Leaker claims m0NESY and ropz will join G2 Esports

Natus Vincere announced that it would be taking offers for rising superstar Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov’s contract. Just one day later, leakers are rattling off Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams that are eyeing him, with G2 Esports being at the top of the list.

According to Russian CSGO veteran Aleksey “OverDrive” Biryukov, m0NESY’s most likely destination is pan-European sponsor G2 Esports. OverDrive is a popular Russian personality who previously played professionally and coached several teams. If his claims are true, G2 will also be making room for star lurker Robin “ropz” Kool to start putting together a super-team around Nikola “NiKo” Kovač.

OverDrive posted a series of messages on Telegram regarding the current shuffle. According to unofficial translations, he has stated that m0NESY and ropz are both headed to G2 Esports. He hinted that François “AmaNEk” Delaunay will be cut, but also claimed that another player could be forced out for ropz. The Estonian lurker is a hotly-contested player in this season’s shuffle.

G2 Esports is a questionable landing zone for both players. G2 earned second place and $300,000 at PGL Major Stockholm. All five players had their moments in the spotlight at the $2 million event.

AmaNEk could be forced off the AWP if m0NESY’s deal is finalized. ropz would most likely replace Audric “JaCkz” Jug. It’s possible that G2 could sign a sixth man like Astralis with Philip “Lucky” Ewald. It’s unclear if these rumors are true and even if they are, there’s no guarantee that G2 Esports will be able to secure the deals. Regardless, it is highly likely that G2 is looking to shore up its roster following the PGL Stockholm Major.

How would ropz and m0NESY do on G2 Esports?

ropz is a very skilled player who could shore up any roster, including G2 Esports, but m0NESY is a bit of a variable.

ropz already has plenty of pro experience through his years with mousesports, but the same can’t be said for his potential teammate. If the m0nesy to G2 Esports turns out to be true, m0nesy will jump from a developmental team to the very peak of CSGO esports. The 16-year-old AWPer stated that he was ready for top-level play in a recent HLTV interview, but there are many factors beyond his skill to consider. 

While a beast in the server, m0NESY is still in the middle of his high school education. The life of a CSGO pro is full of travel, which could also pose challenges for the young star.

His situation could turn out similarly to Owen “oBo” Schlatter’s time on Complexity. When the team moved to Europe to get around travel restrictions, the 16-year-old had a difficult time adjusting to life away from his family. The situation eventually ended with oBo leaving the organization. If ropz and m0NESY really do join G2 Esports, the latter could travel with a parent or guardian for major events.