Aurora Gaming took down G2 Esports in a best-of-three series on June 13, improving to a 2-1 record in the Swiss stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. The win is significant on its own merits. But the more interesting storyline sits just off the server.
Aurora isn’t just another Counter-Strike 2 squad grinding through a Major. The organization has quietly built financial infrastructure that bridges esports and crypto, including a partnership with Polymarket and backing from a well-funded crypto platform.
The match and what it means for the Major
This isn’t even the first time Aurora has gotten the better of G2 in 2026. Back on March 9-10, Aurora beat G2 during ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2, qualifying for the LAN Finals in the process. G2 finished that stage at 2-2.
Where crypto enters the picture
