On May 5, 2025, G2 Esports won back-to-back vct americas titles, securing their place among the elite—and once again proving that this roster isn’t just talented, they’re battle-tested. But this story didn’t begin with G2. It began with The Guard, a roster built from the ground up, forged in adversity, and ultimately robbed of their shot at greatness by off-stage failures.
This is the real story behind G2’s rise—the unbelievable journey of The Guard, and how one of Valorant’s greatest rosters almost never made it to tier one.
The Guard: Built for Glory, Betrayed by Management
Back in late 2021, The Guard was formed under the KSE umbrella, an org backed by billion-dollar sports teams like the Rams and Nuggets. The project had vision, funding, and purpose. Under the leadership of IGL valyn, flanked by young guns like Trent, JonahP, neT, and Sayaplayer, the team took NA by storm.
By early 2022, The Guard shocked the region, defeating giants like 100 Thieves and Sentinels. They went toe-to-toe with OpTic Gaming and Cloud9, and eventually qualified for their first international event—Masters Reykjavík.
But while their run was cut short by LAN-experienced squads like Paper Rex and OpTic, the message was clear: The Guard were no fluke.
Ascension, Denied: Riot’s Brutal Standards Crush Their Dreams
After missing Champions in late 2022, The Guard bounced back with a vengeance in 2023. Despite being denied a partnership slot due to poor organizational management, the core stuck together. They added Tex and brought in JoshRT to coach, and together they won NA Challengers and Ascension Americas 2023—earning their way into VCT Americas.
Or so they thought.
In August 2023, Riot announced The Guard had failed to meet basic onboarding requirements—like signing player contracts and completing legal documentation. Despite doing everything right on the server, the org failed them off it. Riot revoked the slot.
G2 Steps In—And History Changes
In one of the most unprecedented moves in Valorant history, G2 signed the entire Guard roster, inheriting their slot for the 2024 season. The players were in, but The Guard was officially out. The org that raised them folded their Valorant division shortly after.
What followed? A redemption arc for the ages.
From Redemption to Dominance: The G2 Era Begins
Under the G2 banner, the roster thrived. They fought their way through a stacked VCT Americas field, claimed back-to-back titles, and as of June 2025, they’re considered favorites to win Masters Toronto.
They didn’t get here because of legacy or brand power—they got here because of grit, trust, and chemistry. And it all started with The Guard’s blueprint.
The Guard’s Legacy Lives On
What happened to The Guard is a cautionary tale: a reminder that in esports, talent alone isn’t enough. Behind every great roster is a need for structure, support, and operational excellence.
But The Guard’s players? They’re still here. And they’re winning.
G2 may be holding the trophies now, but the heart of their success beats with the same energy that once made The Guard Valorant’s greatest underdog. That name may not be on stage anymore, but its legacy is very much alive.
For more deep dives into Valorant’s competitive history, keep it locked to AllValorant.gg
Source: Cypher Valorant on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions about The Guard and G2 Esports
Who were The Guard in Valorant?
The Guard was a North American Valorant team formed in 2021. Known for its young talent and disciplined play, they became one of NA’s top teams by 2022 but were denied VCT partnership due to organizational issues.
Why did The Guard not make it into VCT Americas?
Despite winning the Ascension Americas tournament in 2023, The Guard failed to meet Riot’s operational requirements, including signing contracts and submitting proper legal documentation.
What happened to The Guard’s players after the disqualification?
G2 Esports signed the full roster, bringing them into VCT Americas 2024 and giving them a second shot at the tier one scene—one they’ve capitalized on by winning back-to-back regional titles.
Is G2 a partnered Valorant team?
No. G2 entered the league by taking over The Guard’s slot. They recently secured Champions qualification, which locks in their VCT status for the 2025 season.
What is the legacy of The Guard?
Despite organizational missteps, The Guard’s player development and tactical discipline left a lasting impact. Their rise, fall, and transformation into G2’s current success is one of Valorant’s most powerful stories.
