JBa: “Throughout my entire career, I want to bring North America back to the top.”
Rifler M80 player Jaden “JBa” Baxter, in an interview at BLAST Open Porto 2026, discussed the upcoming match against FURIA, talked about working on his consistency, and shared his career plans.
On preparing for the tournament
We didn’t perform our best at the tournament in Paris, but afterward we talked a lot—we had a long discussion about exactly how we organize everything, about the team, and about the atmosphere. I’d say we’re feeling pretty good right now.
On the difference between Natus Vincere and FURIA
They have two different styles. Natus Vincere is a very structured team, while FURIA isn’t quite as structured. And I’d say that, from a team perspective, FURIA is in a better position right now.
On his consistency
I’m just trying a lot of new things. Throughout my career, I’ve always struggled with consistency. And that’s probably the most frustrating thing to try to fix. I know I can be a consistent player, and I know how well I can play. I’m just trying to improve things outside of the game. Right now, I’m trying out different daily routines and positive self-talk to build my confidence, and I’m just trying to enjoy the game.
On Playing Late in the Day
It can be exhausting, but I think the key is my energy drinks. So if a match is late, I drink about two energy drinks throughout the day, just to stay awake, and then everything’s fine.
On career plans
I think, in terms of my legacy, I want to stay in North America and play for a good North American team. Throughout my career, I want to bring North America back to the top. I don’t want to move to Europe and do that there. I just want to bring North America back to the top.
Earlier, M80 lost to FURIA 0–2 in maps during the group stage of BLAST Open Porto 2026. Right now, Jaden “JBa” Baxter’s team is battling Aurora Gaming for the right to stay in the tournament.
Photo by Luc Bouchon, ESL.
