With their new recruit Nikita “Trexx” Cherednichenko, Team Liquid showed a strong performance against KOI in their first match of this VALORANT VCT EMEA Stage 2, winning 2-1 in this BO3. With the first map won by a landslide, Team Liquid had to fight hard right up to the last map, and were able to managed to close it out. TL's new player talks to Sheep Esports about joining the team and his departure from Vitality..

How does it feel to get that first victory under Team Liquid’s banner?

Nikita “Trexx” Cherednichenko: It's good to be back. I'm taking over the competition one game at a time. It didn't go as expected, but we managed to pull through and finish it.

You were looking strong on Bind, then things got a bit hard on Icebox, the game was close. What was the mindset in the team before Lotus started?

Trexx: The mindset was not to overthink because there were a lot of things that didn't go our way, and we just started thinking about it. A lot of us just fully reset and started playing our game.

With a VCT EMEA Kickoff win at Vitality, and now joining Team Liquid. How are you feeling about this new chapter?

Trexx: It’s good to get second chance because I felt like I was benched for no reason. Now, I'm here to prove that I can play.

How did you feel when you found out you'd been benched?

Trexx: I was definitely surprised. Now, I don't care anymore. It happened. I took a break for two or three months. I was fully refreshed. Now I'm here, and it's feeling good.

How did the opportunity to join Liquid come about?

Trexx: During the break, I had some offers from different teams, but I didn't really consider them because I was waiting for Liquid in particular. I was waiting for them to finish Masters Toronto. And then I got interest from them. It was fast and easy for them.

If you had to rank the team, where would you place TL in the VCT EMEA rankings?

Trexx: We only started playing, so I can't rank us, because it's also not good for karma. We're gonna get there anyway.

How would you describe the practice and team environment with your new roster?

Trexx: I like the boys and the environment of the team. This is the first team where I’ve actually had fun both in and out of the game. The transition went well and now we just need to understand the value of each player, and they need to understand the value I bring to the team, and combine it. I think it's gonna be a great season.

Looking forward, what are your goals for Stage 2?

Trexx: Obviously, we want to qualify for the Champions. I've been to playoffs already, and now my personal goal would be at least top 4. We were top 4 before I came, but in Champions, it's more like prestige. So, at least, I want to go top 4.

Do you have any tips for upcoming young players trying to break into the VCT scene?

Trexx: I would recommend learning agents because many people just use Jett and Reyna. They don't really care about the game or understand it. If you learn agents and master them, people will actually take notice of you.