G2 makes roster moves ahead of IEM Dallas, Stewie2k joins replacing HooXi

In a surprising turn of events, Stewie2k joins G2's roster just ahead of IEM Dallas. The Counter-Strike pro who has previously played under Cloud9 and Team Liquid replaces HooXi in the current G2 lineup. Jake "Stewie2k" Yip has been away from the professional Counter-Strike scene for a few years, before making his comeback as a stand-in for coldzera in April 2024.

In this article, we'll explore Stewie2k's move to G2, its current roster, and what it means for the team in the upcoming IEM Dallas 2024.

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Stewie2k added to G2 roster ahead of IEM Dallas

Stewie2k, popularized by his nickname, "the smoke criminal," has recently joined G2 Esports ahead of the IEM Dallas 2024. Taking to his official account on X, the professional player said:

"Thanks @G2esports for the chance to compete and to potentially play in front of a home crowd in IEM Dallas. Grateful for this opportunity and to be able to play with the best rifler in the game @G2NiKo & a young star awper!"

The American superstar hailing from California is excited to play in front of a home crowd, while also applauding NiKo and m0NESY. He considers the former to be the "best rifler in the game," while the latter is a "young star awper." Stewie2k's surprise move not only drew attention from fans, but former Counter-Strike professionals were not very late to the fray.

Responses arrived from FalleN, Tarik, and even Taz, as they congratulated Jake, while also wishing him the very best. Fans, on the other hand, are enthralled by this newest addition. Stewie2k had been a big name during the CS: GO days, and was a part of the Cloud9 team that had won the Eleague Major Boston in 2018.

Intel Extreme Masters Dallas will be the second CS2 appearance for Stewie, with his comeback being a stand-in for Legacy after coldzera left their roster in April 2024.

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Current G2 Esports squad for CS2

HooXi, the IGL for G2 Esports, will be attending his sister's wedding during the IEM Dallas and decided to drop out of the team temporarily. However, he will take on the role of an assistant to the head coach, TaZ, during the tournament. With the addition of Stewie2k as his replacement, the supposed G2 squad for the Dallas major is:

• Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač
• Jake "Stewie2k" Yip
• Nikola "NiKo" Kovač
• Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov
• Nemanja "nexa" Isaković
• Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas (coach)

This surprise roster change throws a curveball at G2's performance at IEM Dallas. While Stewie2k is a star player, integrating him into the team might take time. Can G2 gel in time for the tournament? It will be interesting to see how they adapt and what role Stewie2k plays within the squad.