G2 Star huNter- to Miss IEM Rio 2026 Due to Injury — Stand-in tAk to Replace Him

G2 Star huNter- to Miss IEM Rio 2026 Due to Injury — Stand-in tAk to Replace Him

G2 Esports have suffered a major setback ahead of IEM Rio 2026, as star rifler Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač will miss the tournament due to injury. The team will field academy player Vilius “tAk” Keserauskas as a stand-in, forcing a last-minute roster adjustment just days before the event begins.

huNter- Injury Leaves G2 Weakened Before IEM Rio

According to official statements and match confirmations, huNter- will not travel to Brazil, with reports indicating a leg injury as the reason behind his absence. While G2 initially described the situation as “unforeseen circumstances,” tournament listings confirmed that tAk will replace him for the duration of the event.

This is a critical blow for G2. huNter- is one of the team’s most consistent performers and a core piece of their system, providing both firepower and experience at tier-one events.

G2’s Momentum Interrupted After Recent Tournament Win

The timing of the injury could not be worse. Just days ago, G2 lifted the trophy at Stake Ranked Episode 1, marking their first title with Guy “NertZ” Iluz in the lineup**.

That victory suggested G2 were finally stabilizing after recent roster changes. However, huNter-’s absence now disrupts that progress and forces the team to adapt under pressure at one of the biggest events of the season.

IEM Rio 2026: High Stakes, Tough Competition

IEM Rio 2026 will run from April 13–19 in Rio de Janeiro, featuring 16 of the world’s best teams competing for a $1,000,000 prize pool.

G2 are set to open their campaign against Gentle Mates, a matchup they would typically be favored in—but the stand-in situation adds uncertainty.

Player Reactions Before the Setback

Before the injury news, G2 players expressed strong confidence in the roster’s trajectory.

Guy “NertZ” Iluz stated:

“I have full confidence in the players that we have, the system we have, and I don't have doubts about any of the players.”

Meanwhile, Álvaro “SunPayus” García praised the team’s chemistry:

“I love playing with him, and I'm very happy that he's here.”

Coach Eetu “sAw” Saha also highlighted NertZ’s impact:

“He can bring a lot of stuff, and I think it can put us on the next level.”

These statements underline how optimistic G2 were—making the timing of huNter-’s injury even more damaging.

huNter- Absence: Not the First Health Issue

This is not the first time huNter- has missed matches due to health concerns. At IEM Chengdu 2025, he was forced to sit out after a medical emergency, later reassuring fans:

“Nothing to worry about… Got told to rest… I believe in my guys.”

However, the current situation appears more serious, as it involves a physical injury rather than a short-term illness.

Can G2 Survive Without huNter-?

Replacing a player of huNter-’s caliber is never easy—especially at a top-tier LAN like IEM Rio. While tAk gains a huge opportunity to prove himself, expectations remain uncertain.

G2 enter the tournament with momentum—but also with a major question mark:
Can they maintain their level without one of their most important players?