G2 Esports Secures VCT Americas Spot with The Guard VALORANT Roster

Author

Moin Khot

Date

Sep, 23.2023

In a significant move that marks a redemption story in the world of esports, G2 Esports has clinched a coveted spot in the VCT Americas with the majority of The Guard's VALORANT roster. The announcement came as a sigh of relief for both the players and G2, who faced controversy during their previous attempt to enter the league.

G2 Esports, a powerhouse in the esports realm, has now committed to competing in the VCT Americas for the next two seasons. This achievement was the result of their victory in the Ascension tournament earlier this year, earning them a prized two-year spot.

The core players who will represent G2 Esports include Jonah “JonahP” Pulice, Michael “neT” Bernet, Trent Cairns, Jacob “valyn” Batio, and their coach, Josh “JoshRT” Lee. These individuals have inked two-year deals with the organization, solidifying their commitment to the team and its vision.

However, the lineup is not yet complete, as the search for the fifth player continues. G2 CEO Alban Dechelotte explained that they are carefully evaluating their options during this "special offseason," which has brought forth a plethora of talented players, both restricted and unrestricted free agents.

The road to this achievement has been a challenging one for G2 Esports. Dechelotte, who assumed the role of CEO at the start of this year, revealed that the organization explored numerous paths to secure a spot in the upper echelons of VCT. These included the Ascension victory, a potential move to China, acquiring an entire organization, or partnering with The Guard. The opportunity to sign The Guard's roster emerged after Riot granted players permission to explore new opportunities.

While the players have signed two-year contracts with G2, there's a provision that allows for contract extensions in the event G2 acquires a full-time partnership in VCT Americas. This showcases G2's commitment to investing in the long-term success of their VALORANT roster.

The journey to this point has not been without its share of setbacks. G2's previous attempt to join VCT Americas faced backlash from the community due to an association between G2 founder Carlos Rodríguez and a controversial influencer. This led to Riot reversing their decision and Rodríguez's departure from the organization.

Looking ahead, G2 Esports is enthusiastic about its prospects in VCT Americas. Dechelotte expressed the organization's eagerness to engage with fans through various avenues, including watch parties and digital items, highlighting their dedication to creating a strong presence in the league.