huNter- says confidence is key for G2 to reach top five
Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač, captain of G2 Esports, has identified the primary hurdle preventing his team from consistently competing for top-tier trophies at BLAST Open Porto 2026. Following a convincing victory over NAVI in the group stage, the Serbian leader emphasized that while the roster possesses all necessary tactical tools and individual talent, the squad currently lacks the confidence to fully capitalize on their potential against the world's best teams.
The match against NAVI served as a crucial turning point for G2. After an unsuccessful outing against Spirit, the team managed to bounce back and secure a win on Inferno. huNter- expressed satisfaction with the recovery, noting that overcoming a historic rival like Natus Vincere was particularly rewarding given their past struggles against the Ukrainian organization. However, he admitted that economic management and grenade usage were areas where the team faced challenges during the encounter.
Inferno remains a stronghold for G2, according to Kovač. The captain explained that the team understands the map's nuances perfectly, offering a wide variety of strategic options ranging from fast-paced executes to slower, methodical plays. This versatility forces opponents to prepare for numerous scenarios, as G2 can adapt their style to suit their specific system and comfort levels.
Looking ahead, G2 will face Aurora Gaming in the lower-bracket final of Group A. The winner will advance to the playoffs for BLAST Open Fall 2026. huNter- acknowledged that Aurora has significant motivation, having lost to G2 multiple times recently in the same tournament. Despite this, the captain remains unfazed by the opponent's history, stating that the team is motivated solely by their own desire to win and will focus entirely on their performance rather than external factors.
A significant portion of the interview was dedicated to Artem "r1nkle" Moroz, the Ukrainian AWPer who joined the squad during the off-season. Kovač praised r1nkle for his proactive approach, noting that he does not limit himself to passive waiting but actively participates in decision-making throughout the round. The captain highlighted r1nkle's ability to suggest solutions and take responsibility, qualities that are extremely rare and valuable in a professional setting.
Beyond individual skills, huNter- commended r1nkle's calm personality and positive influence on the team dynamic. While sometimes needing a slight check to prevent over-enthusiasm, the Serbian captain expressed immense happiness with the young sniper's presence, stating that it is difficult to single out just one or two specific contributions from him.
Ultimately, Kovač believes the current roster has all the components required for a top-five finish. The missing piece is confidence in their own abilities, which needs to be built up, particularly on an individual level. Moving forward, G2 plans to shift their focus away from grinding Deathmatch or FACEIT ladders. Instead, the team intends to dedicate more time to analyzing their own matches and practice sessions to correct mistakes, aiming to compete regularly for finals and trophies.
The next match between G2 Esports and Aurora Gaming takes place on August 31 in the lower-bracket final of Group A at BLAST Open Porto 2026. The winner will secure a spot in the playoffs for BLAST Open Fall 2026.
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