G2 Esports has revealed that their coach, Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas, will temporarily fill in for Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač during the initial matches of PGL Astana 2025. The organization explained that the last-minute change was necessary due to huNter- encountering unexpected visa complications, delaying his arrival at the tournament.
G2’s Updated Lineup for PGL Astana
With huNter- temporarily unavailable, G2’s roster for the event will consist of:
- Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa
- Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko
- Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski (captain)
- Aleksander “hades” Miśkiewicz (on loan)
- Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas (coach/stand-in)
The team humorously referenced the situation in their announcement, stating that the competition was “too easy” due to visa issues, prompting TaZ’s inclusion for the opening matches.
TaZ’s Legacy in Counter-Strike
TaZ is no stranger to high-stakes competition. Before taking on coaching duties for G2, he made a name for himself as a formidable player, most notably leading Virtus.pro to victory at DreamHack Masters Las Vegas 2017. Transitioning into coaching, he has since guided G2 to impressive finishes, including a second-place result at PGL Bucharest 2025.
The veteran player-turned-coach took to social media to share his thoughts on returning to active play, joking about saving Polish Counter-Strike while expressing confidence in the team’s adaptability. Meanwhile, huNter- publicly voiced his support for TaZ, reassuring fans of his eventual return.
huNter-’s Impact and Fan Reactions
Despite his absence, huNter- remains a key contributor to G2’s recent successes, including their strong performance at BLAST Premier: World Final 2024. Fans quickly reacted to the roster change, with one noting the nostalgic appeal of seeing TaZ alongside fellow Polish players Snax and hades, suggesting the trio could bring unexpected energy to the tournament.
PGL Astana 2025: What to Expect
The event, running from May 10-18, 2025, features 16 teams battling for a $625,000 prize pool. The Group Stage will follow a Swiss System format with best-of-three matches, narrowing the field to eight teams for the single-elimination playoffs. The Grand Final will be a best-of-five showdown, ensuring an intense conclusion to the competition.