Jacky “Stewie2K” Yip has finally returned to CS2 as a substitute for G2 Esports at IEM Dallas.
Once a CSGO Major champion and a household name in esports, Stewie2K has been on the sidelines ever since leaving Evil Geniuses in July 2022. The player has been hinting towards a potential return for over a year, riling up fans. After years of anticipation, he will stand in for G2 Esports in place of the team’s in-game leader at IEM Dallas.
The return is a shock to many fans, who are equally surprised and happy to see Young Stew back in action.
Stewie2K agreed to stand in for G2 after team captain Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen chose to miss IEM Dallas to attend his sister’s wedding.
A key factor for the choice is likely the location of the tournament. While most active CS players have visas for the United States, finding an elite replacement for Hooxi in under a week is a daunting task. While G2 has multiple members who are registered as substitutes, many have important managerial roles or are unavailable to play.
With the IEM being held in Dallas, the Smoke Criminal must have been high on the list of available targets. As an American citizen, Stewie2K could join G2 immediately and start preparing for his return.
Stewie2K never officially retired from CS2, but he did take an extended break to focus on streaming and new projects.
Earlier this year, Stewie2K agreed to a similar deal to play as a stand-in for Legacy between March and April. He played an exact total of three games with the team during the Esports World Cup NA closed qualifier. He then promptly left the roster. However, the player’s ambitions for competitive esports are not limited to just Counter-Strike. Stewie2K has expressed interest in competing in Valorant, but this short stint with G2 may rekindle his passion for pro CS.
“Being away from CS doesn’t mean I closed the doors. I’m ready to grind, always loved it, and if the time comes where I need to grind again and compete at the highest level I’m ready to do so,” said Stewie2K on social media in 2023.
Stewie2K is already one of the most successful North American players in history at only 26 years old. Playing for G2 at IEM Dallas could give Stewie2K the exposure to receive new contract offers from big organizations and revive his career. If the team ends up winning the tournament, it could herald a new era for the legendary rifler.
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