteran player is now forcing a stronger focus on recovery, sleep tracking, and overall well-being to stay competitive in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).

According to huNter-, the issues weren’t serious injuries, but frequent sickness and fatigue that prompted him to work with a nutritionist and monitor his sleep patterns using a smartwatch. He said the goal is to eliminate “small weaknesses” that could cost the team in high-stakes matches — especially during grueling schedules like ESL Pro League Season 23.

huNter-: “Nothing serious, but health matters at the top level”

In his Russian-language interview, huNter- emphasized that his health problems were never life-threatening but enough to disrupt his routine and tournament readiness. He highlighted sleep tracking, nutrition planning, and recovery metrics as key parts of his evolving approach — a strategy more CS2 pros are now adopting to maintain peak condition.

This frank talk follows a medical emergency he previously experienced at IEM Chengdu 2025, when he fell ill just before a match against Vitality. According to tournament reports, he vomited several times during the game and was advised by doctors to rest, leading coach Eetu “sAw” Saha to sub in for him. G2 stated the player was “okay” and only required rest.

Added Pressure: SunPayus Played After Ear Surgery

The health theme around G2 continued when teammate Álvaro “SunPayus” García revealed he underwent ear surgery just hours before a major match during the Budapest Major Stage 3 due to a painful ear infection. huNter- publicly praised SunPayus for playing despite his condition, saying the Spaniard was not even hearing full game audio due to his injury — yet still competed at a top level.

This incident has become a talking point among CS2 fans and analysts, reinforcing how player health can directly impact performance and results on the big stage.

Why This Matters: Pro CS2 Players Are Focusing More On Wellness

With the CS2 competitive calendar packed with long online stages and LAN finals, players are increasingly prioritizing:

Sleep quality tracking

Custom nutrition plans

Injury prevention protocols

Mental health coaching

These changes mirror trends seen across other esports and traditional sports, where marginal gains in recovery can yield major competitive advantages.

As G2 continues competing in events like ESL Pro League, fans and pundits will be watching to see if better health management translates into more consistent results — especially after near playoff runs and roster shifts earlier in the season.