Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski has become the heart of G2 success story at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. After joining the team in July, he helped G2 win two major events—BLAST Premier: Fall Final and BLAST Premier: World Final—and reach the Esports World Cup grand final. Now, his exceptional performance at the Major has guided G2 into the playoffs, proving that even after years away from the top level, Snax still has what it takes.

The Comeback Story

After leaving Virtus.pro, many thought Snax’s career at the highest level was over. He played in lower-tier Polish teams with limited success. His future in tier-one Counter-Strike seemed bleak until his former teammate, Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas, now G2’s coach, saw potential in him as the top tier IGL. TaZ pushed to bring Snax into G2 as their new in-game leader, replacing Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen.

The move came with high expectations. Snax was expected to add firepower while providing experienced leadership. His arrival marked a major change for G2, which had struggled with inconsistency. Early results were shaky, and Snax’s individual performance was even worse than HooXi’s at times. Many questioned the decision, but the team’s faith in him paid off when they won two major tournaments within a few months.

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Elimination Stage Excellence

At the Shanghai Major, Snax finally found his rhythm. His consistent performance has been a driving force for G2 throughout the Elimination Stage. His overall rating of 6.0 speaks volumes about his steady play, with notable performances in key matches:

• The MongolZ: 6.1
• BIG: 6.1
• 3DMAX: 5.6
• FaZe: 6.1

Snax’s adaptation to a more supportive role—a position he wasn’t known for—helped unlock G2’s potential. He previously played as a star player, but in his current role, his focus on securing map control and making smart in-game calls has been invaluable.

Clutch King of the Major

One of Snax’s defining moments came against 3DMAX when he won a crucial 1v2 clutch, securing a vital best-of-one match. His ability to close out tough rounds has been key to G2’s success at this event. Snax won four clutches and remains one of the leading player by this stat. His clutch playstyle has helped stabilize the team, creating space for stars like Nikola "NiKo" Kovač, Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa and Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov to shine.

Even though G2’s journey hasn’t been flawless—they lost to The MongolZ—the team fought back by defeating BIG, 3DMAX, and FaZe to reach the playoffs.

The Experience Edge

Snax stands out as the only Major winner on G2’s roster, having claimed the title at ESL One Katowice 2014 with Virtus.pro. A decade later, his wealth of experience continues to be a game-changer. His knowledge of high-pressure environments, coupled with his ability to perform in clutch situations, has been a cornerstone of G2’s success.

A Critical Final Chapter?

This Major might be Snax’s last tournament with G2. Reports suggest NiKo is set to join Falcons in 2025, which could trigger further roster changes within the team. If these rumors turn out to be true, G2 might undergo a complete rebuild, potentially leaving Snax without a team.

However, Snax is making sure that if this is his final run, it will be one to remember. His ability to adapt and lead on the big stage shows that he still belongs at the highest level.

What’s Next for G2?

With the playoffs coming soon, G2 looks strong. Snax’s experience and smart decisions will be very important in tough matches where even small mistakes can be dangerous.

Snax’s return isn’t just a short comeback—it’s becoming a real success story. He has surprised everyone, showing that age and time away from the top level don’t stop a great player. If G2 wins the Major, it will be one of the best comeback stories in Counter-Strike history.