Ceh9: “It’s a complete failure” – opinion on the replacement of HooXi with Snax in G2
After today’s announcement of Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski’s signing as the new captain of the G2 Esports counter-strike team, replacing the previously departed Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen, the community had diverse opinions on this change. Some praised the move, citing Snax’s extensive experience and leadership qualities as key factors that could help stabilize the roster and guide the team to success. Others expressed concern, noting Snax’s somewhat inconsistent individual performance in recent years and questioning whether he was the right choice to helm the squad.
Despite the mixed reactions, G2’s management seemed confident that Snax was the right person for the job. In the official announcement, they highlighted his strategic mind, veteran presence, and ability to bring the team together as crucial attributes that led to his selection. The organization stressed that they believe Snax can help unlock the full potential of G2’s talented lineup and return the team to the top echelons of competitive Counter-Strike. Only time will tell if this move pays off for G2. The community will be closely watching to see how the team performs under Snax’s leadership in the coming months. For now, the debate rages on about whether this was the right call, underscoring the high stakes and passionate nature of professional esports.
The Veteran’s Return: Can Snax Revive G2’s Fortunes?
Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski is one of the true veterans of the professional Counter-Strike scene. Over the course of his lengthy career, he’s played for some of the most prestigious organizations in the game, including the legendary Virtus.pro lineup that dominated the early-to-mid 2010s. Even on lesser-known teams in more recent years, like GamerLegion, Snax has consistently demonstrated his effectiveness as both a skilled player and a respected leader. At the height of his powers with Virtus.pro, Snax was widely regarded as one of the most versatile and impactful players in the world. He had an uncanny ability to make clutch plays, often single-handedly swinging the momentum of a match in his team’s favor. Snax’s game sense, aim, and decision-making were all at an elite level, allowing him to excel in a variety of roles and scenarios. Beyond his individual brilliance, Snax also possessed strong leadership qualities that helped bind the Virtus.pro squad together. The team’s signature “Golden Five” lineup, which included Snax as well as longtime teammates like Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas and Filip “NEO” Kubski, was known for its unwavering teamwork and camaraderie. Snax played a crucial part in fostering that cohesion, drawing praise from both his teammates and opponents. Even in more recent years, as Virtus.pro’s dominance waned and the roster underwent significant changes, Snax remained a steady and reliable presence. His ability to adapt to new in-game roles and synergize with different personnel was a valuable asset. While Virtus.pro never quite recaptured their former glory, Snax’s leadership and experience helped the team remain competitive at the highest levels.
This storied background is likely a key reason why G2 Esports decided to bring Snax on board as their new team captain, replacing the previously departed Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen. It’s a high-profile move that has generated significant discussion and debate within the CS2 community. One particularly vocal critic of the decision is Ukrainian CS legend Arseny “ceh9” Trynozhenko, who minced no words in his assessment. “I believe that this is a complete failure,” ceh9 stated emphatically.
“There are a lot of young and experienced players on the market now, and the team takes a veteran who should have left the game long ago and become a coach. It might work for the short term, but it won’t make a difference in the long run.” Ceh9’s perspective carries significant weight, given his own extensive experience as a professional player. Over the course of his illustrious career, he faced off against Snax and his long-time Virtus.pro teammate TaZ on numerous occasions. In fact, ceh9 managed to secure just a single victory in 7 total meetings with that formidable duo.
That lone win came back in 2013, when ceh9’s Natus Vincere squad edged out Snax and TaZ’s UniversalSoldiers in a grueling 31-28 Dust2 thriller at the RaidCall EMS One Fall Finals. Ceh9 fondly remembers the intense head-to-head duels his team was able to win against the Polish stars, ultimately proving the difference in that tightly contested affair. As for HooXi’s contributions to G2 prior to his departure, the stats paint a somewhat underwhelming picture. Over his 6-month tenure with the team, HooXi managed just a 0.93 rating – a fairly mediocre individual performance, especially for a player in a leadership role. It’ll be intriguing to see how Snax’s in-game impact and ability to elevate his teammates compares, particularly at the upcoming $1 million Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Replacing a team’s in-game captain is always a high-stakes gamble in competitive Counter-Strike. Sometimes it can unlock a new level of performance, as was the case when Astralis revamped their leadership structure and went on to dominate the scene. But other times, as ceh9 warns, it can lead to more problems and continued struggles.
Only time will tell if Snax is the answer G2 needs to reclaim their place among CS2’s elite. The veteran Pole has the pedigree and experience to potentially steady the ship, but questions remain about whether his individual skills have diminished too much to make a meaningful difference. G2’s loyal fans will be closely watching their team’s results, hoping that Snax can channel his past glory and inject new life into the struggling squad. Ultimately, the success or failure of this move will hinge on how Snax is able to leverage his leadership abilities and in-game impact. Can he rally the G2 roster and restore the team to its former heights? Or will ceh9’s dire prediction prove accurate, with Snax’s best days behind him and the team continuing to flounder? The stakes couldn’t be higher, as G2 aims to reassert itself as a dominant force in the ever-evolving world of professional Counter-Strike.
