Sheep Esports - "I don’t regret anything" — FUT jstn. after Paris Major

"This game has become my entire life"

Despite being eliminated from the RLCS Paris Major 2026, FUT Esports are stepping on the gas as they turn their attention to the Last Chance Qualifier ahead of Worlds 2026. Precision, innovation, and consistency will define the team’s next few months, with Justin “jstn.” Morales playing a central role in their push toward redemption.

Just days after the team’s elimination, the American player joined Sheep Esports and Michelin to discuss their recent results, his personal motivation and growth over the years, as well as the future of the squad ahead of the most anticipated event of the year in Fort Worth, Texas.

What did you think of the Paris Major? What went wrong, and do you still see positives from it?

Justin "jstn." Morales: “We got quite the gauntlet: KC, Vitality, Twisted Minds, and even Wildcard. It was just a very hard event in general. Still, we highkey should have won our matches against KC and VIT.

What happened in my opinion was that we got super nervous in the really intense moments. Our composure really wasn't there. Some problems that were plaguing us online followed us to this event as well. We tried fixing them, but we couldn't do it in time.

Still, we know what the main root of the problem is. And we're going to go back home, review all the tape, because we know we can compete with the best. We're going to fix those issues.

The team has only been together since March, and even though you lacked precision at times during this event, do you still see a lot of positives going into the LCQ after pushing teams like KC and Vitality so close?

jstn.: I see a lot of positives for sure. I mean, coming to this event, we knew that KC and Vitality were some of the biggest teams here. They're very, very good.

Being able to put up a strong performance and keeping it close with teams of that caliber is something to be proud of. We’ll go and review both the games we played well in and the ugly ones so that we can compare them and see areas we can improve.

As you said, it’s a brand-new team; it was the first LAN for CHEESE. (Carlos Aguado) in front of a crowd this insane. I have nothing but hope for this squad. We have the staff, the brains, and all the knowledge we could possibly ask for to keep this train moving forward.

After missing the Boston Major with Gen.G earlier this year, what was it like for you to finally experience the Paris Major crowd, especially as someone who thrives off LAN energy? Did you enjoy it?

jstn.: Saying I enjoyed it would be an understatement. I loved it so much. Obviously, very bummed out that we couldn't play more in front of the crowd. Our match against Twisted Minds was especially tough as they had M0nkey M00n (Evan Rogez) on their side—it’s normal the French crowd was going to cheer him on against us.

Still, I heard from friends that many were cheering for us after we played. It’s definitely cool to have so many people chanting and cheering you on, even though we’re nearly from the other side of the world. I’ve been doing signing sessions for the past two days, and everybody’s been super supportive and loving. It was an amazing experience.

As someone with so much experience in Rocket League, are LAN events like this the thing that gives you the most energy and motivation as a pro player?

jstn.: Yeah, for sure. Just the environment, everyone screaming, cheering you on—it gives you so much dopamine. It makes everything so much more fun.

Given that Rocket League doesn’t really change much mechanically over time, how do you keep innovating your playstyle and reinventing yourself as a player in order to try and stay on top of the game?

jstn.: I wouldn’t say I do anything that’s really special. I’ve just poured in so much time into Rocket League over the years—this game has become my entire life. I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old, and I’m turning 24 this year—it’s insane.

I have to say, I did make some kind of changes to my routine and how I practice recently, though. As much as I don’t want to admit it—since many know I don’t like 2v2s—I’ve started playing 2v2s a little bit more, and I do think it’s been helping me a bit.

There are other things outside the game, such as changes to routine. Sleeping well, having a good diet, and just being hydrated at all times definitely help. But yeah, there are no secrets—I’ve poured in over 20,000 hours into Rocket League over the years too. All that stuff combined helps you get better.

You’ve been playing Rocket League since you were 12, almost half your life now. How much of your growth as a player do you attribute to also maturing as a person alongside the game?

jstn.: Oh man, I was so bad when I was younger. Back in my NRG days, I was... so annoying to work with. Over the years, I think I've accepted a lot of things and came to some realization on what comes with being a professional.

The older I get, the more I've matured through it all, obviously. I still have my moments here and there, but nowhere near as bad as when I was younger—like when I was 15.

With the LCQ coming up and potentially Worlds after that, what do you think will be the key to achieving better performances in the next few months?

jstn.: After our break, we’ll just have to come back in full force and invest our all into improving, fixing mistakes, and reaching consistency. That last point in particular—being consistent throughout the next few months, from the beginning of the LCQ into Worlds, if we make it there. That’s the key to improving.

Worlds is set to be held in Texas — what does that mean for you, and how do you feel about the location?

jstn.: I’m a little bummed out—I’m not the biggest Texas fan. I was hoping we’d be headed to New York, or pretty much just somewhere else than Texas. I’m very happy that the tournament’s in the United States—it’s just a few hours flight and not across the ocean—but I wish it had been in a better spot, even if I’m glad to go wherever. As long as I’m competing there, meeting great people, seeing old friends, I’ll be happy.

Do you have any specific goals for this tournament, or are you more going with the flow and seeing where things lead you?

jstn.: I’m definitely going with the flow. It’s always been this way my whole career. I let things come to me: I grind, and if I do it hard enough, I know I can achieve my goals and be at a high level. I just have fun with it all.

Looking at the last few years of your career, you’ve obviously had huge success in the past but haven’t lifted a trophy in a while—do you have any regrets about that period, or are you satisfied with how things have gone recently?

jstn.: I wouldn’t say satisfied. I’m definitely a bit bummed out, especially since I went from competing at the very top—winning everything—to super low lows. Obviously, we’re on an upward trajectory now, so things are steadily looking up. But the game’s always been hard. Looking at gameplay from back in the days, it looks like I’m watching Diamond lobbies. That level was the peak for players in that era.

The game’s always evolving, and I hope I continue evolving alongside it. I love competing—it’s genuinely my passion. I don’t think I would ever quit this game unless there are some terrible aggravating circumstances that force me to. I don’t regret anything. I’m just super excited with the position I’m in today.

Why is there a dot at the end of your name tag?

jstn.: [Laughs] That's a good question. Honestly? [Pauses] I really don't know. I think randomly when I first got my computer, I was like kind of messing with it. And I liked how the dot just looked better in my opinion. It just looked nicer.

It has a little bit of aura. It's unique. It stands out from everyone else. Everyone just has their name. I just think it looks good.”

"I don’t regret anything" — FUT jstn. after Paris Major