Jankos Reveals What Really Happened Behind the G2 Roster Changes

Summary

The discussion centers around G2's roster decisions, especially the controversies surrounding player changes like Yike and Mickey, with speculation that management made decisions without input from the players. The conversation highlights the issues faced by Western teams transitioning from regional success to international failure, which often leads to roster changes. The complexity of maintaining a dominant regional position while trying to adapt to the global stage is discussed, with a particular focus on G2's performance and the challenges of managing a winning but potentially flawed team.

Takeaways

• 😀 G2's roster decisions, including player removals, are made by management, not players.
• 😀 In 2021, G2 made controversial roster changes, such as kicking Wounded and Mickey without consultation.
• 😀 Rumors of G2 seeking new players were circulating before their 2024 World Championship run ended.
• 😀 G2's roster changes based on international results are seen as misguided and counterproductive.
• 😀 Teams from Western regions often suffer from success, as winning domestically leads to poor international performances, which may trigger roster changes.
• 😀 G2's strong regional success does not translate into international success, where they are exposed by top teams.
• 😀 The discrepancy between G2's consistent regional victories and their international struggles is a source of frustration.
• 😀 G2’s roster had a solid track record, winning most splits over two years, with only one spring loss.
• 😀 The new format in EU esports was confusing for some viewers, especially with constant shifts between playoffs and other league events.
• 😀 The issue of roster changes in G2 reflects broader problems in how Western teams handle success and failure in international competitions.
• 😀 The complexity and inconsistency in the EU format contributed to difficulties in following esports events.

Q & A

What is the main criticism about G2's roster decisions?

The main criticism is that G2's roster decisions were often made without input from the players. This led to situations where players, like Yike and Mickey, were removed without their say, based on management's decisions.

What happened in 2021 that stood out regarding G2's roster changes?

In 2021, G2 made significant roster changes, including removing players like Wounded and Mickey without any apparent discussion with the players themselves. This move was seen as sudden and unexplainable.

Why is it considered problematic to change a roster based on international results?

Changing a roster due to international results is seen as problematic because it overlooks the fact that being the best in a region, even with close calls, is still a significant achievement. It often results in teams blowing up after facing top-tier international teams and dealing with issues they weren't previously aware of.

What does the phrase 'suffering from success' refer to in this context?

'Suffering from success' refers to the situation where a team is dominant in their region, but when they face stronger international teams, their weaknesses are exposed. This often leads to the team disbanding or making unnecessary changes.

What was the performance of Yike and Mickey in the European splits?

Yike and Mickey were very successful, winning nearly all splits, with only one loss in the Spring Split during a two-year period. This shows their dominance and consistency in Europe.

Why is it difficult for Western teams to maintain their success internationally?

Western teams struggle internationally because, despite being the best in their region, they often face top-tier teams on the global stage that expose their weaknesses. This leads to frustration, disagreements, and sometimes major roster changes.

What is the significance of the term 'Mickey Mouse trophies' in the context of the discussion?

The term 'Mickey Mouse trophies' refers to the perception that the European league's new format, which included multiple championships per year, devalues the competition. The speaker criticizes the overabundance of titles, implying they are less meaningful.

How does the European league format differ from other leagues like the LCS?

The European league format became confusing due to its multiple championships each year. The speaker notes that they often found it hard to follow, as European playoffs seemed to overlap with LCS events, making it difficult to track.

What was the role of Caps in G2's roster decisions?

Caps, as the GM of G2, had significant influence over the roster decisions. He was responsible for making decisions about who stays on the team, though it appears players did not always agree with these choices.

What can be inferred about the player's opinions on management decisions at G2?

The players express frustration with how roster changes were handled by management. They feel that many decisions were made without consulting the players, and the overall approach led to unnecessary instability within the team.