The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Counter-Strike 2 tournaments in recent memory, and G2 Esports’ stand-in player Aleksander ‘Hades’ Miśkiewicz is ready to make his mark. As the first Major Championship held in the United States since Boston 2018, the Austin event carries significant weight for all participating teams, but perhaps none more so than G2 Esports, who find themselves in a unique transitional period.
Speaking candidly about his team’s preparation and expectations, Hades brings both humor and determination to what could be his final opportunity to showcase his abilities with the G2 roster. The Polish AWPer, currently on loan from Monte, has had additional weeks to integrate with his temporary teammates and develop the chemistry necessary for Major success. His optimistic outlook stems from lessons learned during recent tournament disappointments, viewing past setbacks as valuable preparation for the high-stakes environment of Austin.
The tournament format presents both opportunities and challenges for G2 Esports. With 32 teams competing across multiple stages from June 3-22, 2025, at Austin’s Moody Center, the competition promises to be fiercer than ever. The $1.25 million prize pool and the prestige of Major Championship status have attracted the world’s elite Counter-Strike 2 teams, making every match crucial for advancement.
What makes this Major particularly intriguing for G2 Esports is the impending roster changes. With HEROIC announcing that Alvaro ‘SunPayus’ Garcia and coach Eetu ‘sAw’ Sahan will join G2 after the event, this tournament represents the final chapter for the current lineup configuration. This transitional context adds layers of complexity to Hades’ preparation strategy and the team’s approach to the competition.
Team Preparation and Mindset
G2 Esports (Image via Getty)Hades approaches the Austin Major with a refreshingly honest perspective on G2’s recent performances. Reflecting on disappointing results at IEM Dallas and PGL Astana, he jokingly remarked, “I think it’s good that we threw those tournaments, so maybe we won’t throw the Major”. This lighthearted approach masks serious preparation work, with the team utilizing their additional practice time to refine strategies and build cohesion.
The stand-in player emphasizes a straightforward game plan: “Just play our game, try hard for every single round”. While this may sound simplistic, it reflects a mature understanding of what’s required at Major-level competition. Rather than overthinking complex strategies, G2 is focusing on executing their fundamentals consistently across all matches.
Tournament Goals and Expectations
Despite external skepticism, Hades maintains ambitious goals for the Austin Major. “I would say playoffs, at least. But we aim for the win, of course. I know not many people believe, but that’s the plan”. This confidence isn’t unfounded, as G2 has historically performed well against teams like 3DMAX, their first Stage 3 opponent.
The Polish player acknowledges the quality of their competition while remaining optimistic about G2’s chances. He particularly praised 3DMAX’s aggressive playstyle, noting it can be “really uncomfortable to play against them a lot of the time”. However, G2’s positive head-to-head record against the French team provides confidence for their opening match.
Personal Motivation and Legacy
For Hades, the Austin Major represents more than just team success—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate his individual capabilities before his G2 tenure ends. “I want to help my team. I want to play good, you know, and see how much damage we can do at this event”. This personal motivation could prove crucial in high-pressure situations.
The upcoming roster changes create an interesting psychological dynamic. Hades suggests this could reduce pressure on players, though he acknowledges it might also affect motivation levels. His hope is that the reduced pressure will benefit the team’s performance rather than diminish their drive to succeed.
