World Cup 2024 Insights and Journey to London Content Presented by AGON by AOC | (Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)
For G2 Esports, the upcoming 2024 League of Legends World Championship represents more than just another tournament on the calendar. It’s a pivotal moment for the organization—a chance to reclaim the international dominance they aimed for back in 2019. That year, G2 reached the finals in Paris but ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy. With the World Cup returning to Europe, expectations are soaring, especially following G2’s breathtaking Grand Slam victory in the 2024 LEC.
G2’s initial foray into Worlds saw them decisively conquer PaiN Gaming. However, their second match against Hanwha Life Esports exposed some vulnerabilities, testing their mettle. Assistant coach Christopher ‘Duffman’ Duff emphasizes that the pressure to excel against the world’s elite is something the team thrives on.
The revival of G2’s gameplay this year has largely been credited to their enhanced macro play and game discipline, improvements that Duffman has championed since rejoining the coaching staff at the start of the 2024 season. Players like Cabbage and Broken Blade have acknowledged Duffman’s invaluable influence, helping them hone smarter decision-making and adopt a well-structured approach in crucial moments.
In an exclusive interview with Duffman, we explore G2’s journey in the 2024 World Cup, his coaching philosophies, the significance of competing on home turf, and the aspiration for the finals in London.
Cecilia Ciocchetti: Thanks for joining us, Duffman. What are your thoughts on the match against HLE?
G2 Duffman: The match didn’t start in our favor, I’ll admit, but I was thrilled with how the players responded. They really sought opportunities to make plays. People often say you face stronger teams at these events and they won’t make mistakes. However, we still saw some familiar mistakes from these teams—they’re not invincible. We managed to create a lot of pivotal plays, particularly from Broken Blade and Caps, who executed well. Unfortunately, we didn’t clinch the win; it was a bit tough in the final moments. But I’m pleased with our resilience in the face of adversity.
“The cliché rings true: there’s much to learn from this game. It’s about making crazy plays when we’re behind—and at this point, that’s where we excel. We’ll use our extra day to refine our game plan,” Duffman expressed on social media.
Duffman on the HLE Defeat
How do you and your coaching staff prepare players for scenarios where the game starts off poorly, but victory is still within reach?
A lot of it stems from having solid fundamentals—understanding logical patterns. When opponents commit to a play, they inevitably leave something open, and we must be primed to capitalize. We make sure athletes know how to position themselves correctly against the wave they need to counter. When they go for an objective, we position ourselves to counteract without allowing them an easy path. That’s the core of our strategy. Plus, the players’ creativity is vital—Broken Blade and Caps often identify plays that others overlook. Our prep is crucial, but so is their ingenuity.
Looking at the broader picture, how do you see the impact of international tournaments, such as the World Cup, on player growth?
These tournaments are monumental. While we train intensely in Europe, we often find ourselves isolated from the global scene; we can watch how others play but not fully comprehend the dynamics until we face them. Competing at this level forces us to adapt rapidly; we must elevate our game beyond the slower European pace. Here, we’re the dominant team, and other squads often underestimate us. In this international setting, every squad fights for every advantage, which is key for our development.
“Playing in London would be a dream,” Duffman continues. “Major events in the UK inspire so many people, instilling the belief that they can pursue careers in esports. It’s not just about players; it gives hope to staff members, too.”
Every team brings its own unique strengths to the arena. What has G2 learned from its rivals?
We’re more inclined to utilize side-lane strategies, making that our winning flow in this match. If we had grouped up and forced team fights thinking we could win easily, it would have turned against us. Our main advantage lies in map control, ensuring we take what is available while keeping them on their toes. This approach creates openings for us, leading to free Nashor or unexpected kills that shouldn’t have happened.
How does G2 handle the tremendous expectations from fans as Europe’s beacon of hope at the World Cup?
Absolutely, there’s immense pressure—especially since we aim to win several tournaments each year, including MSI, EWC, and Worlds. You can be flawless all season, but one off-day can cost you everything. We’ve learned to cope with this pressure; it’s embedded in our culture. We understand the weight of expectation and know it keeps our focus sharp. We’re serious about what we do, and that serves us well.
What does the return of the World Cup to Europe, culminating in the finals in London, mean for you personally?
It’s fantastic. Playing in London would be a dream—imagine having family there while showcasing our talent. Returning to Europe brings a sense of comfort; we’re familiar with our studio and environment, removing some of the uncertainty. This allows us to channel our energy into our performance rather than logistical worries.
Duffman reflects on the exciting growth of League of Legends events in the UK, noting its historical significance.
“It’s a thrilling time. At the start of my esports journey, the UK scene was underdeveloped. Now, seeing World Cup events hosted in places like London is exhilarating.”
What impact do you think hosting the World Cup in London will have on the esports landscape in the UK?
These events are truly inspirational. When casual gamers see that the World Cup is coming to London, it ignites the spark in them—they think, ‘This could be a path I can take.’ It’s a monumental opportunity for everyone, particularly for those in the industry who may not be top-tier players but have roles behind the scenes.
“There’s a lot of pressure on us, but it’s a motivating factor. It keeps us sharp and prevents complacency. We’re serious about our ambitions,” Duffman states.
Finally, if G2 reaches the finals in London, what are your hopes for the team?
I hope we can deliver a much better performance than our last World Finals appearance! That’s my primary hope right now. I don’t want to set my sights too high, but I’ll definitely be crossing my fingers.
Is there anything specific you want G2 fans to know about the team?
I really want to highlight Mikyx and Cabbage. At these events, a lot of the spotlight tends to shine on Caps and Broken Blade, but Mikyx and Yike are absolutely fantastic individuals. Their personalities are vibrant, and I think international fans should recognize how special they are. We need to give those players their due credit.
The passion and determination in G2’s camp are palpable, and as they gear up for Worlds 2024, the journey carries the hope of reclaiming glory on an international stage.
