What is The Castle?
What has G2 done?
G2 Esports found itself in the midst of controversy following its partnership with CSGORoll, a CS:GO skin gambling site, announced in May 2023. The announcement was particularly contentious because it featured m0NESY, a young CS:GO player for G2, who was only days past his 18th birthday at the time of the promotional video’s release. This situation sparked widespread criticism due to the sensitive nature of gambling and its promotion to potentially underage audiences within the esports community. Critics and community members raised concerns about the ethical implications of using a newly legal adult to promote gambling, highlighting the broader issue of gambling in esports and its accessibility to young fans.
Despite the initial push to incorporate CSGORoll as a partner, described by G2 as a move to elevate the player experience with skin trading and social gaming, backlash from the community led to G2 distancing itself from CSGORoll. Within three months, G2 began removing traces of the partnership from its platforms, including social media and promotional content, although CSGORoll continued to list G2 Esports as an official partner on its website.
Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2 Esports, had emphasized the fun and expressive aspect of in-game skins, mentioning m0NESY’s enjoyment of selecting skins as part of his connection to the game. The partnership was framed as an opportunity for G2 fans to access rare skins, aligning with G2’s goal of enhancing fan experiences. However, the manner of the announcement and the involvement of a young player right after becoming legally eligible for gambling sparked a significant pushback, illustrating the complexities and responsibilities of esports organizations in their partnerships and promotions.
Ilya ”m0NESY” Osipov was signed by G2 Esports from Na’Vi Junior on January 3, 2022, when he was 16 years old.
