The 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) has been a stage for thrilling competition, with several matches extending to a full five games. One such clash was the highly anticipated encounter between G2 Esports and T1. This heavyweight matchup promised fireworks, with both teams boasting storied pasts and a competitive rivalry. G2, known for their aggressive and unpredictable playstyle, had triumphed over T1’s legendary mid laner Faker on four previous occasions. However, while the match delivered on the promise of excitement, G2 ultimately fell short, and the performance of their star AD Carry, Hans Sama, became a focal point of criticism.
A Tale of Two Teams: Domination and Disappointment
The first two games of the series were a masterclass from G2. Their top lane trio of Caps, BrokenBlade, and Yike displayed exceptional synergy, applying relentless pressure and snowballing an early lead. Hans Sama, however, remained relatively quiet in these games, failing to deliver the carry performances G2 fans have come to expect.
The tide began to turn in the third game. T1 managed to secure a crucial victory, thanks in part to inspired plays from their jungler, Mun. This set the stage for a dramatic fifth and deciding game.
A Turning Point: Questionable Decisions and Costly Mistakes
Forced to play around their bot lane due to the game state, G2 shifted their focus to Hans Sama’s Jinx. Unfortunately, his itemization choices raised eyebrows. He opted for a Bloodthirster and Phantom Dancer build, prioritizing survivability over raw damage output, a surprising decision given the team’s need for aggressive carries to counter K’Sante, T1’s dominant top laner.
To add insult to injury, Hans Sama made a crucial positioning mistake in the game’s decisive teamfight. He found himself caught out in full view of T1, allowing Faker to unleash a devastating burst of damage and eliminate the key threat. This blunder turned the tide of the fight, leading to T1’s eventual victory and G2’s heartbreak.
Fan Backlash and Regional Disappointment
The Western audience was visibly disappointed with Hans Sama’s performance. Social media was flooded with criticism, with some comments suggesting he wouldn’t even be considered for teams in the Vietnamese Championship Series (VCS). Even more worrying for G2 was the reception from the LPL (League of Legends Pro League) fanbase. Hans Sama received a meagre 2.2 rating on HUPU, the lowest score awarded to a player on this platform.
A Glimmer of Hope: Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, G2’s journey at MSI isn’t over. Their next opponent, PSG Talon, presents a less formidable challenge compared to T1. However, G2 would be foolish to underestimate their foes. PSG Talon recently pushed Bilibili Gaming, the LPL’s dominant team, to the brink, showcasing their potential to upset. G2 cannot afford a repeat of their inconsistent performance against T1. They must tighten their execution and address Hans Sama’s struggles to maintain their hopes of claiming the MSI title.
Beyond the Blame Game: A Call for Improvement
While Hans Sama’s performance undeniably drew the most criticism, G2’s struggles cannot be attributed solely to him. The team’s entire strategy in the final game seemed questionable, leaving their AD Carry in a precarious position. A more balanced approach, with a focus on protecting and empowering Hans Sama while still prioritizing a damage-oriented build, could have yielded a different outcome.
This MSI encounter serves as a wake-up call for G2. Their aggressive playstyle, which has brought them success in the past, requires a meticulous level of coordination and execution. G2 must return to the drawing board, analyze their shortcomings, and identify solutions to ensure they can bounce back stronger in future tournaments.
Conclusion
The 2024 MSI has exposed weaknesses within G2 Esports. Their reliance on Hans Sama’s individual brilliance proved unsustainable against a well-prepared T1 team. Moving forward, G2 needs to find a better balance between individual skill and strategic execution. The upcoming match against PSG Talon offers them a chance to redeem themselves, but they must demonstrate a renewed focus and a corrected approach if they hope to overcome their challenges and claim glory on the international stage.
