Francis "
OXY" Hoang provides an honest account of his performance following Cloud9 victory against Leviatán in the
VALORANT VCT Americas Stage 2 playoffs, acknowledging a challenging start before explaining how winning the pistol round and preparing for subsequent rounds helped secure the comeback on
Corrode.
He reflects on how his game and mindset have evolved from his early days, through his first professional big team with
G2 Esports, to his ongoing work with coach Ian
"Immi" Harding. He also explains why team energy and a baseline of confidence help him to bounce back mid-series.
How do you feel about your performance and the team’s performance in tonight’s match against Leviatan?
Francis "OXY" Hoang: "It was a slow start for me. I got off on a bumpy road. I think I was 2–12 in the first half. Honestly, I didn’t feel as good today as I have over the last couple of weeks. I played pretty poorly today, and I think I’ll be better tomorrow.
You were trailing 8–4 at halftime on Corrode and made a huge comeback. What were the instructions before switching to defense, and in your opinion, what made the comeback possible?
OXY: We were very confident on that map, and we knew we were slow starters. All we felt we needed was the pistol. Once we won pistol, every round afterward was fairly straightforward. We hadn’t really shown the map yet, we had a lot of set rounds and things to fall back on, and we did fall back on them and won the map. It was pretty good.
How do you think you’ve grown or changed since you first started playing VALORANT professionally?
OXY: I’ve changed a lot personality-wise and in other ways, but my goal has always been the same. The highest goal is to win Champions or Masters, just win an event, and be known as the best Duelist in the world, undefeated at some point. But the first step now is qualifying, obviously, so we have to win these playoff games, and we did.
From your early days in VALORANT to now playing for Cloud9, what were some of the key moments or challenges that shaped you into the player you are today?
OXY: The biggest change would be the first year with C9. Joining G2 Esports was another big change; it was the first time I played on a true pro team, a big organization. That’s where I met my first coach, Immi (Ian Harding), who’s still my coach now. He basically taught me the game, bar for bar, everything I know. The biggest challenge was moving on from just playing with friends. I started that way, then I played tournaments and did really well, but teams were looking without really biting. They didn’t fully believe yet. Then Immi took me under his wing, and that’s how I’m here now.
How do you manage to perform at the highest level game after game, even when the pressure is on in big matches like this?
OXY: For me, it starts with a baseline of confidence and being with my team, how everyone’s acting, the energy in scrims and on stage. Bring the hype, bring the energy. I remember I was 2–12 at the half, on pistol, neT (Michael Bernet) was like, “It’s okay, OXY, you’re good.” I was smiling the whole time, thinking, “It’s okay, I’ve got it, we’re good.” I won the pistol, I remember I back-shot two people and got four kills. I was like, “Yeah, I’m back.” The reason I can come back in those matches is that I stay happy and locked in. It’s not like I’m losing confidence, so I think that’s why.
You’re still one of the best aimers in the world in VALORANT. Do you have any routines or habits before a game that help you perform consistently well?
OXY: I always play Team Deathmatch and deathmatch before matches, just a couple. I’ve been doing a lot of KovaaK (Aim Trainer) and tons of aim training. If you go to my stream — shout-out to the viewers — I have the playlists up there if you want to try them yourselves. It’s helped me stay consistent and maintain what people consider good aim.
Photo by Tina Jo/Riot Games
How does that reputation feel, and does it change anything about how you prepare or play? Do you train more to keep that status?
OXY: It makes me happy that people even think of me that way, put me in that role. I could be good, I could be bad, I just play the game. But I’ll always have the competitive drive. I’ll keep aim-training no matter what. I literally play almost 24/7 from when I wake up until I sleep. I’ll probably go home after this and DM and play for our match tomorrow. It doesn’t matter to me, I’m happy to do it. I enjoy it, that’s who I want to be. This is my career, and I want to do that.
You’ve been competing in VALORANT for a few years now. What do you think has been the key to success and longevity in this scene?
OXY: The key is being coachable. Some people can talk to a genuine person. If you aren’t coachable, if you can’t learn from your mistakes and be better than you were before, you won’t last. From my first year, I’d say I’ve changed a lot as a person. I’m not as shouty or hyper, but I’m calmer and still have those moments. It’s a combination of what I’ve learned over the years, and, yeah, it’s been pretty good.
How do you stay motivated and avoid burnout year after year? What keeps you passionate and at the top of your game as time goes on?
OXY: It’s still the same competitive drive because I believe we have the chance, the ability to win. Watching certain videos keeps the fire burning. The 2023 Champions VALORANT video, the Evil Geniuses one, gets me every time. I play that video a lot, and I’m like, “Damn, I want that to be me one day,” holding the trophy, having that year of dominance and comeback and everything. But we’ve got to get there.
You always seem energetic and positive, even in high-pressure situations. Does that relaxed attitude help you play well? How do you manage to stay calm and energetic when the stakes are high?
OXY: It’s a combination of experience, teammates, and the foundation we’ve built along the way. I’ve learned to be calm in those moments while also lifting my teammates. We’re bouncing off each other. With neT, for example, he’ll say, “You’re good, OXY, you’re the best player in the game” and I’m like, “All right, let’s go,” even if I’m 2–12 at the half. It also comes from family background. I’ve seen some dark moments, but I’ve always strived. I think choosing to be happy is simple and powerful; it keeps everyone around you positive. It affects your whole aura and makes everyone excited to play. That’s what I try to bring. It doesn’t matter what it is in life, school, whatever, try to be happy.
What advice would you give to a VCL player who aspires to move up to VCT as a Duelist? Which aspects of their game should they focus on first?
OXY: If you’re already in Challengers, you’re on the right path. Keep grinding, play ranked, play Pro City, whatever it is. Don’t fall off, don’t start playing other games, and lose the passion in some other direction. Do whatever works for you, KovaaK or otherwise, but stay on top of your game. Keep playing ranked, keep competing. There are times I want to play something else, but I’ve learned to pull myself back, keep playing, and stay sharp. You’ll be fine."
Header Photo Credit: Tina Jo/Riot Games
