Image credit: BLAST Premier (cropped to fit resolution)
G2 Esports have changed their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive lineup ahead of the ESL Pro League Season 13 group stage, as they have benched long-time AWPer Kenny "kennyS" Schrub, and promoted rifler Audric "JACKZ" Jug to the main lineup. The team announced the roster change on social media ahead of the event, which is set to start on March 8.
Following G2's marquee signing of Nikola "NiKo" Kovač to the lineup on Oct. 2020, the organization scored mixed results in playoff rounds. The team initially decided to bench JACKZ, as they needed François "AmaNEk" Delaunay's support play more than they needed a rifler, but further results outside of the Top Four have led to the benching of AWPer kennyS and to his possible departure if he finds a destination.
"Kenny is a pillar within G2 and a legend in the scene," coach Damien "maLeK" Marcel said on G2's announcement. "We have shared incredible moments and memories together. We all feel that, though difficult, a new home for him will be a great opportunity to remain at the top."
The AWPer's recent slump capped a four-year run within G2, during which the team regularly contended in the top 8 and had stints in the top 4. Initially part of an all-French squad, kennyS remained on the team as Richard "shox" Papillon, Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, Nathan "NBK" Schmitt and Alexandre "bodyy" Pianaro left throughout his tenure, and as the lineup morphed into an international one led by Nemanjia "nexa" Isaković.
As kennyS goes to the inactive list, G2 Esports have promoted rifler JACKZ to the lineup, altering NiKo's role to that of a hybrid rifler-AWPer. The team's first outing with the new lineup is set to take place on March 13 in the EPL group stage, where it faces Team Vitality, mousesports, FaZe Clan, Ninjas in Pyjamas and ENCE in Group B.
What's better than having one Kovač on your team? Simple: two Kovač players! The eternal kings of recruitment announcements, G2 have dealt a major blow to their competitors by recruiting one of esports' top names.
