G2 Esports reportedly acquires former Sentinels and Version1 players

G2 Esports has reportedly acquired ex-Sentinels and Version1 players to assemble a strong Valorant lineup for the Challengers circuit.

While some prominent organizations have departed the scene after Riot rejected their application for a franchise place, the European organization G2 Esports intends to stay in the competitive Valorant scene for a long with the addition of a new five-man roster. According to reports from Dot esports, the organization has acquired former Sentinels player Michael “dapr” Gulino and Shahzeb “ShahZam” Khan.

The former Sentinels stars will be joined by former Version1 players Erik Penny and Maxim “wippie” Shepelev. Furthermore, the organization is reportedly planning to round out its roster with former Dark Ratio player “Oxy”, according to sources. The star-studded roster will be led by the former head coach, Ian “Immi” Harding, who previously coached Version1 during the 2022 VCT. 

G2 Esports Valorant roster for 2023 season:

• Michael “dapr” Gulino 
• Shahzeb “ShahZam” Khan 
• Erik Penny 
• Maxim “wippie” Shepelev
• Oxy

Following the organization’s failure to forge a deal with Riot Games, which would’ve guaranteed G2 a position in the Americas international league, the squad is scheduled to compete in Challengers. However, as the Challengers circuit will allow the top teams outside of the league to qualify for Ascension, the new roster will have the possibility to qualify for the international league.

The former G2 players are still looking for a new team

After Carlos Rodrguez, the CEO of G2, posted a video showing himself engaging with Andrew Tate at a party, G2 were refused a spot in the partnered league. Carlos was consequently fired from his position in the company after being suspended for eight weeks without pay. Additionally, the organization permitted its players to look into alternative opportunities for the 2023 season as restricted free agents while staying bound to the organization. 

During the Valorant offseason, a number of players from the G2 lineup were connected to other European organizations including Heretics and Natus Vincere. Auni “AvovA” Chahade and Scar “mixwell” Colocho is apparently in discussions with the associated organization Team Heretics, and at the beginning of October, Žygimantas “nukkye” Chmieliauskas was connected to NAVI.

However, since the players have not yet made any public announcements regarding their move, the future of G2’s old lineup is now questionable. On the other hand, the newly formed G2 squad has a good chance to make a comeback on the global stage with the former veteran from Sentinels and Version1 taking the charge of the team.

Header: Riot Games