sAw: G2's year since BLAST Open London win 'not satisfying'
G2 failed to defend their BLAST Open title in Porto, falling 2-0 to Falcons in the quarter-finals. Coach sAw acknowledged that the team has struggled to maintain the momentum from their 2025 victory in London, describing the past year as "not been satisfying."
The defeat in the BLAST Premier Open Porto 2026 quarter-finals marked a difficult exit for G2. sAw identified the primary issue as "sloppy starts" on both maps, which created deficits that were too large to overcome despite putting up a decent fight. He noted that Falcons produced strong individual moments that G2 could not match, leading to a backfiring of their initial errors.
Addressing the team's current roster dynamics, sAw explained that while the core group has been together for a while, the addition of two new players has introduced a mix that requires time to settle. He emphasized the need for the team to solidify their protocols and gain collective experience. sAw also highlighted the learning curve for younger players, noting that only huNter- and NertZ have extensive tier-one experience, while others are still developing their understanding of high-level competition.
Regarding r1nkle, who has recently silenced many doubters, sAw pointed out areas for further growth. The coach stressed the importance of patience in small moments against top-tier opponents, specifically in decision-making during crucial peeks. He explained that making the right judgment calls in these high-pressure situations requires experience and time, which r1nkle is still acquiring.
Reflecting on the year since their BLAST Open London win, sAw admitted that the team's performance has not been satisfying. He stated that G2 aims to be a top-five team, consistently reaching semi-finals and winning tournaments. However, frequent losses in playoffs have forced the organization to focus on continuous improvement. sAw concluded that the only path forward is to keep working hard to reach the desired level of consistency and success.