G2 Esports has revealed that Andrej ‘babybay’ Francisty will fill in for Nathan ‘leaf’ Orf as the squad enters VCT Americas Stage 2. This announcement follows news that leaf, a pivotal member of the G2 lineup since October 2023, will be sidelined at the start of the stage due to health concerns. G2 had previously shared that leaf was unable to compete at the Esports World Cup owing to a medical condition, with assistant coach Peter ‘shhhack’ Belej stepping in for that event.
Leaf’s Impact on the Team
Leaf, with experience from Cloud9, has played a significant role for G2, noted for his sharp game sense and reliability. Since joining, he’s been instrumental in helping the team claim regional victories and place in the top four at three Masters tournaments in 2024. Despite these achievements, an international title remains just out of reach for him and G2.
Introducing Babybay: From Overwatch to VALORANT Caster
Babybay brings extensive esports experience, having transitioned from a successful Overwatch career—where he represented teams such as San Francisco Shock and Atlanta Reign and reached the Overwatch League 2019 Stage 1 Playoffs Grand Final—to VALORANT. He made his mark early with FaZe Clan, securing a runner-up finish at the VCT North America Stage 1 Masters in 2021. After stepping away from competitive play in 2023, babybay became a familiar face as a commentator and analyst for major VALORANT events, including VCT Americas, VALORANT Champions, and Masters Shanghai.
A Versatile Competitor Returns
Not limited to just Overwatch and VALORANT, babybay has competed in titles like Crossfire and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, earning a reputation for adaptability and high-level performance. Now, after building a career as part of VALORANT’s on-air talent, babybay is set to return to the stage as he joins G2 Esports for VCT Americas Stage 2.
Looking Ahead
Before his comeback, babybay expressed that he had always hoped to compete live in VALORANT and that G2 Esports has provided him the opportunity, demonstrating that persistence can lead to realising personal goals.
This move marks a notable moment for both G2 Esports and babybay, as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in VCT Americas Stage 2.
G2 Esports has signed up Andrej ‘babybay’ Francisty to substitute for Nathan ‘leaf’ Orf as the team heads for VCT Americas Stage 2. The announcement was made after news broke out that Leaf had been facing health issues and so will not be able to lineup at the start of the stage. Ghost Gaming member leaf was an integral part of the G2 lineup since October 2023. According to a previous statement made by G2, Leaf could not compete at the Esports World Cup due to a medical condition. As such, assistant coach Peter ‘shhhack’ Belej took his place at the event.
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Leaf’s Impact on the Team
Leaf has made meaningful contributions to G2 with experience from Cloud9. He is known for his good game sense and reliability. Ever since his arrival, he has helped the team become regional champions and finish in the top 4 at 3 Masters events during 2024. However, both him and G2 are still yet to win an international title.
Babybay: Caster for Overwatch and VALORANT
Babybay has plenty of experience within the esports world and was a pro in Overwatch. He previously played for San Francisco Shock and Atlanta Reign and helped them reach the Overwatch League 2019 Stage 1 Playoffs Grand Final. He made a name for himself early on with FaZe Clan, finishing 2nd at the VCT North America Stage 1 Masters in 2021. After taking a break from playing competitively in 2023, babybay became a regular commentator/analyst for several major VALORANT events like VCT Americas, VALORANT Champions, and Masters Shanghai.
A Versatile Competitor Returns
Not just Overwatch and VALORANT, babybay has played games like Crossfire and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and has earned a high reputation for that. With narrative creating a career being part of VALORANT’s on-air ability, babybay is set to return to the amount as he joins G2 Esports for VCT Americas Stage 2.
Prior to returning to competitive play, babybay stated that he has always dreamed of competing live in VALORANT. He believes that G2 Esports has provided him that opportunity and that persistence pays off.
G2 Esports are seeing babybay make a move that should mean something. The team is looking to stay relevant in VCT Americas Stage 2.