After the loss to BLG, G2 Rodrigo discussed the team’s draft choices, the current meta, and his appreciation for the fans’ support.
At The First Stand 2026 on Day 3, G2 Esports fell short against Bilibili Gaming (BLG), losing their first series of the tournament 0-3. G2 analyst Rodrigo “Rodrigo” Domingues Oliveira shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, areas that need improvement, and their approach to both the tournament and the current meta.
Serving as the team’s main analyst since 2021, Rodrigo has been instrumental in their success, contributing to regional titles and stronger international showings. In an interview with esports.gg following their loss to BLG, he also expressed gratitude to the fans for their support since the team’s arrival in Brazil.
G2’s late-game problems
In all games of G2 Esports’ series against BLG but the last, the European team built an early lead but ultimately failed to capitalize on it. “We had chances to win the first and second games, but we played very badly in the decisive fights,” the analyst explained. “Mechanically, the fights could have been much better. The preparation was good, but then we failed on a mechanical level, and they ended up winning.”
After two map losses, having everyone on the same page can be difficult, but G2 Rodrigo likes to remind the team that everyone knows the game’s fundamentals. “You can always win the reverse sweep, although it is morally more difficult. It is always a more difficult discussion backstage because we lost games in good positions, but we have to be present, focus on the next plan, and adjust some things.”
Against BLG, G2 Esports brought back the Senna–Nautilus duo. With Annie in the hands of Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther, the draft felt unconventional, and Rodrigo noted it may have lacked damage, which was compensated for with range. Once BLG locked in Galio, taking him down became nearly impossible, and G2 failed to punish him in the mid lane.
G2 Rodrigo explains the team’s “controlled chaos”
G2 Esports is known for its high-risk, chaotic playstyle, a hallmark of the team that has remained its signature identity despite roster changes over the years. For Rodrigo, the solo queues have a lot of impact in securing data on other champions and bringing them to the players.
“I work closely with players to develop software that helps them understand this,” the analyst explained. “They can give me a vote of confidence, and together we create a feedback loop where I offer suggestions, and they assess whether it makes sense for them.” The Senna-Nautilus duo is a very good example of their synergy.
Between their LEC Versus victory and The First Stand, the team had little time to adjust. With such a short competition, the players mainly focused on adapting and learning as they went.
“If we play at our level, we can beat anyone. Today, we didn’t, and we ended up losing,” he said. “Last year, we faced these teams and won, even taking series, so there’s nothing we can’t do.” For Rodrigo, it’s all about believing in the team’s potential and having the heart of a competitor.
For G2 Rodrigo, the current meta works in the team’s favor. With enchanters returning to the bot lane, Lampros “Labrov” Papoutsakis can excel on champions like Lulu or Milio. Although today’s performance didn’t fully reflect it, the analyst noted that the team is very aware of the meta and comfortable playing within it.
Loving Brazil and being an analyst for G2
While the work of many analysts often goes unnoticed, Rodrigo takes pride in what he has accomplished with G2 over the past few years. Despite changing rosters and competitions, he believes he has consistently added value and helped the team whenever possible. “The biggest lesson is always to trust your team. Sometimes you need to be creative to win, and that’s something I always try to carry with me,” he said.
As a Portuguese-Brazilian, Rodrigo loves the country, and being at The First Stand in Brazil has been an incredible experience. The team has been warmly received by fans, whom Rodrigo described as “very welcoming.” And, of course, the food is fantastic.
Following their loss to Bilibili Gaming, G2 must defeat FEARX to stay alive in the tournament. The match is scheduled for March 20.