G2 Drop SunPayus, Bring in r1nkle from NiP

G2 Esports have reshuffled their Counter-Strike 2 lineup by replacing Spanish AWPer Álvaro ‘SunPayus’ García with Ukrainian sniper Artem ‘r1nkle’ Moroz, who joins from Ninjas in Pyjamas. The organization announced the move via their official social media channels, signaling the end of SunPayus’s one-year chapter with the team.

SunPayus originally joined G2 in June 2025 as part of a major roster overhaul that also brought in coach sAw. Over 215 maps, he delivered a 1.05 rating, 68.9 ADR, and 74.7% KAST. His standout moment came at BLAST Open Fall 2025, where G2 upset Vitality 3-2 to claim the title. However, the team failed to maintain that level afterward. At the IEM Cologne Major 2026, G2 reached the playoffs but exited in 5th-8th place after falling to Spirit, prompting the organization to seek a change in the AWPer role.

r1nkle spent over two years with NiP, having joined in April 2024. Across 415 maps, he posted a 1.10 rating, 76.5 ADR, and 73.2% KAST — slightly better individual numbers than SunPayus, though team success was limited. NiP’s only trophy during his tenure came at the Roman Imperium Cup VI in March 2026. Now he steps into a G2 squad that expects consistent playoff runs, with his first assignment being the BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier scheduled for July 21-26.

Comparing the Two AWPers: Stats and Impact

The swap highlights G2’s desire for more reliable firepower. SunPayus’s 1.05 rating was decent but not elite for a top-tier sniper, and his impact faded after the BLAST Open triumph. r1nkle’s numbers, though compiled on a less successful NiP roster, suggest he can offer a higher floor: his ADR of 76.5 significantly exceeds SunPayus’s 68.9, and his 1.10 rating is a clear upgrade. Both players share similar KAST percentages, with SunPayus at 74.7% and r1nkle at 73.2%, indicating room for improvement in survivability. G2 will hope r1nkle’s aggressive style and experience against top opposition translate into better results in high-stakes matches.

The Ukrainian has never won a Major but has played regularly in Tier-1 events with NiP, including IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League, and multiple BLAST tournaments. His ability to adapt quickly will be crucial, as G2 have limited time before the BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier.

What Lies Ahead for the New-Look G2

r1nkle takes over the AWP role immediately, with the rest of the roster staying intact from the IEM Cologne campaign. The team will work on synergy in scrims before heading into the BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier, a key early test that could define their trajectory for the rest of 2026. A strong performance would build confidence; a weak one could raise questions about the decision to swap snipers mid-season.

• SunPayus released after one year with G2, 215 maps played, 1.05 rating.
• SunPayus helped G2 win BLAST Open Fall 2025 but team placed 5-8th at IEM Cologne Major 2026.
• r1nkle signed from NiP, where he played 415 maps with a 1.10 rating and won Roman Imperium Cup VI.
• r1nkle’s first event with G2 will be BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier (July 21-26).

G2’s Updated Roster and Immediate Schedule

With r1nkle now in the lineup, G2’s starting five is set for the upcoming qualifier. The organization has not announced any additional changes, meaning the core of huNter-, malbsMd, and others remains unchanged. The BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier features a mix of established European teams and rising contenders, and G2 will be expected to advance to the main event. The online tournament runs from July 21 to 26, leaving r1nkle less than a month to integrate his calls and positioning with his new teammates.

The BLAST Bounty Summer Qualifier will be r1nkle’s first chance to prove himself in G2 colors, and the organization will be watching closely to see if the roster move pays off immediately.