VCT Game Changers legends G2 Gozen make a strong start to the European Circuit with an unbeaten record in the Group Stage.
In 21 maps, they only lost three. Despite one of their players being benched for sickness before their final Group Stage game, they were still able to dominate Heroic Valkyries 2-0 to solidify their win streak.
The return to greatness: G2 Gozen’s 2025 roster
G2 Gozen are the most successful European Game Changers team. They won the 2022 VCT Game Changers Championship in Brazil, and in both 2023 and 2024, they came in third place behind North and South American rosters.
However, going into 2025, the team needed a shake-up.
Mathilde ‘Nelo’ Beltoise joined at the end of January, replacing Eda Naz ‘rezq’ Akçocuk. Then, April saw the biggest team overhaul as G2 Gozen bid farewell to Petra ‘Petgra’ Stoker, who had played on the roster since October 2019.
The need to shift Petra to a duelist-centric role disrupted the team’s synchronisation. Consequently, they felt pushed to begin trials for her position.
After ten days of trials, Petra decided to step back from competition completely, and Esllene ‘Akita’ Xu took her place.
Since being benched from G2 Gozen, Petra has participated in VCT broadcasts. She even joined the VCT EMEA on-air talent during the Regional Final to offer her expertise at the analyst desk.
G2 also decided to bring on fresh coaching staff. UK coach and analyst Drew ‘DrewSpark’ Spark-Whitworth was welcomed to Gozen on April 29th.
For Gozen’s active roster, the change in team composition has reunited the synergy and dominance the team is recognised for. They have stormed through the VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 2 Group Stage, obliterating every team in their path.
Their impressive performance also gained them a record as the team with the most consecutive Group Stage wins.
Substitute selection catapults benched player back to the spotlight
The final day of VCT Game Changers EMEA saw G2 Gozen forced to take on a substitute player. Akita was forced to rest following an injury. Former ALTERNATE aTTaX Ruby player, Elena ‘Ellie’ A., filled in to complete the team.
After a strong performance with a 40/30/9 Kills/Deaths/Assists (KDA), Ellie confessed that she was feeling the drive to compete again after leaving ALTERNATE aTTaX Ruby’s active roster earlier this year.
“I didn’t expect two months away from the server to feel that long – but yesterday made me realize just how much I missed competing.”
The talented 18-year-old continues to seek a permanent home in the women’s circuit.
VCT Game Changers EMEA Playoffs begin
The top two teams from the Group Stage, G2 Gozen and GiantX, progress directly to the Upper Bracket Semi-Final on June 16th.
However, the Playoffs begin with K-Corp, Twisted Orchid, SK Nebula, and BLVKHVND competing on June 15th in a knockout round.
G2 Gozen will be aiming for another VCT EMEA Regional win. From their roster’s Group Stage performance, they are likely to achieve it.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.
