G2 Esports to reportedly part ways with Yike and Mikyx
It appears G2 Esports are wasting no time, with the latest reports indicating that jungler Martin "Yike" Sundelin and support Mihael "Mikyx" Mehle have been allowed to explore other opportunities.
This decision comes less than 24 hours after G2's elimination from Worlds 2024, marking a significant shift for a lineup that dominated the LEC over the past two years.
As the organization looks to close the gap between domestic success and international aspirations, the move signals a new chapter for both the players and the team.
Crucially, the report, which comes from Sheep Esports' Alejandro "Anonimotum" Gomis, indicates that Yike and Mikyx will hit the market without buyouts. As such, they are both bound to be incredibly attractive options for any and all Western teams.
Yike's meteoric rise comes to a halt
Yike, who joined the team at the end of 2022, has been instrumental in G2's European domination. Ever since his tier-1 debut with G2, Yike has helped the team secure a whopping 7 LEC titles in just 2 years of play.
While Yike has often been in the conversation for best jungler in Europe, the truth is that it was always difficult to tell if the young player was a standout performer in his own right, or little more than a beneficiary of the incredible players and coaching staff with which he was surrounded.
A former Rookie of the Year in the LEC, Yike should have no shortage of suitors in the upcoming off season.
In his two years with G2, Yike has done little other than win. (Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games)Mikyx - A perennial champion stumbles
Where does one even begin with Mikyx? An eleven-time LEC Champion, an MSI Champion and a former LEC MVP, Mikyx is simply one of the most storied supports in the game.
Despite an amazing individual year in 2023, during which he won his first and only LEC MVP award, Mikyx' recent form has been on a downwards spiral.
At Worlds 2024, more specifically, very little of what the Slovenian support tried ended up working out. His trademark aggressive and fearless approach to the game simply did not work against stronger Asian sides. Mikyx often found himself out of position, which teams at Worlds were always quick to punish. In the end, these overextensions ended up costing his team dearly.
Though he may have stumbled in the end, Mikyx played a massive part on getting G2 this far to begin with.
While Mikyx has been around for a long time, he's surely still got a love to give. With a big name like his on the market, it will be interesting to see which team will be walk away ready to make the most of Mikyx' vast competitive experience.
G2 looks past Europe
Yike and Mikyx have been instrumental in G2's regional dominance, helping the team on their way to securing every single LEC trophy in 2024.
However, despite their regional accomplishments, G2 struggled to replicate this success on the international stage. Their performances at MSI and Worlds over the last two years exposed the gap between Western and Eastern teams, with G2 repeatedly falling short against formidable opposition like BLG or T1.
With G2 aiming to elevate their game to a world-class level, the decision to part ways with Yike and Mikyx reflects the organization's intent to explore new dynamics and reinvigorate their roster for the upcoming season.
Make no mistake, though, whoever joins G2 in the end will have massive shoes to fill.
For the latest League of Legends news, follow Strafe Esports. To follow everything on Worlds 2024, check out our full guide. Also follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with your favorite players and coaches.
Image source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
Read more:
League of Legends Worlds 2024 Quarterfinals Pick'Em Guide
Worlds 2024 Knockout Stage: Round 1 Draws, Matchups, Schedule and Predictions
Bilibili Gaming eliminate G2 Esports from Worlds 2024