G2 Esports has announced that Nathan “leaf” Orf will be missing the VCT Americas Stage 2 as he hasn’t yet recovered from a medical condition that continues to keep the star player sidelined from pro Valorant play.
leaf is one of the most experienced players G2 has, and that’s why the team’s fans were worried when they found out that he would miss the 2025 Esports World Cup due to health issues. The Valorant pro wanted to compete alongside his teammates, but doctors advised that he prioritize his health. Fans were hoping for leaf’s speedy recovery and return to the game, but there is some more bad news now on offer for those fans. On July 18, G2 announced that leaf is still not medically fit and will be missing the start of VCT Americas Stage 2.
G2 has stated that pro Valorant player leaf will be missing for the start of the VCT Americas Stage 2 competition, and because he’s out on the sidelines for medical reasons, he won’t be returning until he’s sufficiently recovered.
In July, G2 announced that leaf wouldn’t be flying out for the Valorant Esports World Cup tournament because of health issues. The team’s assistant coach, Peter “shhhack” Belej, was announced as the squad’s substitute until leaf’s return. Details about leaf’s exact illness still aren’t being revealed, but the player had been facing health complications ever since Valorant Masters Toronto.
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Now leaf will be missing at least part of VCT Americas Stage 2 because he still hasn’t recovered his health. G2 stated in its tweet that the team will play with a substitute until leaf manages to return to the active Valorant roster for the organization. The team didn’t specify whether assistant coach shhhack will continue as a sub.
There have been rumors that Max “Demon1” Mazanov or Andreh “Babybay” Francisty may join G2 in the interim. The team hasn’t yet confirmed anything, but G2’s first VCT Americas Stage 2 match is on July 20, leaving the organization with little time to make a decision. And that’s especially true if leaf’s absence ends up being an extended one.
It’s unclear exactly what medical issue leaf has, but there have been rumors that the player may have a wrist injury. The wrist is a vital part of any pro gamer’s mechanics, and if players can’t handle their mouse correctly, it can be debilitating. It isn’t confirmed whether leaf does indeed have a wrist injury, but it’s clear that whatever medical issue the player has, it’s serious. This sort of speculation will only continue until leaf either goes public with the exact nature of the health issue that’s keeping him sidelined, or until he returns to the VCT stage.
UPDATE: G2 has made it official that former FaZe Clan pro Andrej “babybay” Francisty will be standing in for leaf.
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