"It was a spontaneous choice": G2’s in-game leader Valyn discusses JonahP’s exit from the team
The departure of JonahP took many by surprise, leaving the Canadian player with little time to secure a new roster. This unexpected move came as G2 Esports was riding high on their impressive performances throughout 2025.
G2 not only secured its place in the International League for another year by qualifying for VALORANT Champions 2025 but also made a significant impact by finishing second at Masters Bangkok and achieving a top-five placement at Masters Toronto.
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In an interview with Esports Insider during the pre-event press conference for the 2026 Americas Kickoff, Jacob 'valyn' Batio, G2’s IGL, shared insights into JonahP’s sudden removal.
"We’re continually searching for ways to enhance our team dynamics. This offseason was particularly chaotic, and the decision to part ways with JonahP wasn’t something we anticipated. I think everyone would agree with that sentiment. It was very much a spur-of-the-moment choice," Valyn explained.
"We believed that Andrej [babybay] could offer us a unique perspective that we haven't had at these international competitions, particularly concerning the mental aspects of the game. Our performance noticeably improved when he played with us in Stage 2 while leaf was unavailable, and I'm sure fans remember those standout moments.
"With babybay on board, G2 appeared rejuvenated, so we wanted to incorporate that energy heading into 2026 by including him in the starting lineup, as he still possesses exceptional skills. Everyone is aware that babybay has been one of the most formidable mechanical players in VALORANT history," Valyn elaborated.
Supporting Valyn's remarks, babybay stated, "I feel like Jacob [Valyn] accurately captured a lot of the key points. One of my primary responsibilities here is to keep the team focused, particularly on the mental side of things. I believe I contribute significantly to the calling while ensuring everyone remains concentrated, especially during distracting moments."
Reflecting on his return to competitive VALORANT and his individual gameplay, babybay added:
"It has been enjoyable rediscovering my form and developing my distinct style with these new agents, and it's exciting that no one truly knows how I will approach playing them."
G2 Esports Strives for an International VCT Trophy in 2026
Since joining the International League in 2024, G2 has established itself as one of the most reliable teams in the VCT. Nevertheless, the organization continues to pursue its first international championship title.
The team came agonizingly close at Masters Bangkok, falling just short in a nail-biting best-of-five series against T1.
Valyn acknowledged the mental strain the team has faced on stage and suggested that adding babybay could be a step toward alleviating that pressure. He expressed hope that the squad would capture at least one international title during the 2026 season:
"Last year had its highlights but also some low points. We experienced a significant setback at Champs [Champions Paris], which hit us hard. While we achieved a top-four finish in Toronto, if we’re honest, we needed a miraculous 3-11 comeback just to reach that point. It was a struggle, and it still wasn’t enough.
"We’re determined to find a way to claim that first-place position. Maybe this decision is the solution, or perhaps it's not, but we feel it's a step in the right direction. The choice to let go of JonahP was tough, but we’re eager to see how everything unfolds," Valyn concluded.
Fans can catch all matches from the event live on the official Twitch and YouTube channels for VCT Americas.
