G2 Babybay is looking to prove there’s still room for older players in VALORANT Esports

Ever since transitioning to broadcast work in 2024, Andrej "babybay" Francisty hasn’t been looked at as a potential roster addition for teams in the competitive VALORANT scene—an unfortunate consequence of something entirely out of his control: his age.

At 30 years old, the talented duelist finds himself at a stage of life that, while unremarkable in most careers, is often seen as the final chapter in esports. In a scene dominated by young rising stars and a constant search for fresh talent, it has forced many players to give quiet goodbyes.

G2's stuns fans with Babybay pickup

But for Babybay, the 2025 season has been anything but quiet. It has become a story of rebirth, rediscovery, and relentless determination. When G2 Esports needed an emergency substitute to fill in for Nathan "leaf" Orf—who was sidelined due to ongoing health issues—they turned to the seasoned veteran. It was a surprise move to many, but for Babybay, it was the exact chance he had been waiting for.

“It’s why I didn’t make the league in the first place,” he said candidly. “The last year I played Challengers, I had the second-best stats in my role. Keep in mind, it was definitely just Jett and Neon, but still. I didn’t really get tryouts that first year of partnership. [In the second year], I trialed for Evil Geniuses and NRG, but obviously they went with different options. I know for a fact, if I had the same level of play and I was in my early twenties—or even mid-twenties—I probably would've gotten picked up.”

Youthful sparks or veteran wisdom

His comments touch on a broader discussion within esports: the prioritization of youth over experience. Teams often lean toward younger players who can be molded into their ideal vision—a blank slate for coaching staff to work with. While this makes sense from a long-term investment perspective, it can leave seasoned players like Babybay on the outside looking in, regardless of performance.

“Here's the thing when you're an older player, people think that you're set in your ways and you're uncoachable,” Babybay explained. “And I think that me joining this team has proved that that's not the case for everyone, and it's based on the individual.”

That value isn’t just mechanical. Even though Babybay acknowledges that he isn’t at Leaf’s level—calling him “one of the best players in the game”—he knows he still brings important elements to G2, especially when it comes to mindset, presence, and team discipline.

“I’m going to try to help these guys out as much as I can while I’m here,” he said. “That’s the goal. There are certain things I can bring to them—not necessarily the same skill Leaf brings, but stuff like overall vibe and mentality. A lot of the stuff they have [down], but it's just keeping them honest to it, and disciplined.”

Future plans?

As for his plans after Leaf returns to the lineup, Babybay says that he is not opposed to being part of the broadcast team at all. So, his goal is to be at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions, either as part of G2's roster or part of the broadcast. Of course, he has shown that he is a valuable asset on both sides of the game, whether he is frying on the server or entertaining and educating fans as a commentator and analyst.

Whether this stint with G2 turns into something longer-term or not, Babybay is using this opportunity to prove something—to himself, to the orgs that passed on him, and to the community that has become so quick to set aside older players.

He’s showing that age isn’t the end in esports—and that experience still has a place in the server. If you want more VCT interviews and coverage, stay tuned with THESPIKE.GG.