HeavyGod Backs NertZ Revival as G2 Reach PGL Astana Playoffs

G2 star HeavyGod says NertZ always had elite potential despite difficult Liquid stint

G2 Esports advanced to the playoffs at PGL Astana 2026 after a convincing victory over Monte, with Guy “NertZ” Iluz delivering one of his strongest performances since joining the roster.

Following the match, Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko praised his teammate’s resurgence and said he never lost confidence in NertZ’s abilities, even during the player’s inconsistent period with Team Liquid.

“Maybe he wasn’t the best in Liquid, but I knew what he was capable of and I always told him that,” HeavyGod told HLTV.

The statement comes as G2 continue building momentum with their revamped Counter-Strike 2 lineup ahead of the second half of the 2026 season.

NertZ dominates as G2 crush Monte at PGL Astana

G2 secured a one-sided 2-0 victory over Monte, winning Ancient 13-4 before closing Dust2 13-3. NertZ finished the series with a 2.06 rating, while HeavyGod posted a 1.56 rating in one of G2’s cleanest playoff-clinching performances of the event. 

The result was especially important for G2 after earlier defeats against MOUZ and The MongolZ during the tournament.

HeavyGod explained that the team entered the series determined to show stronger energy and communication.

“We wanted to have a good start and fighting spirit,” he said after the win. 

NertZ finding form again after Team Liquid struggles

NertZ joined G2 earlier this year in a headline roster move involving Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa and Team Liquid. The transfer reunited NertZ with former teammates and coaching staff familiar with his aggressive playstyle. 

Before the move, NertZ struggled to replicate the level he previously showed in ENCE and HEROIC. According to HLTV statistics, his rating in Liquid dropped to 1.05, significantly below the numbers he produced with his former teams.

The Israeli rifler later admitted that his time in Liquid was difficult because of chemistry problems inside the squad.

“I didn’t have the best performance in Liquid,” NertZ previously said, citing “personality clashes” as one of the reasons the project failed. 

G2 still building chemistry under sAw

Despite the dominant playoff performance, G2 continue to describe the current lineup as a long-term project. Head coach Eetu “sAw” Saha recently explained that the organization had little time to prepare properly after finalizing roster changes shortly before major tournament deadlines.

“We just have to play these tournaments and learn as we go,” sAw said earlier this season. 

HeavyGod echoed that sentiment in the latest interview, noting that NertZ brings leadership, confidence, and tactical ideas to the server.

“He has a lot of ideas and also a big voice,” HeavyGod explained.

The chemistry improvements have also been noticed by G2 captain Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, who recently said NertZ looked far more comfortable after leaving Liquid. 

Can G2 become a CS2 title contender in 2026?

With NertZ rapidly improving and HeavyGod continuing to deliver consistent impact, G2 are starting to look like a genuine threat in top-tier Counter-Strike 2 competition again.

However, the players remain cautious about expectations.

“We want it to be consistent and always fight for trophies,” HeavyGod said.

If G2 maintain their current trajectory at PGL Astana, the roster could quickly emerge as one of the most dangerous playoff teams in CS2.