It’s a deal that was a long time coming, but Version1 – the owners of Minnesota Rokkr – have finally secured a strategic partnership with G2 Esports. It was back in April 2023 that the rumours started surfacing about Minnesota Rokkr’s parent company, ‘V1’, but until now, nothing solid has been confirmed. Earlier today, Version1 confirmed that G2 Esports will now have ‘operating rights’ to the Minnesota Rokkr CDL team, which brings G2 back into the Call of Duty esports ecosystem after a four-year absence.

This makes G2 Esports one of the most expansive organisations in the business. At the time of writing, the company fields teams in VALORANT, League of Legends, Fortnite, Sim Racing, Rocket League, Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six Siege, and now, Call of Duty.

Continued Growth

It was just a few weeks ago that G2 Esports picked up The Guard’s abandoned VCT Americas roster in VALORANT. It was a strong step into the space that shook the boat for some organisations. For instance, it was reported that Disguised Toast, the founder of Disguised, stated that ‘G2 had too much money’ when it came to bidding for The Guard’s spot and team. It’s the name of the game, though – and that’s likely an explanation as to how and why G2 Esports has wound up back in the Call of Duty space.

Earlier this year, during the 2023 CDL season, Minnesota Rokkr went on a huge downward spiral, going on an eight-match losing streak and failing to produce any solid results. In the Call of Duty League, Minnesota Rokkr hasn’t won a tournament since the Stage 5 Major during the Cold War season, which was in August 2021. During that event, one of the most remarkable finishes was ever produced in the history of esports, with Rokkr going 0 – 4 down against Toronto Ultra and then winning 5 – 4.

Here’s a statement from Alban Dechelotte, the CEO of G2 Esports:

‘We can’t wait to bring the G2 way to yet another esports league with Minnesota Røkkr in the Call of Duty League™; it’s one of the most exciting leagues in North America with highly engaged and passionate fans. We’re excited to show them how G2 does things, and look forward to winning more trophies for our North American fans.’

Perhaps G2’s leadership will be able to turn things around for the squad.

New Season, New Me

Version1 broke the news on Twitter earlier today, stating that the organisation will ‘no longer be fielding competitive teams or active in content creation’.

Fortunately, G2 Esports is one of the most widely-known and trusted names in the industry, so the move was welcomed with open arms by fans of the Rokkr. Going into the new season, which starts on December 8, the all-new roster of Accuracy, Lynz, Owakening, and Vivid will look to start scoring big wins early. The team’s first match will be against the Carolina Royal Ravens, a revitalised team with its own brand-new roster.

Let’s wait and see how the new G2-backed squad performs.

For more Call of Duty esports news, stay tuned to Esports.net