xNova on Xtreme Gaming: “We’ve had our struggles, our ups and downs, but now, I think we’re mentally ready.”
Xtreme Gaming support player Yap “xNova” Jian Wei spoke in an interview at The International 2026 about the team’s performance in China, their preparations, and reflected on the previous tournament in the series held in Hamburg.
On The International 2025
Last year, I came as a substitute, so I basically didn’t feel any pressure before the tournament and enjoyed myself throughout the entire event, right up to the finals. I was most nervous during the first game against Tundra Esports in the playoffs. Yeah, that was probably the only time I felt out of my element, but I adapted quickly.
On The International 2026
Right now, I think I’m trying to recapture that feeling I had last year. It’s been a long season for me, compared to 2025, when I only played in one or two tournaments. So yeah, I hope I can have as much fun as I did in Hamburg.
On Xtreme Gaming
Playing at our home arena—of course, there will be a lot of expectations on us, and there will definitely be pressure, no doubt about it. We’ve had our share of difficulties, ups, and downs over the course of the year, but now, I think we’re mentally prepared.
Earlier, Xtreme Gaming defeated HULIGANI (L1GA TEAM) 2–0 to secure their first win in the group stage of The International 2026. The main tournament of the year is taking place from August 13 to 23 in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
Photo by Sebastian Pandelache, PGL.
