Although GIANTX lost 2–0 to Team Liquid, their new recruit Adam
“Jesse” Čtvrtníček spoke to
Sheep Esports in a post-match interview. He reflected on his rapid transition to the team, how he adapted to a new system in just a few days, and the differences he has already noticed between Tier 2 and the highest level of
VALORANT. He also discussed his long-term ambitions, explaining why participating in the
VCT EMEA has only strengthened his motivation to remain at the highest level.
How are you feeling after today’s game against Team Liquid?
Adam “Jesse” Čtvrtníček: “It doesn't feel great. Obviously, I think we went into the game thinking that we had a solid chance of actually winning. Things have been going well, but today we didn't show up. I think on both defenses we couldn't perform the way we wanted to. It happens, you know. But I still feel pretty good, even though we lost. We can win the next one, and we'll prepare for playoffs.
You joined GIANTX very suddenly after the team's visa issues. Can you walk us through how you found out about the opportunity and what your first reaction was when you realized you would suddenly be playing in VCT Tier 1?
Jesse: I was really surprised. We had already finished our season, and basically a couple of moments later I got told that there was a chance I might get to play one or two games, or maybe even the whole season; I didn't know. Then I was just waiting while still playing. I think on Monday I found out that I actually needed to play. On Tuesday I traveled, and on Wednesday I had my first official. Obviously, I'm really happy that I'm here and get to play, but everything happened really, really suddenly, so I'm still trying to catch up.
From not expecting to play in VCT to suddenly competing in Tier 1, that's a huge change. How have you handled that transition mentally?
Jesse: I haven't really thought about it like that. I just saw it as an opportunity and decided I'd try my best and get the most out of it. I wasn't thinking, "I need to prove myself" or "I have to do this." I'll just try my best, grind as much as I can, and adapt as well as possible. Then we'll see how far we can go as a team. I don't really feel any pressure. It's a great opportunity that I didn't expect, so I'm just enjoying it.
Speaking of adapting, what has been the biggest challenge so far, both inside and outside the server?
Jesse: Outside the server, not much honestly. Everyone has been great and super friendly, so it's been really easy to talk with the guys. Everything has been completely fine. Inside the server, there are a couple of maps I hadn't practiced before and some roles I hadn't really played, so some things are quite new to me. The way we play is also a little bit different, so I just need more time to get used to everything. But overall I think it's been going well. I'm adapting, and now we just need to show up in our next official.
How have your teammates and the coaching staff helped you settle into the roster so quickly? Watching you play, it almost feels like you've been on the team for much longer.
Jesse: It's been great. Everyone explains exactly what they expect from me and what I should be doing. Sometimes I forget things because we're playing six or seven different maps, so I just ask questions. We repeat everything over and over again during scrims, and now it's become quite clear to me. Obviously, I still have a lot to improve on, but everyone has been super helpful.
Jesse before the match against Team Liquid. Credit: Michał Konkol/Riot Games
Joining an established team is never easy. How do you balance adapting to GIANTX's system while still bringing your own playstyle?
Jesse: I mainly just try to adapt to them. I do what's asked of me. I don't necessarily try to force my own style because I don't think that's the right approach. I've always been the type of player who fits into a team's system. I like playing the way the team expects me to play. I don't like straying away or doing things differently just because that's how I used to play. I try to be a system player, basically.
Do you feel you're already showing your true level, or is there still a lot more you want to bring once you're fully comfortable with the team?
Jesse: I feel comfortable within the team, but individually I've been slumping over the last two months or so. Right now I'm just trying to improve my individual level again, and hopefully I can show what I've already shown at different points this year in Challengers Spain. Hopefully I can show that level on stage as well. I don't think it'll be an issue; it's just a matter of time.
Because everything happened so quickly, was there ever a moment when you felt overwhelmed, or have you mostly just enjoyed the opportunity?
Jesse: I think only the first day was a little overwhelming because there was so much new information. But after that first day, once I got introduced to everything, I had more time to get used to it. Since then I've just been enjoying the ride and seeing where it goes. I'm happy my season didn't end two weeks ago and that I still get to keep playing.
Now that you've made your Tier 1 debut, has playing in VCT changed the way you look at your future as a professional player?
Jesse: Definitely. I've really been enjoying it. I've been playing online for the past five years, so it was starting to get a little boring. Playing here has given me a lot of motivation to work even harder and hopefully stay at this level or come back if I have to. I'm really motivated to keep competing here. It's been an amazing experience compared to Tier 2.
Over the next few weeks, what are you personally focusing on the most to continue improving alongside this roster?
Jesse: I think I still need to focus on my individual skills but also on more specific things like positioning and playing better around my teammates. There are a lot of small details that we work on during scrims, and those are the things I really want to improve.”
