Esports giants G2 found themselves embroiled in a dispute with newcomer team Breakthru during the Challengers League North America Split 1 Week 2, which took place on February 11th. G2 had a tough time against Breakthru in the group stage, losing the first set on Haven, but equalizing on Ascent. In the final set on Pearl, things started off well for Breakthru, who dominated the first twelve rounds. However, G2 rallied, and a technical issue then arose during the 18th round, causing a lengthy delay and tension between the teams.
Despite G2 winning the final set 13-8, some players, including dapr and Wippie, took to social media to vent their frustration at Breakthru. Wippie accused BreakThru of requesting a rematch of a round G2 had dominated, a claim which was promptly denied by BreakThru Flyuh, who stated that his team had not requested a rematch, and had been alt+tabbed out of the game at the moment they were knifed down.
Coach Tanizhq of BreakThru also denied any such request, and most viewers sided with the newcomers, with some branding G2’s behavior unprofessional and childish.
The loss was Breakthru’s first defeat in the North American regional competition since January. Despite this setback, many viewers still see the new “superteam” from the United States as potential champions for the North America region in 2023.
Esports competitions, such as the Challengers League, now regularly draw in millions of viewers from around the world, who tune in to watch skilled gamers compete for cash prizes.
However, with the growth of esports comes a growing need for professionalism and good sportsmanship. In the wake of the G2 and Breakthru dispute, many fans were left disappointed by the behavior of some G2 players. As esports continues to grow, it’s important that players and teams remember that they are representing a rapidly expanding industry, and that professionalism is key to its continued success.
