On the third day of the 2025 Game Changers Championship, G2 Gozen swept NOVA Esports GC, sending them to the Lower Bracket.
G2 Gozen field one of the most experienced rosters in the circuit, complemented by a rising rookie ready to make her mark on the tournament. For many fans, G2 Michaela "mimi" Lintrup and G2 Petra "Petra" Stoker stand as icons, players to look up to, carrying an incredible 10 titles between them, including a Game Changers Championship (GCC) in 2022.
In their opening match of the 2025 Game Changers Championship tournament against NOVA Esports, making their debut on this stage, G2 Gozen proved how invaluable experience can be, staying composed and delivering even in the most stressful moments.
Veteran duo anchor G2’s run with unmatched experience
It’s impossible to talk about G2 Gozen without mentioning G2 mimi or G2 Petra, the "G2Gether" duo. Both have been pillars of the roster since its formation in 2021, and together they’ve amassed ten titles, nine domestic and one international.
They’ve long been chasing their second Game Changers Championship trophy, but the path hasn’t been easy. In both 2023 and 2024, the duo finished in third place, falling short of dethroning Shopify Rebellion Gold.
After a difficult start to the season, one without a single title, and with Petra sidelined for two months, Stage 3 looked daunting for G2 Gozen. Yet their resilience, bolstered by a fully rebuilt roster and Petra’s return, proved enough to steady the ship and push the team forward. With the victory secured and another title added to their collection, G2 Gozen clinched their spot at the 2025 Game Changers Championship.
G2 Gozen cruised past Nova with a two-map victory
Corrode was an unexpected map pick from NOVA Esports GC, but G2 Gozen was more than ready for the challenge. The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading rounds back and forth. However, in the second half, G2’s experience shone through, as their precise and coordinated plays dominated on the attack side. The pressure was too much for the Chinese team.
On the second map, the first half was largely one-sided, as a confident G2 Gozen showcased their best on Split. Despite NOVA’s efforts to shake their composure and turn the match around, they couldn’t exploit any weaknesses. In the end, the European squad secured a clean 2-0 victory.
What's next?
G2 Gozen’s Upper Bracket run continues, as they now face Team Liquid Brazil for a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, NOVA Esports’ journey moves to the Lower Bracket, where they will take on the loser of the match between Shopify Rebellion and Karmine Corp. This will be their last chance to keep their spot in the tournament.
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