When G2 VALORANT announced leaf’s medical issues in July, fans wondered what the team’s future would look like with a substitute during VCT Americas Stage Two. At least Champions qualification was already secured, they thought. Little did they know Andrej “babybay” Francisty would defy the odds to hold the roster together.
Babybay is a former pro player who retired from the VCT scene in 2023 before transitioning to esports casting in 2024. Fans admire him for his energetic personality and sharp insights during live VALORANT broadcasts.
While casting kept him connected to the meta, his time away from hands-on competition raised doubts about whether he could withstand the pressure of returning as a player for G2 Esports, one of the world’s strongest teams. Those doubts, however, were proven wrong.
After completing two series against NRG and 100 Thieves, babybay now ranks as the second-highest rated player in the VCT Americas Stage Two playoffs, flaunting excellent stats of 1.25 rating, 226.4 ACS, and 1.37 KD, to go with a team-high 84 percent KAST, according to Vlr.gg. Sure, it’s only been two matchups, but these were just his sixth and seventh games after nearly two years away from competition.
The group stage was a tougher challenge for babybay as he worked to adjust both to the team and the game. Even then, he consistently contributed by providing crucial utility support. Now, it seems he’s shaken off the rust and is ready to compete at full potential, reminiscent of his peak days with FaZe Clan’s VALORANT roster.
While babybay is covering for leaf’s spot as a sentinel in G2, he was previously a duelist main, which explains why his fragging ability hasn’t dulled despite the break. His recent casting experience also adds an edge in game sense. After analyzing countless pro matches since last year, he’s likely developed a keen understanding of most American VALORANT teams and their strategies.
But with leaf’s return, babybay will likely step back into casting rather than continue playing. Leaf has undeniably been a cornerstone of G2’s formidable run throughout the VCT 2025 season, yet it still feels bittersweet to see a player with babybay’s potential exit the server.
Leaf is now out of the hospital and training to regain form as G2 aims to grab a glorious three-peat ending to the season with a VALORANT Champions win in September. Babybay will likely remain in the lineup until the end of VCT Americas Stage two, though Leaf’s return could come sooner or later than expected. Still, fans would love to see the talented caster-turned-stand-in work his magic at least once more, ideally in G2’s upcoming upper finals series against Sentinels on Aug. 29.
What’s certain is that babybay has proven his capability. After this breakout run, it feels only right to hope he finds another chance in VALORANT esports, this time with a permanent spot on a roster.
