G2 hang on with a thrilling win over HEROIC at the Shanghai Major.
Nikola "NiKo" Kovac's tenure with G2 Esports continues with a stunning 2-1 (6-13, 13-9, 16-14) win over a spirited HEROIC at the Shanghai Major, which included one of the maps of the year on Mirage.
HEROIC's fairytale run of their own comes to an end at the hands of G2. For a moment it appeared the squad, who are in the midst of a rebuild of their own, were going to put Nikolai "NiKo" Kovac's tenure at G2 to an end — but cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa stepped up when it mattered most.
HEROIC open with strong start despite blistering NiKo performance
G2 entered the quarterfinal as stiff favorites against a plucky HEROIC squad who stunned the world last week, eliminating world number one's Natus Vincere from the major during the elimination stage.
But the young squad was out to prove it wasn't a fluke, putting G2 to the sword on Ancient in the opening map of the series. AWPer Abdul "degster" Gasanov led the way for HEROIC in the 13-6 win, but NiKo (22-12, 1.69 rating) stole the show despite G2's swift loss.
The superstar rifler's form held firm on Nuke. A narrow 7-5 lead was quickly converted by G2 with NiKo taking full control of the series — he dropped 20 kills on the CT half alone as he led the team to a 13-9 rebound, forcing map three Mirage.
Related articles
MalbsMd takes huge step up as G2 fight off HEROIC
The recovery effort from G2 appeared over, however. NiKo ran out of gas managing just 13 kills in regulation, but in his place, Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa, who is set to take over NiKo's roles in G2 following the latter's exit after Shanghai, ascended. HEROIC shifted up a gear too with a brilliant T side on Mirage but after clutch rounds and ridiculous anti-eco wins, nether could be split and overtime was needed.
MalbsMd had 24 kills in regulation and was instrumental in overtime, with a bonkers one-versus-three clutch a highlight among highlights. HEROIC did their best to stay in the hunt but were ultimately outgunned. G2 held on to close the map with a single overtime 16-14.
Little is known about what G2 will become after Shanghai given NiKo's exit has been confirmed, but malbsMd has slowly come into his own at the Samurais. He'll need to be at his best if G2 hope to send off NiKo with a major win — they'll need to beat Vitality or FaZe in the semifinal tomorrow.
For more CS2 news and coverage check out esports.gg!
