"We created this team because most of the players involved weren’t comfortable with their respective teams. It kind of felt natural to merge together and create what is now G2. After some talks it felt like we shared the same ideas of a team and how to make it work together. We also talked about possible roles and it all felt that it was fitting together 'easily'", NBK tells Fragbite.



"If he keeps on working and listening, no doubt that he will become a strong and respected French player", NBK says about bodyy.

"A lot of teams like to have that upcoming player in their roster for the simple fact that it’s extra motivation, and these players will listen to what you tell them. From the little I know him, he’s very calm and respects what he has to do in game. The fact that he can also play support will free me a little more and we will share the hard/dirty roles. If he keeps on working and listening, no doubt that he will become a strong and respected French player", NBK describes bodyy's place.



"He will be a key part for the evolution of our team", NBK says about SmithZz.

"SmithZz has the passion for the game and is one of the most experienced player out there. His role in the beginning is mostly to give us discipline and help the individuals that need it. With an external view he can give us feedback on the 'truth' of what happens, whether we win or lose rounds. He will be a key part for the evolution of our team."



"Working towards a more universal game plan that can adapt to anyone", that's the plan for G2.

"The upside is that it will give us much more time to focus on getting better on six maps. We tried to pick up six maps from the beginning and we need a lot of practice on most of them, as we are changing playstyle and working towards a more universal game plan that can adapt to anyone."

"The problem nowadays is that there are too many good teams to really create a rivalry, and no team is going to crush the opposition like it was in the past. It kinda feels natural that there is this 'rivalry' between them and us, and we take it that way. Playing those guys has always been tough, and I’m glad that they are back together simply for the level of CS they produce. It’s gonna be a lot of fun!"

The whirlwind that is Silly Season has resulted in numerous Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player swaps all across the globe. Although there have been high profile changes in most of the popular regions, the latest edition of "Le French Shuffle" might take home the grand prize in terms of headlines and general buzz.The changes saw G2 Esports gather some of the region's most known players to create somewhat of a super team, at least on paper. According to Nathan "NBK" Schmitt, one of the team's players, the construction of this squad started in December. Approximately a month prior to the expiration date of the players' contracts.Aside from Schmitt, the team consists of Richard "shox" Papillon, Kenny "kennyS" Schrub, Dan "apEX" Madesclaire and the up-and-coming player Alexandre "bodyy" Pianaro. The latter is by far the least experienced player in the squad, and the only team member who has not won a Valve Major, as he only joined the top tier in April last year.A lot of fans question his spot in the team, as the Belgian aim-master Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom was initially available. According to NBK, bodyy's lack of experience is one of the many reasons they want him on the team, as well as his obvious potential.Generally, finding great players isn't the hardest part of cooking up a successful team. The players are only one ingredient in the recipe, and you need a lot more to make everything come together. According to NBK, no real complications came up under the construction of the team, at least not for him as a player. However, there was one uncertainty — Edouard "SmithZz" Dubourdeaux.The former G2 AWP'er had been a professional player for just about ten years, and he made the choice to step down as a player to become the new team's coach — a decision Schmitt is very happy with. This role is still pretty new to the Counter-Strike scene, and there aren't many examples to follow. However, NBK thinks SmithZz has what it takes to become a great coach, much thanks to the combination of his interest and experience in the game.Sometimes when a new team is formed, everything instantly clicks and the results come pouring in from the get-go. This has not really been the case for G2 Esports, as they fell to Fnatic and Heroic in the qualifier to IEM Katowice shortly after their reveal. Sure, you shouldn't read too much into a single qualifier, but in this case it really had a big impact on G2.As the organization's previous team also failed to qualify for DreamHack Masters Las Vegas, there have been very few tournaments for the French super team to attend. However, there's positivity in everything. G2 would have liked to attend IEM Katowice, as it's described as "an amazing event" by Mr. Schmitt, but the lack of tournaments also give them more time to practice and create a broader style.The part about being able to adapt to anyone is probably also a key ingredient to become a great and successful team in today's wacky world of professional Counter-Strike. This is best explained by NBK himself on a follow-up question regarding Fnatic's new team, and a potential super rivalry between the two, as he thinks the level of Counter-Strike is on the verge of being too high for clear rivalries to exist.It's still unclear when we'll get to see this new super team play an offline tournament, but hopefully by that time they will have gained enough synergy to be a top contender. We can still experience their journey to the top by watching them in online leagues such as the European ESL Pro League Season 5 as well as the upcoming SL StarSeries i-League Season 3 qualifier.