BLAST Open London 2025 turned into a sensation for the CS2 scene. G2, who had lost NiKo and m0NESY and no longer had a single household name in their lineup, made an unexpected run from the lower bracket of the group stage all the way to lifting the trophy. Their victory is proof that in a so-called “firepower era”, you can still win through system, structure, and fitting roles rather than chasing superstar signings.
The road to the title
G2’s campaign began in Group B, where they fell 0–2 to MOUZ and dropped to the lower bracket. From there, they eliminated FlyQuest and Spirit, before beating Spirit again 2–1 in the lower final to secure a playoff berth.
Once in the arena stage, G2 caught fire:
- Quarterfinals: crushed FaZe 2–0
- Semifinals: outclassed FURIA 2–0
- Grand final: defeated Vitality 3-2 after trailing 1-2 during the match
Across nine maps played, G2 averaged a 1.16 team rating, and their victories were built on balance and discipline rather than individual star power.
HeavyGod — MVP of the tournament
The standout of the event was Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko, crowned MVP. His tournament stats:
- 1.32 rating
- 76.7 ADR
- 78.8% KAST
- Consistently impactful both anchoring CT sites and in late-round lurks and clutches
In the grand final versus Vitality, HeavyGod delivered multiple pivotal rounds that swung the series, underlining how a well-fitted role player can decide championships.
Balance of roles
Rather than clinging to superstar names, G2 doubled down on role-based roster building. Their current lineup demonstrates textbook balance:
- malbsMd — fearless entry fragger and space-creator (before NiKo role)
- HeavyGod — patient anchor and reliable closer
- MATYS — flexible multi-role piece, adapting wherever needed (“Role-wise he was fitting the best overall for the team” — huNter-)
- SunPayus — stable AWPer, providing consistency and late-round composure
- huNter- — new IGL and connective leader, steering the tactical vision
Each player contributes in their natural comfort zone, and that synergy means different individuals can top the scoreboard from series to series.
By contrast, Falcons, who signed NiKo and m0NESY, are still grappling with role clashes, shifting stars like TeSeS between responsibilities, and forcing even NiKo to sacrifice space.
The mastermind behind G2: sAw
Much of G2’s revival can be traced back to Eetu “sAw” Saha. Already respected for his time in ENCE and HEROIC, he has now elevated his coaching reputation with G2. What makes sAw special is not just his tactical vision but his ability to explain it with clarity, ensuring that every player understands and buys into the system.
Under his guidance, HeavyGod turned from a promising anchor into an MVP, malbsMd flourished as an aggressive opener, and MATYS adapted seamlessly to multiple roles. His impact is reminiscent of coaches like zonic or B1ad3, leaders who built dynasties through structure and philosophy. For G2, London may well be the moment when sAw’s vision began shaping a new era.
The backroom machine
After lifting the trophy, G2’s manager emphasized the role of the support staff:
The work ethic across the board is incredible, everyone is aligned on a single goal, and the leadership of sAw is second to none.
Head coach sAw has built a playbook that goes beyond rigid roles, creating a structure in which players understand their purpose and trust the system. Assistant coaches aymeinstein and sheddanCS provide relentless analytical support, while psychologist Luka Mentalista brings methods from traditional sports to sharpen focus and mental resilience under pressure. Together, they have turned G2 into a collective greater than the sum of its parts.
A long-awaited breakthrough
For years, G2 were seen as the quintessential “superteam” — a roster built around superstars like NiKo and m0NESY, with the expectation that individual brilliance would carry them to the biggest trophies. But despite deep runs and highlight moments, the ultimate success often eluded them. The irony is striking: their first major Tier-1 triumph in CS2 came not with the household names, but with a roster built on balance, trust, and role clarity.
Reactions to G2’s triumph
The grand final defeat hit Vitality hard, with apEX venting his frustration:
F**k that shit. Really wanted to win that one to start our season with a win but it wasn’t meant to be. Gg wp G2.
His teammate mezii was more composed, noting there were still positives to build on. Former G2 superstar NiKo quickly congratulated his old teammates, writing:
Congratulations huNter, malbsMd, happy for you guys.
Meanwhile, MATYS called lifting his first big trophy “impossible to describe” and thanked fans for their support in London. Others across the scene also joined in. Host James Banks praised MATYS composure in his debut grand final, while former G2 Coach TaZ highlighted the team’s synergy and trust:
“Honestly, a pleasure to watch this G2. Every player plays for the team.
Brazilian legend FalleN kept it simple:
Congrats G2, very deserved – amazing teamwork.
A symbolic victory
This triumph is more than just a trophy — it’s a reminder of what makes lasting success in Counter-Strike. The Astralis dynasty was also built not on raw firepower, but on perfectly fitted pieces within a flawless system. Similarly, since G2’s rebuild, every single player topped the scoreboard at least once during their BLAST Open London run, proof of a lineup where no single star needs to carry.
In an era obsessed with firepower, G2’s London victory is a statement: you don’t need the biggest names to win — you need the right ones. BLAST Open London 2025 will be remembered as the event where G2, stripped of their superstars, proved that system, roles, and structure can still trump sheer firepower.
