The results that G2 Esports accumulated in their entire 2020 campaign in the competitive Counter-Strike scene revealed that the team has made headlines for their progress as proven by their 2nd places finishes in the Intel Extreme Masters XIV – World Championship and the DreamHack Masters Spring 2020: Europe. Though they have shown some glimpses of life they've likewise had some down moments like their 12th place finish last October.

Given the team's potential and their need for consistency lies the decision to make bold changes and it happened on the 28th of October when Nikola “NiKo” Kovač signed for G2 Esports.

It was a massive shocker as NiKo was having the best years of his life playing for FaZe Clan, where he spent the last three years playing alongside legends like Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson and Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács, winning multiple S-Tier trophies along the way. Sadly though, FaZe never won a major trophy during their stint.

The presence of his cousin Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, who serves as a rifler for G2 Esports since 2019, could be the primary reason why NiKo joined G2 esports. His arrival could change the team's fortune especially given his legacy as one of the best CS:GO players of all time. He's still in his early 20s and his performances in 2020 have marveled a lot of spectators giving more reason for G2 to feel optimistic about his contributions for the team.

 

A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

G2's current captain and shotcaller is none other than Nemanja “nexa” Isaković, a player who was instrumental for G2's ascension in 2020. Not only is he renowned for his fragging skills as his leadership has likewise taken his team to the next level. His HLTV stats reveal a huge degree of consistency from him as his overall ratings go beyond 1.00.

NiKo's arrival to the club could either lighten the leadership role from nexa or enhance his role. NiKo's was known in his tenure with FaZe Clan and Mousesports for his leadership and shotcalling which could benefit nexa to focus more on his skills. His experience could also serve as an asset to further develop the team given his in-game knowledge which he honed since his early days in 2015. Besides his in-game artistry, NiKo's leadership can provide that team first mentality which he displayed with his loyalties with Mousesports and his willingness to sacrifice the limelight during his tenure with FaZe Clan.

The opposite could likewise happen as nexa could focus more on his in-game shotcalling while NiKo will just rely on his skill level to dictate the team's tempo. Some would argue that NiKo's skill level was hampered by his role as an in-game leader but things could change with G2 as he could finally unleash the inner beast in him which he had displayed specifically for Mousesports where he single-handedly carried the entire team in his back.

There is an old saying that two heads are better than one and this could be the perfect example for that cliché saying.

 

INSANE SKILLS

“NIKO IS A GOD!” This line which you normally hear from CS:GO's shoutcasters summarizes everything.

One of the most admired tendencies from NiKo is his ability to perfectly aim his crosshairs. It didn't matter what weapon you gave him whether it's a suppressed USP-S, an AK-47, or a Deagle as he'll always find his mark no matter the situation. His one taps in pistol rounds can easily smoke the opposition but it is his performances in clutch situations where he truly shines the most. Even if he's the only one left in his team, he could still make miracles happen as his skill level is enough to bring fear in his opponents.

However it's not just his shooting mechanics that would enhance his team, as his awareness with his opponent's movements have caught the attention of most observers. That match against North Capgemini in ESL One: Road to Rio – Europe could certainly assert to that.

 

CONSISTENCY

This is the one aspect in G2's performances that has been missing and this is also the most important factor that will gauge their success. The team has been criticized for their lack of consistency since 2019 and even their recent ascension revealed that they've struggled to maintain their momentum.

Given the frustrations that NiKo dealt with in FaZe Clan and given the abilities shown above, G2 could finally acquire that needed sparkplug. The recent results in the BLAST Premier Fall Series 2020 looks promising as the team is amassing a winning streak.

NiKo has always been a stat sheet monster since the very beginning of his career. His overall HLTV ratings at 1.16 reveal that no matter the opposition, his performances will always peak. NiKo's insane statline which bodes well with that from his cousin huNter- and nexa's tactical prowess could further aid G2 in their quest in being a contender in the majors.