Following Team Heretics' elimination against
Paper Rex at the
VALORANT Champions Paris, coach Neil
"Neilzinho" Finlay spoke about the series, highlighting errors made under pressure and the team's development since last year's disappointment in Champions Final, to their victory in this season at Esport World Cup.
What was missing to take the win over Paper Rex today? In what areas were Team Heretics unable to be present and bounce back?
Neil "Neilzinho" Finlay: "Under pressure we have a bad habit of shutting down: team play loosens, and some players try to win it alone. It wasn’t entirely that today, but in key moments we didn’t wait for each other, didn’t swing together, miscommunicated, wide-swung and died, against Paper Rex you get traded instantly. On the first two maps we limited those errors, which kept it close.
You won an international title at EWC this year, but last year you fell just short in two major finals. How have those contrasting experiences shaped the team’s resilience?
Neilzinho: Our resilience has been really strong, Esport World Cup looked like the same story, another final, down 0–2, playing poorly, but we rallied and won. I’m less disappointed leaving Champions now than last year’s final, which was razor-thin. It hasn’t been an extraordinary year, but lifting an international trophy matters; with a rookie lineup that’s not easy. Getting back to finals again was satisfying. I’m proud we secured one.
In Stage 2 you reached the EMEA Playoffs but had an early exit. How did that setback shape your preparation for Champions?
Neilzinho: We were unbeaten and maybe too confident. Going out early gave us more time. That’s why we looked sharp versus G2 Esports and T1. Strong prep, fixed our map pool, added alternative comps we could swap mid-tournament. We prepared for a long run, small mistakes let us down in the end.
Over the past years, what has Team Heretics improved the most?
Neilzinnho: Mentality across the board. For Example: in an EMEA match MiniBoo (Dominykas Lukaševičius) made a bad Icebox mistake that last year would’ve crushed him, instead he turned it around and carried. At EWC we were down 0–2 and didn’t let it break us. We’ve had steep dips but kept climbing back.
Have you seen growth in strategic development, communication, or something else within the squad?
Neilzinnho: Last year our identity was strong with wo0t (Mert Alkan) as a support-flex (KAY/O, Breach, Viper). This year double-duelist came in and wo0t is incredible on duelist, but we also have MiniBoo there, so we faced an identity balance, he played a lot of Yoru. We handled double duelist well, but our identity used to rely on set plays and clever utility; the current meta limits creativity and leans on individuals, which didn’t fully suit us.
Photo by Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
You emphasize team culture and mental toughness. What do you do daily to build that mindset?
Neilzinnho: It’s cultural in the office, lots of jokes. With the players together six days a week, it must be fun. A positive, enjoyable environment helps consistency. We also keep an open space for anyone struggling; they’re young and far from home, and we’re there for them.
After the highs of a win and the lows of a loss, how do you handle emotions and keep the team focused?
Neilzinnho: It depends. With the season over, we’ll debrief and talk tonight. I stress positives rather than piling on when they’re low. We give time to process, then share openly, don’t bottle things up. With a one-day turnaround we move fast; with a week, we give a night to sleep on it and avoid emotional reactions. It works well for us.
Aside from EWC, what’s been the most memorable moment this season as a coach?
Neilzinnho: Our repeated bounce-backs. From tough losses or missed trophies, to return stronger. Honestly, working with them daily has been the highlight. Two years ago they were rookies; now some are among the best in the world. It’s a privilege to coach them.
What lessons did you gain as an FPX analyst, and how do they benefit you now at Heretics?
Neilzinnho: I’d been head coach at G2 Esports, the analyst stint was me helping because I had time. As a former
Counter Strike IGL I brought solid game knowledge to
VALORANT. I enjoy anti-stratting and it’s a team strength. It taught me I wouldn’t want that full-time, it’s extremely hard work with tight turnarounds, so I have a lot of respect for those who do it."
Header Credit Photo: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
