The ESL Pro League Season 9 European division has almost concluded, with only one group left to go. Group C has just finished, with the French side G2 being the surprise victors of the group. Many thought it would be the hardest group, and it still comes as a surprise that neither Fnatic nor Natus Vincere took the top spot.
G2 Esports will advance out of Group C to attend the finals of ESL Pro League Season 9. (Image courtesy of G2 Esports)
G2
Although not as convincing as FaZe and Mousesports, G2 slugged their way through three games, winning all of them. The issue of the in-game leader role has plagued G2, with Kévin “Ex6TenZ” Droolans and Edouard “SmithZz” Dubourdeaux being replaced by ex-3DMAX’ Lucas “Lucky” Chastang and Audric “JaCkz” Jug. That seemed to put more doubt on this roster, as star-rifler Richard “shox” Papillon took over the in-game leader role.
To contrast, this move has been seen as a positive because G2 brought in more rifling power in François “AmaNEk” Delaunay for support player Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro, alleviating some of shox’ duties in being that star-player.
It may have taken some time, but it looks like G2 have found their rifling power they need in order to compete with the best teams in the world. Especially with victories over Na’Vi, Fnatic and, Windigo.
Due to this, G2 will be joining Mousesports and FaZe in the ESL Pro League finals in their home country of France, to compete for $750,000 USD.
Fnatic
However, due to the new format, the Swedish side Fnatic will be unable to attend the ESL Pro League S9 finals because of their third-place finish, with losses to G2 and Na’Vi, only managing to grasp a victory over Windigo in a three map series.
The team hit a huge high at StarSeries Season 7, but have failed to continue this form going into the ESL Pro League.
Although Fnatic will stay in the Pro League, time will tell how this team can revitalize itself from their inconsistent form.
How to Watch
You can watch all the action from the ESL Pro League on Twitch.tv/esl_csgo.
