JBOEN: Major spot eases pressure, but FaZe still seek win

FaZe will return to tier-one competition at IEM Beijing after making limited appearances during the Fall season. The team played at the Esports World Cup and FISSURE Playground 3 before securing its Major place through recent results.

“Qualifying for the Major, of course, gives us more peace in our heads,” Jason “JBOEN” Boe Nielsen told reporters in Beijing. “So I’m a bit more chill, but I still came here to win the tournament, of course. That’s what we try to do all the time when we play tournaments.”

FaZe will open its IEM Beijing campaign against FURIA, who recently won PGL Masters Bucharest. JBOEN does not expect that result to change FaZe’s preparation.

“It’s just another team in the same game,” he said. “We will do our job and try to beat them.”

The Danish AWPer described the team’s atmosphere as improved after a difficult period following the Esports World Cup. He said the players spent time together and enjoyed each other’s company outside the game, but mistakes during matches often caused frustration and led players to withdraw into their own thoughts.

JBOEN and Neityu have worked to improve the mood, while Russ has taken a leading role in helping the team enjoy its matches. “I definitely feel like it’s getting better and better with the mood,” JBOEN said.

FaZe has also worked to reduce overthinking during matches. JBOEN said the team sometimes focuses so heavily on making the smartest decision that it stops playing naturally. The players now discuss positive parts of their performances instead of focusing mainly on mistakes.

JBOEN credited captain Russ with giving him the freedom to perform as an AWPer. Regular practice with FaZe’s more experienced players and coaching staff has helped improve his individual level.

“I just think that I’m getting better and better, and improving a lot,” he said. “We have so much focus on me learning from the more experienced guys on the team.”

The Danish player joined FaZe on loan and has continued developing within the team’s tier-one structure. He described the adjustment as a demanding process that required long hours on and off the server. His future with the organization remains undecided.

“I have no update,” JBOEN said when asked whether his loan could become permanent.

FaZe enters IEM Beijing after finishing third at Tesla Cup. The team won two recent tier-two events while seeking the points needed for the Major. JBOEN said FaZe does not face the same requirement to win in Beijing, though the stronger field will give the roster a chance to compete against leading teams.

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