“My job is to understand the people around me,” G2 valyn on leading the team in 2026

G2 Jacob "valyn" Batio came from Ascension in 2024 to prove he could be more than just a leader. One year later, with three domestic titles, a second-place finish at Masters Bangkok, and the Red Bull Home Ground title on his shelf, he still believes there’s plenty of work ahead for the next season. One of his main goals remains securing international titles for G2 Esports.

In an exclusive interview with esports.gg, G2 Valyn discussed his leadership and the importance of being the team’s pillar, supporting them through both the highs and lows. He also reflected on the past season, shared insights on what’s coming next.

"Not winning any international titles is definitely something we need to change next year. I think mentality might be a key area to work on, because we have the skill, the players, and the system to make it happen. We deserve to lift an international trophy, but somehow, in those crucial moments, we’ve fallen short," valyn explained.

In 2025, the team came very close to winning a trophy at Masters Bangkok, but T1 was determined to bring the title back to South Korea. After another strong domestic run, the team fell short at the Masters Toronto, finishing in fourth place. The Champions 2025 run was even more disappointing, as the team didn’t perform as expected and ended up in 7th–8th place.

However, the team finished the year with a big victory over the Champions 2025 winners at the Red Bull Home Ground, one of the biggest off-season events.

"We’re working hard to become top athletes and high performers, and we’ve reached some of the greatest moments of the year, and we’re more than ready. We got a taste of that in Bangkok, and it’s a shame we let it slip. But now we’ve learned from it. It’s been a slow process, yet I’m confident in our growth," he stated.

To take this team to the biggest stages, G2 valyn has to be more than a leader. "People respond differently depending on the situation. When you’re losing games, some need motivation or words to uplift them," the IGL added. "Even when you’re winning, responses vary. Some people need to be kept grounded, while others you can trust to keep working hard. I think my job is to understand the people around me and know how to support them when they need it."

According to valyn, he has always been someone who tries to help and comfort others, offering advice when things get tough. Being in the IGL role comes naturally to him. He acknowledges that his experience has shaped him as well, having learned firsthand what it feels like to lose a grand final. He now uses that experience to guide and support his team through similar situations.

"When you think about your personal legacy as an IGL, how do you want to be remembered in three to five years?" esports.gg asked.

G2 valyn answered: "What I want most is to be remembered by my teammates, the people I work with every day. I want them to think of me as the best leader they’ve ever had, someone they could trust to 'go to war' with and follow on any path. I want them to have complete confidence in me.

Playing for big championships, they must see me as that stable, reliable leader, and the person they can depend on. That’s why I care so much about how the people around me feel.

Publicly, I’d also like to be known as a showman. Someone fun to watch, a player fans look forward to seeing on stage. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the wins, but how you win. To me, that matters just as much in shaping public perception.

Ahead of the 2026 season, valyn wants to leave a message to the fans. “I’m sure right now might seem like a questionable time. There’s news about our team’s roster, about everything. But I hope you all have faith in us and continue to believe. We believe in this team a lot. Next year, I hope we can make you proud: bring home some international trophies, fill up the cabinet a little, and make everyone happy. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”

On Nov. 12, it was announced that Jonah "JonahP" Pulice would no longer be part of the active roster. As a result, Andrej "babybay" Francisty was promoted to the main roster.

Currently, the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 is taking place in South Korea, with G2 Gozen considered one of the favorites for the title. For G2 valyn, there is no doubt about who is going to win. "Every time they play, I expect them to win because they’re so dominant. There are a lot of strong teams in the tournament, but they are my team, and I’m confident they can do it.”

For the G2 Gozen squad, valyn will be supporting them all the way. “You guys know what it takes. Just go out there, be confident, and trust yourselves because you’re all incredibly talented. Vania is the GOAT, so you’ve got this. You’re going to win it all.”

When asked, “Between you and mimi, who is the best G2 IGL?” he replied, “mimi, 100%. She’s an incredible leader, and she’s won a lot to prove it.” The next G2 Gozen match will be held on Nov. 26 against Team Liquid Brazil.

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