JoshRT on G2's struggles: “It's good to be an underdog again”

JoshRT on G2's struggles: “It's good to be an underdog again”

G2 Esports head coach Josh " JoshRT " Lee believes the team's recent struggles could ultimately help them grow as they prepare for the VCT 2026 Americas Stage 2 playoffs.

G2 secured their playoff spot after defeating ENVY 2-1 in a tense lower-bracket qualifier. The team opened the series with a dominant 13-6 victory on Lotus before losing Ascent 12-14, but recovered to take Haven 13-8 and keep their season alive.

Speaking after the match, JoshRT reflected on G2's defensive problems, the pressure surrounding the roster, and how the team's position as an underdog could become an advantage.

G2 survive a difficult series against ENVY

The series initially appeared to be heading toward a straightforward G2 victory after their convincing performance on Lotus.

ENVY responded on Ascent, however, taking the map 14-12 and forcing the series to Haven. G2 eventually recovered and closed the deciding map 13-8.

JoshRT admitted that the series created plenty of stress, particularly with both teams facing the possibility of their seasons ending.

He highlighted G2's defensive mistakes on Ascent, where the team gave ENVY too much space and allowed their opponents to dictate the pace of the map.

babybay also played an important role in helping the roster mentally reset before Haven, encouraging the team to leave the previous map behind and focus on their plan for the decider.

Defensive play remains a concern

According to JoshRT , G2's defensive sides have been one of the team's recurring weaknesses, especially when facing opponents capable of consistently applying pressure.

The coach believes players need to become more proactive when situations become uncertain rather than waiting for opponents to make the first move.

Addressing those defensive problems will be one of G2's priorities ahead of the playoffs.

G2 embrace the underdog position

G2 have spent much of the past few seasons establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Americas, but their Stage 2 campaign has been considerably more difficult.

JoshRT acknowledged that the team is no longer producing the consistently positive domestic results it once did, while competition across the region has also become stronger.

Rather than viewing that entirely negatively, he believes the difficult season has forced both the players and coaching staff to confront their weaknesses.

For JoshRT , there is even something refreshing about the situation.

“It's good to be an underdog again.”

He believes the adversity could help G2 make further progress and potentially take another step toward winning an international trophy.

G2 prepare for another lower-bracket run

G2 will enter the playoffs from the lower bracket, meaning there will be no margin for error.

JoshRT said the team's preparation will focus heavily on maintaining a strong and consistent map pool regardless of which opponent drops down from the upper bracket.

Despite the more difficult route, the coach remains confident that G2 can respond to the pressure.

The team has already spent much of Stage 2 fighting with its season on the line, and JoshRT believes that experience could become valuable as the playoff bracket becomes increasingly unforgiving.