Hans Sama hails Perkz on the eve of Worlds 2026
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On the eve of the 2026 Worlds Swiss Stage, G2 Esports' Hans Sama praises head coach Perkz and previews the team's opener against LCK's Dplus KIA.
G2 Esports' marksman Hans Sama gave an interview on the morning of October 23 (Korea Standard Time), one day before the opening of the 2026 League of Legends World Championship Swiss Stage, during the tournament's Asset Day. In the conversation with Inven, the ADC praised the impact of head coach Perkz, detailed the factors behind G2's 2026 LEC hegemony and looked ahead to the European side's opener against LCK's Dplus KIA. The remarks land in the final stretch of preparation, as G2 already features among the highlights of the event's programming — which also reserves the K/DA show for the opening ceremony.
A season of absolute dominance in the LEC
Built around BrokenBlade, SkewMond, Caps, Hans Sama and Labrov, G2 Esports won every LEC competition this year and booked the European slot at Worlds on undisputed merit. The path, however, followed a curious pattern: small stumbles in the regular season followed by unstoppable runs as soon as the playoffs arrived.
For Hans Sama himself, the secret lies in how the group has grown together over the years.
“We worked really hard this year, in an intense and smart way, as a team. Based on the knowledge we have built up playing together over the years, we have kept improving constantly. We came to understand each other more deeply, and our play as a team became much more refined. So even with ups and downs in the regular season, we always hit our peak in the playoffs, which ultimately allowed us to win every tournament this year.”
Perkz in charge: energy, confidence and macro direction
Since the Summer Split, Perkz's appointment as head coach has drawn attention across the European scene: a historic player of G2's own, an international champion with the team, returning to the squad's daily life — now as part of the coaching staff. Hans Sama did not hold back his praise for the new commander.
“Perkz instills incredible confidence and energy into the team. Having someone like that in the group is really great. Macro-wise, he gives us a lot of fantastic direction. Together with Perkz, we work as a true team to solve every problem. The process of brainstorming a winning plan together and executing it has been great. As a person, he is someone who radiates great energy.”
The ADC's words reinforce a thesis that gained traction over the season: Perkz's transition from on-stage star to strategist is more than symbolic. His macro reading and the collective building of game plans turned G2's tactical decision-making into a joint effort — and the results showed up precisely in the highest-pressure moments.
The playoffs formula: less laboratory, more execution
According to the player, the difference between the phases of the season is a deliberate methodological choice, not a mere dip in form.
“During the regular season, we try out lots of different approaches in every aspect of the game and learn from each one of them. In the playoffs, on the other hand, we focus on reading the meta accurately, building strategies around it and mobilizing all the knowledge we have accumulated to execute perfectly.”
In the marksman's view, G2's greatest strength remains its ability to adapt.
“We don't stick to the same approach every time; we find a suitable winning plan for every situation. I think those factors explain our success in best-of series,” he added, sketching a faithful portrait of the team: versatile, exploratory when there is room to fail and ruthless when something is on the line.
G2 Esports' lineup for the 2026 World Championship
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Top | BrokenBlade |
| Jungle | SkewMond |
| Mid | Caps |
| ADC | Hans Sama |
| Support | Labrov |
| Head Coach | Perkz |
The opener against Dplus KIA kicks off the Swiss Stage
In the draw for the first round of the Swiss Stage, G2 Esports was matched against LCK's Dplus KIA. It is a heavyweight opponent: the clash between the LEC's dominant 2026 team and a Korean organization with Worlds pedigree promises to open the European run with a very high degree of difficulty.
“Dplus KIA, our first opponent, is a very strong team. We will need to take a proactive and decisive approach against whatever they bring to the table. I'm really looking forward to this match.”
Before the clash, the European recalled that the team arrives at the tournament boosted by a recent cycle of learning. “We have learned so much over the past few weeks. I'm really excited to show what we have learned as soon as possible. My teammates and I are filled with confidence,” he stated.
Mindset: full commitment, natural results
On a personal level, Hans Sama preferred to reduce the pressure to a simple equation of commitment and execution.
“I fully believe in my own play and our team's capabilities. If we fully immerse ourselves in the matches and solve problems quickly, as each situation demands, results will follow naturally. Since we have learned so much this year, I plan to focus on staying mentally prepared. If I pour everything out in every match without regrets, I'll be truly happy.”
Where the European campaign is heading
G2 Esports enters the 2026 Worlds as the LEC's dominant force: the roster is consolidated, the coach has worn the same jersey as a player, and the tactical structure has proved it can level up at the decisive moment. The first exam, of course, will be against Dplus KIA — and the marksman's stance reveals the group's philosophy: proactivity, decisiveness and trust in their own game.
To follow the next stages of the tournament, check out our esports news section and the opening ceremony coverage, along with Hans Sama's full interview on Inven Global and the official Riot Games website.
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