Sports psychologist Lars Robl has criticized the new generation of esports players
Lars Robl, former sports psychologist for Astralis, Team Vitality, and Team Falcons, spoke on the Reflections podcast about the new generation of Counter-Strike 2 players and their attitudes toward sleep, nutrition, and recovery.
On the new generation of players
I think you’re touching on a very interesting topic that I encountered at Falcons. We’re seeing a new generation of players emerge now. I hadn’t noticed this before. I’m talking about m0NESY and kyousuke—at least those who were with the Falcons when I was working there. The key point is that they had role models. They grew up watching people like that. They saw and internalized that they could radically change their lives by building a career through hard work and the drive to realize their dream—to become professionals at the highest level. They became so good thanks to constant training and countless hours of gameplay. They knew they had to spend a lot of time at the computer, and they were allowed to do so to one degree or another because their parents or others saw that they had career prospects. That’s why they were allowed to sit at the computer for hours on end.
On the Challenges Facing the New Generation
It’s hard to explain to this generation: “If you change your routine a little—sleep a bit more, eat better, or focus more on recovery—you’ll become even better.” But why should they become better? They’re already here, already among the best; they’re just sitting there and enjoying the game. Why should they do something they don’t actually like and don’t see the point in? I think this is exactly the problem we’re facing right now.
Lars Robl worked as a sports psychologist for Team Falcons from November 2023 to February 2026. Previously, he held a similar position at Astralis and Team Vitality.
Photo: Lars Robl.
