huNter- on G2 Esports advancing to the IEM Cologne Major 2026 playoffs: “We’ll fight until the end no matter what.”
G2 Esports captain Nemanja “huNter-” Kovac commented on the victory over Natus Vincere in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, discussed the comeback after the setback on Dust2, and shared his expectations for the tournament’s playoffs.
On the victory over Natus Vincere
It was very stressful. Compared to when I was just a player, things are a little different now. Back then, you could focus only on yourself and try to keep your eyes on the crosshairs the whole time. But now it’s different when you’re the captain. You have to think about the whole team and see the big picture, so it’s even more stressful. But we were ready for any turn of events, and I think we deserved this victory.
On the loss on Dust2
We blew a lot of rounds on Dust2. We lost a lot of bad rounds that gave them momentum, and our morale dropped a bit, especially after one of those rounds. Before that, we’d also lost the eco round. Then we wanted to push a bit on the defense side after those two rounds, but the coach said, “Guys, there’s no need to force anything; you’re playing great. We just had some bad luck in a few rounds—we just need a little more focus.” But overall, we really played well as a team, especially on CT. We had a good plan. And the idea on Inferno was to play as a team just like we did on Dust2, and to reset as quickly as possible.
About HeavyGod
I’m really glad to have a player like him on my team. There aren’t many players like HeavyGod. Players who are truly great in those roles. Let’s call them, so to speak, “not the most pleasant roles” on many maps. He never complains about anything. He’s the perfect teammate. He does everything for the team, and on top of that, he’s very consistent. And you can count on him. You can be sure that he’ll either hold his position perfectly and stay alive, or kill three opponents when they push out.
On advancing to the playoffs
We’ll fight to the end no matter what and give it our all, just like we did in the second and third stages of the tournament. It won’t be easy, no matter who we face. But our main goal was to secure a spot in the playoffs. Now, of course, there will be pressure. We’ll be playing in front of a huge crowd at the LANXESS Arena. For us as a team, this is an amazing experience, especially for those players who don’t often play at Majors, in Major playoffs, or at the LANXESS Arena. So overall, it will be an incredible experience, and I can promise that we will give it our all.
Earlier, G2 Esports defeated Natus Vincere 2-1 and finished the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a 3-2 record. Thanks to this, the “Samurai” advanced to the tournament’s playoffs, where they will continue their fight for the championship title.
