Where is G2 Esports' Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez?
In a few short years of its existence, G2 Esports has risen to utmost prominence. The organization competes in multiple divisions and has a top team in all of them.
Their League of Legends division is the only Western team to win MSI, their CS team has been amongst the best squads since their inception. They are a partnered Valorant organization and a multiple time Rainbow six siege champion.
The now esport juggernaut is one of the best examples of player owned esports organization and how they should operate and scale successfully. The player who later successfully transformed into a successful owner is none other than the enigmatic Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez.
Who is Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez?
Carlos is a former League of Legends Mid laner who started with SK Gaming in 2010. He along with his teammates finished third at the first event they attended and were amongst the top european teams in Europe at the time.
He competed with SK until 2013, placing in top three multiple times but not winning an event. He parted ways with SK Gaming in 2013 to establish Gamers2, which later became G2.
Carlos played under the Gamers2 banner until 2014 and later transitioned to a management role within the organization.
The organization was rebranded to G2 Esports in 2015 and Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez was appointed as the CEO of G2 Esports. He since became the face of the organization and amassed notoriety for his outspoken attitude and his strong takes.
Carlos ‘Ocelote’ Rodríguez at 2022 LEC Playoffs (Image by Michal Konkol/Riot Games)During his stint as CEO, G2 Esports rose to the top of the esports world. They became a top contender in League, Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six Siege. They became the first Western team to lift MSI in 2019.
Carlos’ Twitter (now X) was a window into his outwardly personality. He actively celebrated his organization’s small victories. The extroverted energetic fun-loving personality gained a lot of eyes and he was the center of attention of G2.
Carlos’ “I Party With Whoever The F*** I Want” Controversy ?
Calos’ reign as G2’s CEO lasted until 2022. In 2022, he posted a video celebrating G2’s performance with controversial internet figure Andrew Tate. The post received a lot of backlash, but Carlos being Carlos, doubled down on his video, stating “I Party With Whoever The F*** I Want”
His reaction to the outrage added fuel to the already raging fire. After the events, G2 Esports announced that he would step down as the CEO.
Riot investigated the matter and barred him from holding any managerial position in any Riot-sanctioned organization until 13th November 2022. It was also speculated that the incident cost G2 a partnership spot in Riot’s VCT system.
Where is Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez?
Since his departure from G2 Esports, Carlos wasn’t as active on Twitter (now X). He later established ‘The Circle’, a subscription based club that ‘promises’ to help growing weekly businesses.
He has also shifted to Dubai and doubled down on his Andrew Tate support. His support for Tate’s ideology has also severed any paths for Carlos to return to G2 Esports or any major esports organization which competes in a Riot event.
In November 2023, It was reported by Esports Insider, that Carlos has joined Farcana, a WEB3 based gaming studio as a director and will help them grow and scale.
The studio is currently developing a four on four ability based shooter. The game had its alpha testing last year and has Carlos’ interest. Carlos is also back on X.
Featured Image Credits: G2 Esports
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