huNter- Returns to G2 Stronger After IEM Rio Absence: “I Saw What My Teammates Are Capable Of”

huNter- Returns to G2 Stronger After IEM Rio Absence: “I Saw What My Teammates Are Capable Of”

huNter- Back in G2 Lineup After Injury Break

Nemanja Kovač has officially returned to G2 Esports after missing IEM Rio 2026 due to a leg injury — and his absence may have unexpectedly strengthened the team.

G2 kicked off their BLAST Rivals 2026 Season 1 campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Astralis, winning Dust2 (13-5) and Overpass (13-9), securing a playoff spot in Fort Worth.

“Skipping Rio Helped Me See the Bigger Picture”

Despite still dealing with swelling in his leg, huNter- made it clear he wanted to return as soon as possible:

“I just want to be with them, I want to play with them, because the mood is good, everything feels good.”

However, the biggest takeaway came from watching his team from the outside.

“I’m really happy that I skipped Rio because I saw what my teammates are capable of.”

During IEM Rio 2026, G2 played with stand-in Vilius “tAk” Keserauskas and still delivered competitive performances — including:

A close three-map series vs Team Vitality

A win over 3DMAX

A near-playoff run stopped by Team Spirit

According to huNter-, the team showed more initiative, better communication, and increased individual responsibility — key factors for long-term success in CS2.

G2’s New System: More Freedom, More Voices

A major factor behind G2’s evolution is the addition of Guy Iluz, who joined from Team Liquid in a roster swap involving Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa.

The move reunited NertZ with coach Eetu Saha and AWPer Álvaro García — a core that already shares strong synergy.

NertZ previously highlighted the team’s atmosphere:

“I have full confidence in the players and the system we have.”

Meanwhile, SunPayus emphasized their natural chemistry:

“We see everything the same way.”

Coach sAw also explained that NertZ brings structure and flexibility:

“I know what NertZ can bring to the team when you give him the right resources and put him in the good positions.”

G2’s Goal: From Playoff Team to Title Contender

For huNter-, the focus is now consistency. While G2 have shown flashes of elite performance, the next step is becoming a reliable playoff and trophy contender.

He stressed the importance of:

Mid-round decision-making

Player autonomy

Stronger communication under pressure

If G2 can maintain the independence they showed during Rio while integrating huNter- back into the system, the team could become one of the most dangerous squads in CS2.