G2 Esports are through to the playoffs of the Esports World Cup 2026, taking down BIG with a 2-1 scoreline. With a new AWPer in their ranks, the G2 machine has started to click, and this might be the time they soar to the peak of the CS2 mountain.
VETO
- BIG removed Mirage
- G2 removed Nuke
- BIG picked Cache
- G2 picked Ancient
- BIG removed Dust2
- G2 removed Anubis
- Inferno was left over
Map 1: Cache; Pick: BIG; Winner: G2
Hitting the board with a forcebuy conversion, G2 got going on their defence as BIG continued to struggle. A strong start on the defence saw G2 rack up a solid lead before BIG pulled in a few rounds to make the map competitive before switching sides with a 7-5 scoreline. Winning the pistol saw the G2 offence set the tone of the map as they continued to play fast-paced offence that went on to get a 6-0 streak before winning the map with a dominant 13-5 scoreline.
Map 2: Ancient; Pick: G2; Winner: BIG
With another forcebuy conversion to get on the board, G2 started strong only for BIG to catch up as the game progressed; having a hold of their defence made the half competitive. The second half saw both teams, only for BIG to push the game to OT after enduring a losing streak. Moving to the OT put G2 in the prime position after a respectable defence, but BIG pulling ahead on their own CT saw them take the game with a 16-13 win.
Map 3: Inferno; Pick: Decider; Winner: BIG
Following a tough defeat, G2 got off to a better start, leading to a dominant force in the first half, giving away a single round that ensured the first half closed with an 11-1 scoreline. Without letting the game slip further, G2 managed to push the game over the line with a 13-1 scoreline, securing their playoff berth.
G2 Esports are through to the playoffs, and an early qualification will see them get a few days off to rest and prepare. With the team finally clicking around their new AWPer, hopes are high, and whether this run of form will amount to a trophy is for time to decide.
