G2 Esports star Nathan “leaf” Orf has shared an update with fans after being sidelined for much of VCT 2025 Stage 2 due to serious health issues. The 21-year-old revealed that he was recently discharged from hospital following the most severe Crohn’s Disease symptoms he’s experienced since being diagnosed as a child.
oh also funnily enough it first started after Toronto with complications with my ankylosing spondylitis and sarcolitis and then my crohns started flaring too, eventful two months icl
— Nathan (@leaf_cs) August 23, 2025
Leaf took to social media to explain that he had been in and out of hospital for around two weeks, battling extreme pain, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.
On top of Crohn’s, Leaf also mentioned that the problems first began after Masters Toronto, when he developed complications linked to ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis. “Eventful two months,” he added, calling it a rough patch both physically and mentally.
Grateful to the Community
Despite his health struggles, Leaf made sure to thank fans and teammates for the outpouring of support he’s received during his time away. He admitted his communication had been inconsistent while he was unwell, but said he had seen all the messages of encouragement sent through Twitter and Discord.
He also gave a big shout-out to his G2 teammates and Michael “babybay” Gulino, who stepped in as a stand-in throughout Stage 2, signalling his faith in the squad.
Fans too have rallied behind babybay, with some calling for him to be part of the spotlight if G2 go all the way at Champions.
Pls @leaf_cs let babybay finish the playoffs split 2 he deserved that🙏🙏
— Matias Graziani (@M8Shikage) August 23, 2025
G2 Still in Top Form
Leaf’s absence hasn’t slowed G2 down. Since his hospitalisation, the squad has been on a hot streak, bouncing back from an early loss to Sentinels before stringing together six wins in a row to secure a strong spot in the Americas Stage 2 playoffs. Babybay’s performances have been more than solid, averaging a 197.5 ACS and a 1.09 K/D while filling in as a sentinel.
Notable players that Babybay is outperforming (based on VLR rating)
Yay
Asuna
Spike
Mazino
Urango
What once looked like a joke move is looking better and better by the game, congrats to g2 for this pickup and having a system he can thrive in! pic.twitter.com/NPXgVI6PrS— Lionzblade (@LionzbladeYT) August 24, 2025
That said, Leaf’s return could prove massive as G2 push for their “threepeat” in the Americas league and another run at Champions glory. The team came close earlier this year with a second-place finish at Masters Bangkok and a fourth-place finish at Masters Toronto, but it’s the ultimate title that has so far eluded them.
Looking Ahead
Leaf made it clear he’s aiming to get back into stable health and back on the server as soon as possible. “Here’s to being stable for the rest of this year 🤞 and getting the 3-peat and Champs win, see you guys hopefully sooner than later on server,” he told fans.
G2’s next match is set for later this month against Sentinels, and while it’s still unclear if Leaf will be ready in time, his recovery comes as welcome news for fans and teammates alike. Whether he slots back into the roster immediately or waits until Champions, his presence will be a big boost for G2.